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Tag: GFA

  • Black Stars coach accommodation: GFA nearly crippled Alisa Hotel with debt – George Afriyie

    Black Stars coach accommodation: GFA nearly crippled Alisa Hotel with debt – George Afriyie

    Debates about the newly appointed Black Stars head coach’s accommodation issue remain persistent following the Ghana Football Association (GFA)’s announcement that the 73-year-old tactician will be hosted in a hotel during his stay in Ghana.

    Given the recent economic pressures and the starin on government coffers, many have criticised the move with some calling it ‘unwise and unnecessary’ move when a formal residence was earlier designated for coaches.

    Adding to the voices of concern is former Vice President of GFA, George Afriyie. The former GFA presidential aspirant revealed that, under the leadership of former GFA president, Kwasi Nyantakyi, it nearly caused the collapse of Alisa Hotel due to the huge debts it owed the hotel from accommodating Black Stars coaches.

    “In the Kwesi Nyantakyi era, we were crippling the government with Black Stars coach accommodation expenses. To the extent that the GFA almost collapsed Alisa Hotel with debts from the Black Stars coach living at the hotel,” he stated while speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem on Monday, April 27.

    The coach’s stay in a hotel was announced by the football governing authority’s Senior Manager, Communications, Sheikh Tophic Sienu, speaking during an appearance on Asempa FM’s Sports Nite on Monday, April 20, explained that the former 5-bedroom house located at the Airport residential which was handed over by the Sports Ministry in 2018 has now been converted into an office space hence while a decision is yet to be taken in relation to a permanent residence for Ghana Black Stars coaches, the Portugese tactician will be accommodate ina hotel.

    “The official house allocated for the Black Stars coach has been converted into office space. The decision will be taken in relation to that, but for his first time coming to Ghana, he will be accommodated in a hotel.”

    Initially, the residence was handed over by the Sports Ministry to reduce government spending on accommodation for national team coaches. According to reports, the original residence for national team coaches has been converted into a technical hub for the GFA.

    Responding to concerns about the high cost of the coach’s hotel stay, Sheikh Sienu defended the decision to convert the residence into an office complex, saying it would support efforts to strengthen football administration in Ghana.

    “We have had coaches who have Ghanaian lineages, who were already having accommodation in Ghana, so the building wasn’t in much use, but we needed to make proper use of the apartment. So we converted the spaces not in use for the Technical Hub. In a positive sphere, it was done because we wanted to help develop Ghana’s football and make it better, ” he said.

    Queiroz remarks after unveiling

    73-year-old tactician and newly appointed Black Stars head coach, Carlos Queiroz, described his new role as his biggest challenge aside from the eight national teams he has worked with; however, he is “ready to deliver”.

    “It is an honour and a privilege to be here today,” Queiroz said at the unveiling. Since I arrived, I have started to feel it. This is the soul of the Black Stars. The soul of the Black Stars is huge, and that means our dreams and expectations are huge.

    “After eight national teams and important competitions, this is the biggest challenge of my life, and I am ready for that. I can promise and guarantee that I will bring 40 years of my experience [to the job],” he said.

    He made these remarks during his unveiling today at the Alisa hotel during a press conference.

    With barely 50 days until the global tournament begins, the former Iran coach is tasked with stabilising the team after four successive defeats.

    His appointment comes after the dismissal of Otto Addo on Monday, March 30, following Ghana’s poor performance in the international friendlies against Austria and Germany.

    His first assignment, as a stop-gap appointment following his arrival in Ghana, will be to oversee the upcoming international friendly against Mexico. Preparations will then continue with a final test against Wales on June 2 as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Ghana, preparing for their fifth appearance at the World Cup, have been drawn in Group L. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.

    After successive group-stage exits in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, Queiroz faces the challenge of restoring belief and guiding the team to a more competitive show on football’s biggest stage.

  • Black Stars coach to stay in hotel after residence converted to office space – GFA

    Black Stars coach to stay in hotel after residence converted to office space – GFA

    The newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz will lodge in a hotel when he arrives in Ghana, the Ghana Football Association has confirmed.

    Speaking during an appearance on Asempa FM’s Sports Nite on Monday, April 20, the football governing authority’s Senior Manager, Communications, Sheikh Tophic Sienu, explained that the former 5-bedroom house located at the Airport residential which was handed over by the Sports Ministry in 2018 has now been converted into an office space hence while a decision is yet to be taken in relation to a permanent residence for Ghana Black Stars coaches, the Portugese tactician will be accommodate ina hotel.

    “The official house allocated for the Black Stars coach has been converted into office space. The decision will be taken in relation to that, but for his first time coming to Ghana, he will be accommodated in a hotel.”

    Initially, the residence was handed over by the Sports Ministry to reduce government spending on accommodation for national team coaches. According to reports, the original residence for national team coaches has been converted into a technical hub for the GFA.

    Responding to concerns about the high cost of the coach’s hotel stay, Sheikh Sienu defended the decision to convert the residence into an office complex, saying it would support efforts to strengthen football administration in Ghana.

    “We have had coaches who have Ghanaian lineages, who were already having accommodation in Ghana, so the building wasn’t in much use, but we needed to make proper use of the apartment. So we converted the spaces not in use for the Technical Hub. In a positive sphere, it was done because we wanted to help develop Ghana’s football and make it better, ” he said.

    Meanwhile, Ghana Black Stars’ newly appointed coach, Carlos Queiroz, is set to be unveiled this Thursday, April 23, the Ghana Football Association has announced.

    This was announced by the local football governing body in a formal statement on Tuesday, 21, revealing that the Portuguese national will address the media at 1:00 pm at the Alisa Hotel, where he is expected to outline his vision, technical philosophy, and immediate plans for the national team as well as his plan for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June and July across Canada, Mexico and United States.

    His appointment comes after the dismissal of Otto Addo on Monday, March 30, following Ghana’s poor performance in the international friendlies against Austria and Germany.

    His first assignment, as a stop-gap appointment following his arrival in Ghana, will be to oversee the upcoming international friendly against Mexico. Preparations will then continue with a final test against Wales on June 2 as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Ghana, preparing for their fifth appearance at the World Cup, have been drawn in Group L. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.

    After successive group-stage exits in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, Queiroz faces the challenge of restoring belief and guiding the team to a more competitive show on football’s biggest stage.

    Carlos Queiroz to arrive with a 5-member technical team

    The coach is expected to arrive with five members of his technical team as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. To make room for the new technical team, the technical advisor and director of football, Winfried Schäfer, has reportedly been relieved of his duties, and assistant coach John Paintsil.

    Also, several other existing staff members who served in roles during Otto Addo’s tenure have been dismissed to accommodate the new team of Queiroz’s new team.

    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will not sponsor the travel of supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to prevent unnecessary pressure on the already strained public purse.

    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will not sponsor the travel of supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to prevent unnecessary pressure on the already strained public purse.

    Speaking at the Ghana World Cup fundraising campaign on Friday, March 20, at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, the President noted that the decision has been informed by recommendations from the Dzamefe Report, which advised the government to discontinue sponsoring fans to such tournamnets using taxpayers’ money.

    “In consonance with the Dzamefe Report, the government has no plans to allocate public funds to fly supporters to the World Cup,” he said.

    It was an investigative report prepared by the Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Justice Senyo Dzamefe, set up in July 2014 by President John Mahama. Its purpose was to examine the scandals that unfolded during the tournament and recommend reforms for Ghana’s football administration.

    The President explained that not even a handful of supporters can be sponsored, citing that flying and accommodating just 200 supporters could cost close to $2 million, which would heavily impact the government’s purse.

    “The logistical support required to fly and accommodate even just 200 supporters is staggering,” he added, while acknowledging the importance of boosting the Black Stars’ morale during the tournament. However, he said the government must prioritise the prudent use of public resources.

    “We all want to see our fans in the stands, but we must be responsible in how we use public resources,” he added, stressing the need to channel funds into critical areas such as job creation.

    The decision means that supporters who wish to travel to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will have to rely on private funding, sponsorships, or other fundraising efforts.

  • Black Stars fundraiser: Thursdays set aside for World Cup pledges

    Black Stars fundraiser: Thursdays set aside for World Cup pledges

    The government has announced that every Thursday is designated as a day for receiving pledges and informing the public about the fundraising drive to sponsor the Ghana Black Stars for the 2026 World Cup.

    “Every Thursday, we will meet here to receive contributions, allowing those who are yet to fulfil their pledges to do so,” Mr Ampem said.  

    Speaking at a brief ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance in Accra to acknowledge the contributions made toward Ghana’s official 2026 World Cup Fundraising Account and encourage more support from other bodies, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem highlighted that the move forms part of the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the fundraising drive.

    Mr Thomas Nyarko Ampem indicated that all contributions were paid into the official 2026 World Cup Fundraising Account at the Bank of Ghana.   

    KGL Group contributed GHC5 million, representing half of its GHC10 million pledge.   Serene Insurance donated GHC2 million in cash and provided a GHC20 million insurance package.  

    Icon Energy and Jewel Energy each gave GHC1 million, while Erata Motors donated GHC200,000 and PayAngel contributed GHC100,000. Alex Okyere of KAF Company Limited made a personal donation of GHC240,000.  

    “We are grateful to all of you for your love for the Black Stars. Even though the first two friendly matches did not go well, we remain optimistic that the team will make us proud at the World Cup,” he said.  

    The fundraising initiative, launched in March 2026 by President John Dramani Mahama, seeks to raise $30 million for the tournament.  

    He urged corporate bodies and individuals to support the initiative.

    “We urge corporate bodies and individuals to support the initiative,” he added.

    An amount of  $10m was raised at the launch of Black Stars’ fundraising campaign organised on Monday, March 23, ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

    This information was disclosed by the Deputy Finance Minister and Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, Thomas Nyarko Ampem.

    “The fundraising target is $30 million, and if you listen to the pledges and donations, on day one of the launch, we got about $10 million. We are going to put together other events, and we believe that the contributions that are coming in from the short code as well,” he said.

    The launch event was attended by high-profile individuals, including President John Dramani Mahama, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku.

    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will not sponsor the travel of supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to prevent unnecessary pressure on the already strained public purse.

    Speaking at the Ghana World Cup fundraising campaign on Friday, March 20, at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, the President noted that the decision has been informed by recommendations from the Dzamefe Report, which advised the government to discontinue sponsoring fans to such tournamnets using taxpayers’ money.

    “In consonance with the Dzamefe Report, the government has no plans to allocate public funds to fly supporters to the World Cup,” he said.

    It was an investigative report prepared by the Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Justice Senyo Dzamefe, set up in July 2014 by President John Mahama. Its purpose was to examine the scandals that unfolded during the tournament and recommend reforms for Ghana’s football administration.

    The President explained that not even a handful of supporters can be sponsored, citing that flying and accommodating just 200 supporters could cost close to $2 million, which would heavily impact the government’s purse.

    “The logistical support required to fly and accommodate even just 200 supporters is staggering,” he added, while acknowledging the importance of boosting the Black Stars’ morale during the tournament. However, he said the government must prioritise the prudent use of public resources.

    “We all want to see our fans in the stands, but we must be responsible in how we use public resources,” he added, stressing the need to channel funds into critical areas such as job creation.

    The decision means that supporters who wish to travel to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will have to rely on private funding, sponsorships, or other fundraising efforts.

  • 2026 World Cup warm-up: Ghana–Austria friendly comes off today

    2026 World Cup warm-up: Ghana–Austria friendly comes off today

    Ghana Black Stars’ friendlies with Austria are scheduled for today at the Ernest Happel Stadium in Vienna on Friday, March 27.

    The game is set for 17:00 GMT, as part of preparations or warm-up for both teams to fine-tune their tactics as they await the main tournament, the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June.

    For Ghana, the match will serve as a test of tactical effectiveness and an opportunity to assess the impact of debutants, as they look to justify their inclusion in the squad. Fans are expecting a contrast in styles, with Austria known for its disciplined, structured approach, particularly in midfield control, while Ghana’s strength lies in pace, flair, and quick counterattacking transitions.

    For the Black Stars, the fixture presents an opportunity to test their attacking options against a well-organised European side and to sharpen defensive coordination against a team that thrives on possession and tactical discipline.

    Austria, on the other hand, will look to assert dominance in midfield and dictate the tempo of the game, aiming to contain Ghana’s explosive forward play.

    Otto Addo names squad for Austria, Germany friendlies

    On March 16, Otto Addo released the squad list for the upcoming friendlies against Austria and Germany this month, ramping up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    The matches, set for Vienna on March 27 and Stuttgart on March 30, blend familiar faces from qualifiers with fresh talent to sharpen the team’s edge.

    Addo handed debut call-ups to four promising players: defender Patrick Pfeiffer (SV Darmstadt), Derrick Luckassen (Pafos FC), wing-back Marvin Senaya (Auxerre), and forward Daniel Agyei (Kocalispor).

    These inclusions signal Addo’s intent to build depth ahead of the global showpiece, injecting competition into key positions.

    In goal, Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St. Gallen) leads alongside Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak) and Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic).

    The defense features a robust mix, including Derrick Kohn (Union Berlin), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjaelland), Kojo Oppong Pepprah (OGC Nice), Jonas Adjetey (VFL Wolfsburg), Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow), and Gideon Mensah (Auxerre).

    Midfield anchors Thomas Partey (Villarreal) with Elisha Owusu (Auxerre), Ibrahim Sulemana (Cagliari), and Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo), providing steel and creativity.

    Up top, the attack bristles with firepower: Brandon Thomas Asante (Coventry City), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City), Prince Adu (Viktoria Plzen), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), and Kamal Deen Sulemana (Atalanta).

    How Black Stars qualified for the World Cup despite inconsistencies

    Many Ghanaians gave up on the Black Stars due to their continuous dip in form and disappointing displays.

    The teams’ decline in form became noticeable after the mid‑2010s, particularly following their runner‑up finish at AFCON 2015. Following this, the team kept losing its grip on its fans with the major blow being their failure to qualify for AFCON 2025, marking the lowest point in decades.

    However, their qualification for the 2026 World Cup awakened fans’ hopes, and the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has indicated that his outfit adopted a strategy to make this happen. Under his term, the Black Stars out of the six matches played secured a win in five and one draw.

    Speaking on the revival strategy, during an interview with Graphic Sports, he noted that the first strategy was to let the players know they were not going to be paid any bonuses, but to reward the broader objective of qualification.

    “We started first by letting them know that we’re not going to pay them winning bonuses as it used to be… we want them to manage the team to make sure that we qualify,” he stated.

    He acknowledged the waning confidence in the Black Stars before they qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

    “There were a lot of people who gave up on Black Stars,” he said. “But through a certain strategic pull-up, we have been able to play six matches, won five and drawn one, and that made it possible for us to qualify, ” he added.

    He attributed the turnaround to a coordinated effort involving key stakeholders, including backing from the Presidency and renewed fan support, with supporters turning up in large numbers at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    Assistant coach on Black Stars’ squad

    The Black Stars’ assistant coach, John Paintsil, is confident Ghana has the ‘men’ to advance to the final stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup slated for June.

    The last time the Black Stars went close to getting to the semi-finals was in 2010 when they reached the semi‑finals of a FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

    16 years down the line, the team’s assistant coach is optimistic that the squad to represent Ghana this year is more experienced now.

    Reflecting on past setbacks, including group-stage exits in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, Paintsil believes the squad is now better prepared to compete in the latter stages of the competition.

    “We have enough experience to be in the semi-finals or final of the 2026 World Cup,” he noted during an interview with 3Sports.

    Meanwhile, Ghana will open its campaign against Panama on June 17, 2026, face England on June 23, and conclude the group stage with a match against Croatia on June 27.

  • Coaching, refereeing in Ghana football doesn’t impress me – Kurt Okraku

    Coaching, refereeing in Ghana football doesn’t impress me – Kurt Okraku

    President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has expressed worry about the “poor” quality of coaching skills in Ghana, which he believes is impeding the growth of football in the country.

    Ghanaian football has long grappled with concerns over declining coaching standards, with stakeholders citing outdated training methods, limited access to advanced coaching education, and inconsistent development pathways as persistent challenges.

    During a speech at the CAF License, A coaching course at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, Mr Okraku mentioned that one challenge his outfit has identified is linked to coaching and refereeing which they consider a priority  that needs urgent reforms.

    He made reference to measures the local football body adopted during the GFA’s 2023 Congress in Kumasi to tackle these impediments to local football growth.

    “These two key areas are refereeing and coaching. I have never, never, never been happy with coaching, and I have not stopped talking about this.

    “When I say coaching standards in Ghana have been poor, I really mean it,” Mr Okraku added.

    The CAF License A programme is part of the GFA’s wider strategy to elevate technical standards in Ghanaian football. It aims to equip coaches with modern training techniques, advanced tactical knowledge, and best practices to enhance player development at every level.

    President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, last year secured a seat on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee (EXCO).

    His tenure will last four years, from 2025 to 2029.

    Okraku was elected unopposed and will now be part of the 24-member committee responsible for overseeing African football.

    His appointment reflects recognition of his leadership at the GFA, where he has prioritized transparency, grassroots football, women’s football, and youth development since taking charge in 2019.

    With Ghana’s strong football tradition, his role on the CAF EXCO is expected to strengthen the country’s influence in shaping football policies across Africa.

    He now joins a distinguished list of Ghanaians who have served on the committee, including Ohene Djan, Kobina Hagan, Nana Fredua Mensah, Samuel Okyere, and Kwesi Nyantakyi.

    Meanwhile, Okraku’s journey in football administration began with his involvement in club football. He was the Executive Chairman of Dreams FC, a club he helped establish and develop.

    His success at the club level paved the way for his election as GFA President, where he has focused on revitalizing domestic football, enhancing youth development, and promoting women’s football.

    Kurt speaks on Ghana Black Stars’ 2023 AFCON

    Ghana Black Starshad a very disappointing run of form during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the Ivory Coast, leading to their early exit at the group stage, marking their second consecutive early exit after also crashing out in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar under the leadership of the then coach, Chris Houghton.

    After playing three games, they won none, securing only two points. About three (3) years down the line, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has revealed that he anticipated the Black Stars’ disappointing performance.

    Speaking during an appearance on Asaase Radio, Okraku admitted: “To be honest, going into that tournament, I was not expecting something different, and I told people close to me that it would not work for us because I knew the team and knew the happenings, and we exited the competition at the group phase.

    “When we came home, there was a need for us to look at what we did, but unfortunately, we started declining as well, and we failed to qualify for the last AFCON.”

    He added that the team’s struggles continued upon returning home, ultimately resulting in Ghana missing qualification for the next AFCON.

    Reflecting on recent successes, Okraku praised the GFA Executive Council for taking decisive action that helped the team secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

    “Ghana spoke after that, and it was very loud, and as a leader, I listened to everybody, and we all agreed that there was a need for a reset and to be honest with ourselves.

    “We needed to know what was fundamentally wrong with us and fix it. After listening to the Executive Council, we made the right decisions, and we qualified for the 2026 World Cup,” he added.

  • I knew Black Stars wouldn’t go far – Kurt Okraku on 2023 AFCON

    I knew Black Stars wouldn’t go far – Kurt Okraku on 2023 AFCON

    Ghana Black Stars had a very disappointing run of form during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the Ivory Coast, leading to their early exit at the group stage, marking their second consecutive early exit after also crashing out in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar under the leadership of the then coach, Chris Houghton.

    After playing three games, they won none, securing only two points. About three (3) years down the line, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has revealed that he anticipated the Black Stars’ disappointing performance.

    Speaking during an appearance on Asaase Radio, Okraku admitted: “To be honest, going into that tournament, I was not expecting something different, and I told people close to me that it would not work for us because I knew the team and knew the happenings, and we exited the competition at the group phase.

    “When we came home, there was a need for us to look at what we did, but unfortunately, we started declining as well, and we failed to qualify for the last AFCON.”

    He added that the team’s struggles continued upon returning home, ultimately resulting in Ghana missing qualification for the next AFCON.

    Reflecting on recent successes, Okraku praised the GFA Executive Council for taking decisive action that helped the team secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

    “Ghana spoke after that, and it was very loud, and as a leader, I listened to everybody, and we all agreed that there was a need for a reset and to be honest with ourselves.

    “We needed to know what was fundamentally wrong with us and fix it. After listening to the Executive Council, we made the right decisions, and we qualified for the 2026 World Cup,” he added.

    Meanwhile, former Black Stars coach Chris Hughton believes he may have provided better results if he had been given more time as head coach in 2023.

    Speaking with TV3’s Owuraku Ampofo in an interview aired on Thursday, November 13, 2025, the Irish-born Ghanaian cited his upbringing in Ireland and the football structure there, which he noted is quite different from that in Africa, particularly Ghana. He also highlighted that managing a club was quite different from managing a national team.

    He believes that having a little more time to adjust would have made his tenure as head coach more effective.

    “And I’ll speak about the Black Stars, but this can apply anywhere in Africa. For someone who spent all of their time in England as a player, then as an assistant coach and later as a head coach or manager, it was very different. But there’s also the reality of the Black Stars’ role and managing in Africa, which is very different.

    “The levels of structure and organisation you’re used to at club level, where everything is day-to-day, are very different in international football, and of course, working in Africa adds another layer. It takes time to adjust. So, regarding my role… would I have wanted more time? Yes, of course. I genuinely feel that with more time, I would have adjusted better”, he noted.

    He continued, “One reason is that it’s international football, and it was my first time managing at that level. That alone takes some time to adjust to. I was used to working with players all week, preparing for a game, and then preparing for the next one.

    “In international football, you can have the players for just two days before your first game. And in those two days, there’s only so much you can do. So, one challenge is adjusting to the international game,” as he reflected on the demands of international management and the challenges of transitioning from club football.

    Chris Hughton was sacked as Black Stars head coach on 23 January 2024, after Ghana’s final group game against Mozambique at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He served as head coach for about 11 months, and before that, he was assistant/technical advisor for roughly 13 months.

    Chris Hughton’s remarks come at a time when the Black Stars are reported to have seen a dip in form following their defeat in their last friendlies.

    Ghana suffered a 0-2 defeat to Japan in their preparatory match against Japan earlier today, Friday, November 14, at the Toyota Stadium, Aichi.

    Japan notched their first goal just fifteen minutes into the game courtesy of Takumi Minamino. Japan dominated at a point after the possession was shared by both teams for a long period, giving Ghana a hard time breaking into their defence.

    Meanwhile, Ghana Black Stars have booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted in the US, Mexico and Canada.

    Consequently, the government has announced a (GHS 150million) hundred and fifty million(($13m) to fund the team’s preparations for the World’s biggest football tournament.

    During the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on the floor of Parliament yesterday, he explained that,

    “The government’s sustained investment in sports yielded impressive results, with the Black Stars qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. An amount of GH¢150 million has been allocated for the Black Stars to participate in the World Cup,” he stated.

    Dr Forson explained that the funding underscores the government’s wider strategy to support national teams competing on the global stage and to strengthen sports development nationwide.

    He added that the government remains committed to improving sports infrastructure and nurturing talent across the country, noting that plans are underway to build new stadiums in selected regions.

    The Minister went on to commend the Black Stars for their hard work, which has led Ghana to secure its fifth qualification, cementing their place among Africa’s most consistent footballing nations.

    “Mr Speaker. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge the resilience and commitment of our Black Stars, whose qualification for the World Cup continues to inspire the nation”, Dr Forson noted.

  • 2026 FIFA World Cup: GFA defends Otto Addo, says he will make no mistakes

    2026 FIFA World Cup: GFA defends Otto Addo, says he will make no mistakes

    Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo’s second coming was met with mixed reactions. While some supported him as the most familiar to handle the team, others questioned his maturity, his tactical prowess, especially after the Black Stars’ group-stage exit at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2022 under his leadership.

    However, his recent record as the first coach in Ghana’s football history to oversee the team’s qualification to the world’s biggest football tournament, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, twice, has sparked some confidence from fans about his competency, as well as questions surrounding his ability to take Ghana past the group level due to the inconsistencies in performances.

    However, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) spokesperson has risen to his defence, noting that he is better equipped to handle the pressures of the global showpiece.

    “Otto Addo is now a mature coach, and I don’t think he will make mistakes at the World Cup,” he told Asempa FM.

    The Black Stars will open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before facing England on June 23 in Boston. They will conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.

    The group opponents were confirmed following the official draw held on Friday at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The high-profile ceremony was attended by notable figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump, entertainers Kevin Hart and Heidi Klum, and sports icons such as Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Rio Ferdinand, and Ghana football legend Asamoah Gyan.

    The 2026 tournament will mark Ghana’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest stage, following previous participations in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. The Black Stars’ most memorable World Cup performance came in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals in South Africa.

    Addo is expected to release the final squad list for the 2026 World Cup in June this year.

    World Cup ticketing

    A global statement shared by FIFA suggests that half a million requests for tickets have been made from across the world for tickets for the upcoming World Cup in June.

    The statement shared on the football governing body on Wednesday, January 14, mentioned that, “more than half a billion ticket requests submitted during the Random Selection Draw ticket sales phase, which ran from Thursday, 11 December 2025 to Tuesday, 13 January 2026.

    FIFA said it received approximately 15 million ticket requests daily over the about a month application window, marking a new record in the history of football.

    Given the outstanding requests, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his excitement and gratitude to fans all over the world for the massive response.

    “Half a billion ticket requests in just over a month is more than demand – it’s a global statement. On behalf of FIFA, I would like to thank and congratulate football fans everywhere for this extraordinary response,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

    He continued, “Knowing how much this tournament means to people around the world, our only regret is that we cannot welcome every fan inside the stadiums. That is why we are committed to creating multiple ways for fans to be part of the FIFA World Cup 2026, through a wide range of fan experiences beyond the stadiums, both in person and online, so that as many people as possible can share in what will be the biggest sporting event ever staged.”

    How FIFA will handle ticketing for the 2026 World Cup
    Following the closure of the application period, FIFA says it will check if all requests meet requirements and if they do and the requests exceeds the tickets available, it will randomly issue the tickets to ensure fairness.

    “Following the closure of the Random Selection Draw application period, FIFA Ticketing will verify that ticket requests meet the application requirements and household limits before allocating tickets. Once this process is concluded, and where demand exceeds available inventory, tickets will be allocated via a random selection process to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all applicants,” the statement noted.

    For fans who qualify for the tickets, they will be emailed by February 5 noting that “fans will be notified of the outcome of their ticket applications by email no earlier than 5 February. All successful and partially successful ticket applicants will receive communications via email and subsequently will be automatically charged for their tickets. A partially successful application indicates that a fan will receive the number of tickets requested for a match, but not all matches requested.”

    “With each application validated by unique credit card data, fans placed an average of 15 million ticket requests per day over the 33-day application window, setting a new benchmark for demand in the history of world sport”, parts of the statement said.

    Out of the over 500 million ticket requests, the majority came from Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina and Colombia, aside from the host countries; USA, Mexico and Canada.

    It added that, “The most coveted match in this sales phase was Colombia v. Portugal on Saturday, 27 June in Miami. The top 5 was completed by Mexico v. Korea Republic in Guadalajara on Thursday, 18 June; the final in New York New Jersey on Sunday, 19 July; the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June; and the round-of-32 match in Toronto on Thursday, 2 July – highlighting the exceptional appeal of both marquee fixtures and knockout-stage encounters across all three host nations”.

  • Absence of key players in Japan friendly due to mutual agreement, legitimate reasons – GFA

    Absence of key players in Japan friendly due to mutual agreement, legitimate reasons – GFA

    Some key players, including Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, are missing from the squad listed to play Japan in the friendlies tomorrow.

    Their absence has sparked reactions from fans and pundits seeking explanations for the absence of such players.

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has responded, stating that their exclusion was based on legitimate reasons. Speaking during an interview on Asempa FM in Accra, yesterday, Wednesday, November 12, the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, clarified that their absence is to allow budding talents to prove their worth in the senior national team.

    Head coach Otto Addo opted to give opportunities to emerging talents, including Kelvin Nkrumah, Prince Kwabena Adu, and Prince Osei Owusu.

    According to Henry, it was mutual consent that some key players were left out of the squad;some needed to rest.

    “Absentees from the Black Stars squad for the Japan and South Korea friendly games are due to legitimate reasons and not the travelling distance. We all came to an agreement that some players will need to rest while others are nursing injuries, so we had to let them stay behind. The new faces in the squad have been on the radar of the technical team for some time now, and this is an opportunity for them to prove their worth in these games,” he said.

    He further noted that the friendlies form part of a broader development plan aimed at building a strong team for future competitions.

    “These friendly games are aimed at working on something within the Black Stars setup and among the players. We just want to make use of the best talents for the future,” he added.

    The Black Stars opened camp on Tuesday, November 11, and have already held their first training session ahead of their match tomorrow in the Kirin Cup on Friday, November 14, before taking on South Korea on November 18. The matches are part of the team’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

    Both Japan and South Korea have already booked their places at the 2026 World Cup and are expected to field full-strength lineups, providing Ghana with a crucial test ahead of next year’s continental and global competitions.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed the arrival of eighteen players at the Black Stars’ camp at the Ana Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nagoya as they prepare ahead of Ghana’s friendly match with Japan on November 14.

    In a statement shared by GFA yesterday, Tuesday, November 11, the football governing body explained that, “eighteen players are currently in camp at the Ana Crowne Plaza hotel in Nagoya ahead of the international friendly against Japan on Friday, November 14, 2025. Sixteen of them arrived on Tuesday to join two home-based players, Kelvin Nkrumah and Prince Owusu, who departed Accra on Sunday”.

    Sixteen players arrived on Tuesday to join home-based talents Kelvin Nkrumah and Prince Owusu, who travelled from Accra on Sunday.

    The current squad in camp includes Joseph Anang, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Derrick Kohn, Jerome Opoku, Ebenezer Annan, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Caleb Yirenkyi, Alidu Seidu, and Gideon Mensah.

    Other members are Abu Francis, Kwasi Sibo, Prince Owusu, Kamal Deen Sulemana, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Kelvin Nkrumah, and Prince Adu Kwabena.

    More of the squad are expected to join camp on Wednesday, 12 November; they include,

    “Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who was in goal for his side in the Super Clash against Asante Kotoko on Sunday, will join the squad on Wednesday. Also expected on Wednesday are Christopher Bonsu Baah, Prince Osei Owusu, and Mohammed Salisu.

    Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros in their final Group I qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, marking the country’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.

    The Asian tour forms part of the Ghana Football Association’s broader plan to give coach Otto Addo the platform to evaluate his squad and fine-tune tactics before the global showpiece.

    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama hopes the Black Stars will aim higher beyond their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has urged the team to emulate Morocco and, in broader terms, envision doing more.

    President Mahama cited Morocco as a model because it made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

    Referring to an unforgettable situation in the history of Ghana football, where Asamoah’s penalty miss cost Ghana’s place in the semi-finals, he urged the team,

    “We must follow in the footsteps of Morocco by going beyond the semi-finals and, who knows, with fingers crossed, bring the World Cup trophy home to make Ghana and Africa proud”.

    He further went on to call on Ghanaians to support the team without any bias.

    “We must all rally behind the Black Stars. We must support them to the hilt. Let’s not bring in any partisan or ethnic considerations. Let’s give them our full support,” he added.

    Following a group-stage exit at their previous World Cup in Qatar, Ghana now hope to make a lasting impact in the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Ghana for securing its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    In a congratulatory message shared via video on the football governing body’s Instagram, Infantino praised the four-time African champions for their achievement and expressed excitement about their return to the world stage.

  • I will not recommend govt flying supporters to World Cup – Kofi Adams

    I will not recommend govt flying supporters to World Cup – Kofi Adams

    Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros in their final Group I qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, marking the country’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

    Past governments over the years, mostly offered some form of financial support, be it full or partial, for supporters who travel to attend the World Cup. However, it has become a challenge over the years due to financial constraints.

    With the current state of the country’s sports sector, Ghana’s Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, has revealed that, while it has been a long-standing act, he “doesn’t recommend” it.

    Speaking during an interview with Peace FM, Mr Adams revealed that, while no allocation will be made for flying fans to the tournament, the government will offer other support, but not financial, citing that anyone who intends to go to the World Cup will have to find their own resources.

    He said the country’s economic challenges as the main reason for the government’s decision not to finance fan travel.

    “Well, there is no game or tournament we don’t go with supporters, but whether I will take them or someone else will take them is a different ball game,” he said.

    Mr Adams says there is a need for the government to prioritise investment in the country’s sports infrastructure instead of spending it on fan sponsorship.

    “We are in a period of austerity. We need money to build sports infrastructure in Ghana. If we are going to spend money to transport supporters all the way to America, that same amount can build five multipurpose parks in some communities,” he stated.

    While confirming that government funding is off the table, Mr Adams encouraged individuals and corporate organisations to step in.

    “I believe there are a lot of Ghanaians in those areas. Anyone who wants to go should find their own resources; we can facilitate their travel documents. Or we can mobilise support from corporate bodies — both private and public, to assist the fans.

    “Government can collaborate with corporations to support, which would be a good idea, but putting government money into the budget to take supporters, I don’t think so,” he added.

    The Black Stars are expected to learn their group-stage opponents when the World Cup draw takes place on December 5.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA)  has confirmed the arrival of eighteen players at the Black Stars’ camp at the Ana Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nagoya as they prepare ahead of Ghana’s friendly match with Japan on November 14.

    In a statement shared by GFA yesterday, Tuesday, November 11, the football governing body explained that, “eighteen players are currently in camp at the Ana Crowne Plaza hotel in Nagoya ahead of the international friendly against Japan on Friday, November 14, 2025. Sixteen of them arrived on Tuesday to join two home-based players, Kelvin Nkrumah and Prince Owusu, who departed Accra on Sunday”.

    Sixteen players arrived on Tuesday to join home-based talents Kelvin Nkrumah and Prince Owusu, who travelled from Accra on Sunday.

    The current squad in camp includes Joseph Anang, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Derrick Kohn, Jerome Opoku, Ebenezer Annan, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Caleb Yirenkyi, Alidu Seidu, and Gideon Mensah. 

    Other members are Abu Francis, Kwasi Sibo, Prince Owusu, Kamal Deen Sulemana, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Kelvin Nkrumah, and Prince Adu Kwabena.

    More of the squad are expected to join camp on Wednesday, 12 November; they include,  

    “Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who was in goal for his side in the Super Clash against Asante Kotoko on Sunday, will join the squad on Wednesday. Also expected on Wednesday are Christopher Bonsu Baah, Prince Osei Owusu, and Mohammed Salisu.

    The Black Stars will hold their first training session in Nagoya on Wednesday, November 12, ahead of the Kirin Cup clash against Japan on Friday, November 14, 2025”, parts of the statement said.

    Ghana will face South Korea three days later, on November 17, after their Japan clash as part of their preparations for the World Cup next year.

    Both Japan and South Korea have already booked their places at the 2026 World Cup and are expected to field full-strength lineups, providing Ghana with a crucial test ahead of next year’s continental and global competitions.

    The Asian tour forms part of the Ghana Football Association’s broader plan to give coach Otto Addo the platform to evaluate his squad and fine-tune tactics before the global showpiece.

    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama hopes the Black Stars will aim higher beyond their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has urged the team to emulate Morocco and, in broader terms, envision doing more.

    President Mahama cited Morocco as a model because it made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

    Referring to an unforgettable situation in the history of Ghana football, where Asamoah’s penalty miss cost Ghana’s place in the semi-finals, he urged the team, 

    “We must follow in the footsteps of Morocco by going beyond the semi-finals and, who knows, with fingers crossed, bring the World Cup trophy home to make Ghana and Africa proud”.

    He further went on to call on Ghanaians to support the team without any bias.

    “We must all rally behind the Black Stars. We must support them to the hilt. Let’s not bring in any partisan or ethnic considerations. Let’s give them our full support,” he added.

    Following a group-stage exit at their previous World Cup in Qatar, Ghana now hope to make a lasting impact in the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Ghana for securing its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    In a congratulatory message shared via video on the football governing body’s Instagram, Infantino praised the four-time African champions for their achievement and expressed excitement about their return to the world stage.

    “Congratulations to the Black Stars on reaching the FIFA World Cup for the fifth time in history. Your fans will bring colours, style and passion to the greatest FIFA World Cup ever in 20226 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

    “We expect that your team will establish more global stars to follow in the footsteps of the famous team that made the quarterfinals of the tournament in South Africa in 2010, but for now, enjoy this special moment, and we cannot wait to see who the Black Stars will face when we have the final tournament draw on the 5th of December.

    “See you very soon and well. Congratulations!”

  • Whatever happens is not in my hands – Otto Addo on his future with Black Stars 

    Whatever happens is not in my hands – Otto Addo on his future with Black Stars 

    Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has reacted to questions surrounding his future with the team. 

    His second coming as a Black Stars head coach was met with mixed reactions. While some supported him as the most familiar to handle the team, others questioned his maturity, his tactical prowess, especially after the Black Stars’ group-stage exit at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). 2022 under his leadership.

    However, his recent record as the first coach in Ghana’s football history to oversee the team’s qualification to the world’s biggest football tournament, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, twice, has sparked some confidence from fans about his competency, as well as questions surrounding his long-term future due to his inconsistencies in performances.

    Ahead of Ghana’s final game for the 2026 World Cup clash with Comoros, in an interview with the Ghana FA  website, the former Dortmund talent coach intimated that his focus is to make Ghanaians happy and not to worry about keeping his job, a situation he has no control over.

    “What happens after is not in my hands. I hope that a lot of people, if we win, can go to America. We have to win this game. This is what we are looking at. If Ghanaians are happy, then we are happy,” he said.

    Addressing calls for his dismissal, including ones from the former Majority speaker of Parliament and the former Suame Member of Parliament (MP), Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, noted that the dismissal of Otto Addo is not a solo decision he can make but several factors will need to be considered before decision about the coach’s future is made.

    “If you listen to Otto Addo on the team, he said he will try a lot of legs to know who will go or not, but I believe the management and everybody who is involved in hiring the coach will consider a lot of factors,” “I pay him, but it is not my decision alone. The GFA has a role to play, and it is not about this or not and going forward, we will have all these conversations,” Mr Adams said during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

    The Minister, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency, emphasised that Addo remains the head coach and deserves full support from all Ghanaians.

    “Ivory Coast sacked their coach during AFCON, and their assistant coach, Emerse Faé, led them to win the AFCON. If you are determined, you will bring success. At this moment, he is our coach, and we have to support him.”

    Ghana will discover their group-stage opponents for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on December 5.

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Ghana for securing its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros in their final Group I qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, marking the country’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.

    In a congratulatory message shared via video on the football governing body’s Instagram, Infantino praised the four-time African champions for their achievement and expressed excitement about their return to the world stage.

    “Congratulations to the Black Stars on reaching the FIFA World Cup for the fifth time in history. Your fans will bring colours, style and passion to the greatest FIFA World Cup ever in 20226 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

    “We expect that your team will establish more global stars to follow in the footsteps of the famous team that made the quarterfinals of the tournament in South Africa in 2010, but for now, enjoy this special moment, and we cannot wait to see who the Black Stars will face when we have the final tournament draw on the 5th of December.

    “See you very soon and well. Congratulations!”

    Ghana’s qualification marks their fifth appearance at the World Cup, following previous campaigns in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022.

    Among African nations, only Cameroon (8), Morocco (7), Tunisia (7), and Nigeria (6) have made more appearances on the world stage.

    The Black Stars accrued 25 points after their final World Cup qualifier. Initially sitting in third place after two rounds of matches, Ghana began their campaign against Madagascar on November 17, 2023, securing a 1–0 home victory on Matchday 1, before suffering a 1–0 away loss to Comoros on Matchday 2, November 21, 2023. The team bounced back strongly on March 21, delivering a convincing 4–0 win over Chad.

    This set the tone for another win against Madagascar on March 24. Ghana defeated Madagascar 3–0 in Morocco, with a brace from Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus bringing the team’s points to 15. They remained atop the group until their last game on October 12.

    Also, President John Dramani Mahama hopes the Black Stars will aim higher, beyond their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has urged the team to emulate Morocco and, in broader terms, envision doing more.

    President Mahama cited Morocco as a model because they made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

    Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros courtesy of a decisive goal from Mohammed Kudus in their final Group I qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, marking the country’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.

    Referring to an unforgettable situation in the history of Ghana football, where Asamoah’s penalty miss cost Ghana’s place in the semi-finals, he urged the team,

    “We must follow in the footsteps of Morocco by going beyond the semi-finals and, who knows, with fingers crossed, bring the World Cup trophy home to make Ghana and Africa proud”.

    He further went on to call on Ghanaians to support the team without any bias.

    “We must all rally behind the Black Stars. We must support them to the hilt. Let’s not bring in any partisan or ethnic considerations. Let’s give them our full support,” he added.

  • GPL opener slated for today; President Mahama, Stonebwoy to grace occasion

    GPL opener slated for today; President Mahama, Stonebwoy to grace occasion

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the 2025/2026 Ghana Premier League (GPL) opener, and this time, President John Dramani Mahama is set to attend as a special guest on Friday, September 12.

    In a statement shared on the football governing body’s official X (formerly Twitter) page yesterday, it revealed that the president, Mahama, and the GFA president will both perform the ceremonial kick-off 

    “H.E. President @JDMahama will perform the ceremonial kick-off, alongside GFA President  @kurtokraku”, excerpts of the statement said.

    The ceremonial kick-off is a symbolic gesture used to mark the official start of a football match or tournament.

    Coming off at the Accra Sports Stadium, the season will begin with a clash between  Hearts of Oak and newly promoted Hohoe United. Fans will also be treated to a special performance from dancehall star Stonebwoy to mark the occasion.

    On Saturday, the show continues with defending champions Bibiani Gold Stars set to face Bechem United. At the same time, MTN FA Cup winners Asante Kotoko travel to http://junoon.riphahfsd.edu.pk/ Berekum Chelsea in one of the weekend’s standout fixtures.

    More action follows as Sunday will see  Hearts of Lions welcome Dreams FC to the Kpando Sports Stadium, fellow newcomers Eleven Wonders will be hosted by Basake Holy Stars, while Vision FC will meet Samartex.On Sunday, several exciting matches are scheduled in the Ghana Premier League, all kicking off at 3:00 PM local time. 

    Young Apostles will face off against Medeama at the Agyeman Badu Stadium, a venue known for its vibrant atmosphere and passionate fans. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams look to make a strong start.

    Meanwhile, Karela United will take on Aduana Stars at the Aliu Mahama Stadium. This venue has hosted many memorable fixtures, and fans will be eager to see how these two sides perform in what could be a tightly contested game.

    In another fixture, Nations FC will battle newly promoted Swedru All Blacks at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex. With the Swedru All Blacks making their debut in the top flight, all eyes will be on how they handle the pressure against a well-established opponent.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Monday August 4, officially released the fixtures for the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season.

    This allows fans and teams to know what to expect in the upcoming season.

    Under a 34-matchday timetable, the 18 teams in the league will each play every other team twice, once at home and once away, to ensure fairness and balance.

    Defending champions Gold Stars FC will start the season with a title defence fixture against Bechem United at the Duns Park in Bibiani, setting the tone for what promises to be another thrilling season of top-flight football in Ghana.

    Asante Kotoko will clash with Berekum Chelsea in their opening encounter, while Hearts of Oak will start the campaign with a home clash against newly promoted Hohoe United.

    Match Day 1 also features intriguing away assignments for former champions: Medeama SC visit Young Apostles, while FC Samartex make a trip to face Vision FC.

    Premier League returnees Swedru All Blacks FC and Eleven Wonders FC begin their campaigns on the road, visiting Nations FC and Basake Holy Stars, respectively. Heart of Lions, last season’s runners-up, will host Dreams FC in their first fixture, while Karela United entertain Aduana FC.

    The first leg of the iconic clash between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko SC is scheduled for Match Day 5 at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the reverse fixture set for Match Day 22 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

    On Match Day 9, Nations FC will play against Asante Kotoko at home and visit the Porcupine Warriors’ home for a return leg in Kumasi for Match Day 26 in the Ashanti Derby.

    Hohoe United will host Kpando Heart of Lions on Match Day 17, before making the trip to Kpando for the reverse fixture on the final day of the Premier League, Match Day 34, marking the return of the Volta derby after several years.

    A string of Brong Ahafo regional battles is set to heat up the calendar.

    Young Apostles will face Bechem United on Match Day 5, Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 7, and Aduana FC on Match Day 16. Return fixtures are set for Match Days 22, 24, and 33, respectively. Aduana FC are also scheduled for a match against Bechem United on Match Day 9 and Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 11.

    Bechem United is scheduled to lock horns with Eleven Wonders on Match Day 14 and Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 17. Eleven Wonders will travel to Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 16 for a clash at the Golden City Park.

    Medeama SC will host FC Samartex on Match Day 6, with the reverse fixture scheduled for Match Day 23. On Match Day 15, Medeama will welcome Basake Holy Stars, before travelling for the return leg on Match Day 32. Meanwhile, FC Samartex will face Basake Holy Stars away on Match Day 14, with the return leg of the Western Derby set for Match Day 31.

    The 2025/26 Premier League season is set to begin on September 12, 2025 and end on the weekend of May 23/24, 2026.

    The eight-month schedule is in alignment with the 23rd FIFA World Cup 2026, slated for June 11 to July 19, 2026.

    The FIFA World Cup will start about seventeen days after the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season ends.

    This helps ensure that all elite domestic competitions end before the beginning of the global showpiece.

    With the 31st Ordinary Session of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Congress, scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the Ghanaman Centre of Excellence in Prampram, the Football Association has confirmed that the Premier League will start as planned and finish in May 2026, following FIFA’s official calendar.

    Matches will mostly be played on weekends, while midweek games will be used to make up for any matches that were postponed—just like in the 2024/25 season.

  • 2026 WCQ: Black Stars to leave for N’Djamena today

    2026 WCQ: Black Stars to leave for N’Djamena today

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced that the Black Stars will depart for N’Djamena today, Tuesday, September 2, ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier clash on Thursday, September 4, against Chad.

    The local football governing body shared this in a post on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle yesterday, Monday, September 1, noting that twelve of the players began training at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the rest of the squad expected to join the team travel later today.

    “The Black Stars will depart Accra for N’Djamena on Tuesday, September 2, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chad.

    Ghana has been training in Accra for the crucial match, with Otto Addo set to travel with all 24 invited players.

    The Black Stars need a win to solidify their grip on Group I further (sic), having won five matches and lost one in their six matches so far. Twelve players trained at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, with the rest of the squad expected to join the team for Tuesday’s trip”.

    GFA also mentioned that “The Stars will train in N’Djamena on Wednesday ahead of the game on Thursday.”

    The match is scheduled for 1 pm on Thursday, and GFA expressed optimism in Ghana qualifying for the World Cup.

    “Ghana will face Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno at 1 pm on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Otto Addo’s team currently leads Group I with 15 points from six matches, keeping them well-positioned for a fifth World Cup appearance”, GFA added.

    Also, all twenty-four invited players will travel to N’Djamena with Otto Addo today.

    “The Black Stars will wrap up their qualifiers against the Central African Republic and Comoros in October”, the statement added.

    While they await the arrival of the former Arsenal defensive midfielder and current Villarreal forward, Thomas Partey and Spurs’ Mohammed Kudus, about 14 players have arrived at the team’s hotel in Accra. They are reported to have arrived yesterday, Sunday, August 31.

    Those already in camp include Antoine Semenyo, Tariq Lamptey, Elisha Owusu, Ibrahim Osman, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Abdul Salis Samed, Jerry Afriyie, Joseph Anang, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Benjamin Asare, Jonas Adjetey, Ibrahim Sulemana, Mohammed Salisu, and Caleb Yirenkyi.

    Coach Otto Addo formally announced the Black Stars squad for Ghana’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali on the evening of Tuesday, August 26.

    The release included a full list of 24 players, featuring both returning stars and debutants. Some players were rewarded for their stellar performances in the Unity Cup and also in their respective clubs.

    Out of the twenty-four-man squad, four of them are debutants for the senior national team.

    Union Berlin forward, Derrick Arthur Köhn, secured a call-up after an outstanding season in Germany, and Caleb Yirenkyi of FC Nordsjaelland was also called up again following his display of maturity and excellent form during the Unity Cup and at the club level.

    Christopher Bonsu Baah of Al-Qadsiah was also included in Otto Addo’s squad. Following his giant strides in the Saudi.

    Goalkeeper Joseph Anang of St. Patrick’s Athletic, based in Ireland, also got his first senior nod.

    Players like Tariq Lamptey, who has been away following an injury, have also been called back.

    According to Otto Addo’s list, the goalkeepers include Lawrence Ati Zigi, Joseph Anang and popular Hearts of Oak keeper Benjamin Asare, who earned admiration of many following his impressive display in his last call-up.

    See the list below:
    Goalkeepers
    Lawrence Ati Zigi – St. Gallen

    Joseph Anang – St. Patrick’s Athletic

    Benjamin Asare – Accra Hearts of Oak

    Defenders
    Gideon Mensah – AJ Auxerre

    Derrick Arthur Köhn – Union Berlin

    Mohammed Salisu – AS Monaco

    Jerome Opoku – İstanbul Başakşehir

    Alexander Djiku – Fenerbahçe

    Jonas Adjetey – FC Basel

    Tariq Lamptey – Brighton & Hove Albion

    Caleb Yirenkyi – FC Nordsjaelland

    Midfielders
    Elisha Owusu – AJ Auxerre

    Mohammed Kudus – Tottenham Hotspur

    Ibrahim Osman – AJ Auxerre

    Ibrahim Sulemana – Atalanta BC

    Thomas Partey – Villarreal CF

    Abdul Salis Samed – OGC Nice

    Forwards
    Antoine Semenyo – AFC Bournemouth

    Kamaldeen Sulemana – Atalanta BC

    Joseph Paintsil – LA Galaxy

    Jerry Afriyie – RAAL La Louvière

    Jordan Ayew – Leicester City

    Christopher Bonsu Baah – Al-Qadsiah

    Iñaki Williams – Athletic Club

    Meanwhile, Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has expressed optimism about winning in the clash against Chad in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

    Speaking during a pre-match conference held in Accra on September 1, ahead of Black Stars’ game against Chad, Otto Addo said on September 1, “The next focus is the Chad game, and I hope that we can win”.

    While acknowledging the injuries recorded before camping, he noted that his squad is more than ready to face their opponents on Thursday, expressing excitement about seeing the debutants on the pitch.

    “Sure, we had some issues with injuries again, but nowadays there are so many games in the world. There’s so much intensity that it’s kind of normal that a lot of injuries could occur.”

    “But we still have a very, very strong squad together, really, really good, really impressive, some new players, and I’m really excited to see them playing tomorrow,” he noted.

    Speaking on the team’s readiness in terms of tactics, Otto Addo mentioned that the squad are expected to attack more to earn excellent ball possession for a win.

    “I think surely we will have a lot of ball possession and we have to attack. This is for sure. But other than that, I can’t go too deep. I hope you understand that,” he continued, adding that his leadership, i.e. the skippers of the squad, including Thomas Partey and Jordan, are also ready for the game.

    “Surely the experienced players know their role in our team. They have to be the best in our team. This is for sure”

    “We spoke a lot in the last months and both are very, very ready. So I’m looking forward to them combining well, to talk, to lead the team. And surely, I think if they’re in good shape, then we will be successful,” he added.

    Otto Addo further expressed his gratitude to the President of Ghana, John Mahama, and the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), George Kurt Okraku. He also thanked Ghanaians for their support and warm welcome after the Black Stars suffered a humiliating 0-5 defeat to Chad in March.

    The loss was a heavy blow not only because of the scoreline but also due to the long-standing history between the two sides, as Chad had never defeated the Black Stars until that qualifier.

    “First of all, I really, really appreciate the support. I know we are not going to talk about it, but after the bad outcome, how the people of Ghana and Accra, especially welcomed me has been good.”

    “I would also like to use this opportunity to thank the head of state, our president (H.E. John Mahama), for his visits, also the sports minister who has been there watching all our training and supporting us, having really, really, really inspiring words.”

    “Same as our President (Kurt Okraku) and also former players visiting the ground and having really, really good talks with our players. And surely this is the support we need.”

  • 2025/26 Ghana Premier League: GFA releases fixtures

    2025/26 Ghana Premier League: GFA releases fixtures

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has released the full fixture list for the 2025/26 Premier League season.

    This allows fans and teams to know what to expect in the upcoming season.

    Under a 34-matchday timetable, the 18 teams in the league will each play every other team twice, once at home and once away, to ensure fairness and balance.

    Defending champions Gold Stars FC will start the season with a title defence fixture against Bechem United at the Duns Park in Bibiani, setting the tone for what promises to be another thrilling season of top-flight football in Ghana.

    Asante Kotoko will clash with Berekum Chelsea in their opening encounter, while Hearts of Oak will start the campaign with a home clash against newly promoted Hohoe United.

    Match Day 1 also features intriguing away assignments for former champions: Medeama SC visit Young Apostles, while FC Samartex make a trip to face Vision FC.

    Premier League returnees Swedru All Blacks FC and Eleven Wonders FC begin their campaigns on the road, visiting Nations FC and Basake Holy Stars, respectively. Heart of Lions, last season’s runners-up, will host Dreams FC in their first fixture, while Karela United entertain Aduana FC.

    The first leg of the iconic clash between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko SC is scheduled for Match Day 5 at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the reverse fixture set for Match Day 22 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

    On Match Day 9, Nations FC will play against Asante Kotoko at home and visit the Porcupine Warriors’ home for a return leg in Kumasi for Match Day 26 in the Ashanti Derby.

    Hohoe United will host Kpando Heart of Lions on Match Day 17, before making the trip to Kpando for the reverse fixture on the final day of the Premier League, Match Day 34, marking the return of the Volta derby after several years.

    A string of Brong Ahafo regional battles is set to heat up the calendar.

    Young Apostles will face Bechem United on Match Day 5, Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 7, and Aduana FC on Match Day 16. Return fixtures are set for Match Days 22, 24, and 33, respectively. Aduana FC are also scheduled for a match against Bechem United on Match Day 9 and Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 11.

    Bechem United is scheduled to lock horns with Eleven Wonders on Match Day 14 and Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 17. Eleven Wonders will travel to Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 16 for a clash at the Golden City Park.

    Medeama SC will host FC Samartex on Match Day 6, with the reverse fixture scheduled for Match Day 23. On Match Day 15, Medeama will welcome Basake Holy Stars, before travelling for the return leg on Match Day 32. Meanwhile, FC Samartex will face Basake Holy Stars away on Match Day 14, with the return leg of the Western Derby set for Match Day 31.

    The 2025/26 Premier League season is set to begin on September 12, 2025 and end on the weekend of May 23/24, 2026.

    The eight-month schedule is in alignment with the 23rd FIFA World Cup 2026, slated for June 11 to July 19, 2026.

    The FIFA World Cup will start about seventeen days after the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season ends.

    This helps ensure that all elite domestic competitions end before the beginning of the global showpiece.

    With the 31st Ordinary Session of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Congress, scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the Ghanaman Centre of Excellence in Prampram, the Football Association has confirmed that the Premier League will start as planned and finish in May 2026, following FIFA’s official calendar.

    Matches will mostly be played on weekends, while midweek games will be used to make up for any matches that were postponed—just like in the 2024/25 season.

    Meanwhile, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has revealed that efforts are underway to clinch a new headline sponsor and broadcast partner for the Ghana Premier League (GPL).

    The top professional football league has been without a main sponsor for the past year and a half since betting company betPawa abruptly ended its agreement with the GFA.BetPawa on November 7, 2023, ended the three-year deal just one year and three months into the contract.

    Speaking during a live interview on GHOne TV on Sunday, May 25, the GFA president, who also doubles as the 2nd vice president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), hinted that the football governing body will soon secure new partnerships, which would be announced soon.

    “The Ghana Football Association has been working around the clock to get sponsors for the league, and it will come soon.”

    He is confident of the league’s quality, arguing that it would make it attractive for TV partners.

    “Our Premier League is interesting enough to attract TV partners, and we will announce a new partner soon.”

    He went on to reiterate the termination of the contract with StarTimes following the two parties’ failure to reach an agreement on a contract extension after the 2024/2025 season, following negotiations in March 2025.

    In late May, the Ghana Football Association announced that it had officially ended negotiations with Chinese broadcaster StarTimes in relation to the renewal of its media broadcast rights agreement. This comes after GFA and StarTimes failed to reach an agreement on contract extension after the 2024/2025 season, following negotiations in March 2025.

    In a statement dated May 23, the football governing body confirmed that talks to renew the contract with the broadcaster. Consequently, the GFA formally requested StarTimes to reimburse it an outstanding amount of USD 842,173.36, which it says is due under the previous agreement.

    The association has engaged legal counsel and initiated formal procedures to recover the debt.

    “The Association remains committed to securing a transparent, fair, and mutually beneficial media partnership that aligns with the interests of our clubs, the Association, and our stakeholders,” the GFA stated.

    The termination of talks with StarTimes marks a significant development in the GFA’s ongoing efforts to establish new broadcast arrangements for Ghanaian football.

  • Ghana-Chad clash: NSA handles ticketing; even GFA members struggled – Fred Acheampong

    Ghana-Chad clash: NSA handles ticketing; even GFA members struggled – Fred Acheampong

    Frederick Acheampong, a member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council, has disclosed that he and his colleagues faced significant challenges in securing tickets for Ghana’s World Cup qualifier against Chad.

    According to him, ticketing falls under the jurisdiction of the National Sports Authority (NSA), making it difficult for even high-ranking GFA officials to obtain access despite their positions.

    Speaking to Kessben FM on March 26, 2025, Acheampong clarified that contrary to public perception, the GFA is not responsible for ticketing or stadium security for Black Stars matches, as those duties are handled by the NSA.

    “For Black Stars matches, the state takes over, including ticket issuance. Even GFA officials struggled to get tickets from the NSA to watch the games. Security for the Black Stars games is handled by National Security; the GFA have no hand in those matters.

    “At the moment, the GFA present the national team, while the NSA and National Security take care of the match. They need to enhance the security protocol,” he said in Twi.

    The Black Stars defeated Chad 5-0 on March 21, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium and secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Madagascar on March 25, 2025.

    After six matches played, Ghana lead Group I with 15 points, followed by Comoros with 12 points, while Madagascar lie in third position with 10 points.

  • GFA imposes fine on Hearts of Oak for safety violation

    GFA imposes fine on Hearts of Oak for safety violation

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) Disciplinary Committee has fined Hearts of Oak for a security lapse during their match against Young Apostles.

    The incident occurred on March 8 at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium when some unaccredited fans entered a restricted area after Hearts of Oak secured a 2-0 win.

    As a penalty, the club has been fined GHS 20,000, but GHS 10,000 of this amount has been suspended for the rest of the season, the GFA announced on Tuesday, March 25.

    The association has also cautioned that any future violations will result in harsher punishments.

    Before the league resumed, the GFA put in place stricter rules to improve security on matchdays. However, the Accra-based club failed to follow these guidelines.

  • GFA fines, bans Elmina Sharks president Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom

    GFA fines, bans Elmina Sharks president Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom

    Owner of Division One League club Elmina Sharks, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, has been fined GHS 10,000 and given a suspended three-month ban by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Disciplinary Committee.

    The penalty comes after misconduct charges related to Elmina Sharks’ game against Swedru All Blacks United FC.

    The Disciplinary Committee found Dr. Nduom guilty of interfering in the match, encouraging players to challenge officiating decisions, and making social media posts that stirred tension against referees.

    Reports indicate that he entered the technical area without permission and confronted match officials angrily after a controversial call went against his team.

    His comments on social media after the match were also deemed inappropriate, as they further inflamed emotions regarding the officiating.

    The committee has cautioned that any further misconduct could lead to stricter punishments, including a possible stadium ban.

    Elmina Sharks have also been directed to educate their management and staff on respecting match officials and promoting fair play.

    Dr. Nduom has seven days to appeal the ruling.

  • Pitch invader during Ghana-Chad game jailed 100 days

    Pitch invader during Ghana-Chad game jailed 100 days

    Mohammed Huzeinu, the 21-year-old who disrupted Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Chad by storming onto the pitch, has been sentenced to 100 days in prison.

    His actions, deemed a security breach under CAF regulations, could result in financial sanctions against the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

    Authorities have described the sentence as a deterrent to prevent similar incidents in future matches.

    “The FA has consistently urged fans to refrain from such actions, emphasising the importance of discipline and adherence to match day protocols to avoid fines and maintain Ghana’s reputation in international football,” the GFA stated.

    Ghana has previously faced penalties for pitch invasions. In 2020, the country was fined $10,000 after a similar incident occurred during an AFCON 2021 qualifier against South Africa in Cape Coast in November 2019.

  • GFA President Kurt Okraku meets Israeli Ambassador hold talks on strengthening football ties

    GFA President Kurt Okraku meets Israeli Ambassador hold talks on strengthening football ties

    President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, recently met with the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Roey Gilad, to discuss ways to strengthen football cooperation between the two countries.

    The meeting, held at the Israeli Embassy in Accra on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, focused on deepening ties through various football initiatives.

    Ghana and Israel already share a strong football connection, with many Ghanaian male and female players competing in Israeli clubs. The bond was further strengthened when Israeli coach Avram Grant led the Black Stars from 2015 to 2017, taking them to the final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. Another Israeli, Eyal Lachman, also coached Ghanaian club Hearts of Oak.

    During the meeting, both parties explored ideas for cultural and sporting events to celebrate their shared football history. They also discussed technical exchange programs to enhance the skills of Ghanaian coaches, medical staff, and marketing professionals by tapping into Israel’s expertise in sports science and football technology.

    The meeting also included discussions about Ghana’s U-15 national team taking part in a tournament in Israel. This opportunity would give young players valuable international experience and help them develop their skills.

    Additionally, the GFA is looking to partner with Israeli businesses in Ghana to support football development, including improving infrastructure and grassroots programs.

    A key focus of the discussions was coaching exchange programs. Ghanaian coaches would travel to Israel to learn about modern football technology, while Israeli experts would visit Ghana to share their knowledge.

    There were also plans to bring specialists to train local pitch managers, ensuring better playing conditions in the country.

    GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku expressed confidence that this collaboration would greatly benefit Ghanaian football.

    “This engagement with the Israeli Ambassador and his team is a great step towards strengthening our football ecosystem. By leveraging Israel’s expertise in sports science and technology, we can create more opportunities for Ghanaian footballers, coaches, and administrators.”

    The GFA is dedicated to building strong international partnerships to improve football in Ghana. It will continue working with key stakeholders to put these plans into action in the coming months.

    Also present at the meeting were Michael Osekre, Chief of Staff to the GFA President, and Janice Odonkor, Head of Business Development at the GFA.

  • Asamoah Gyan, Gifty Oware-Mensah turn up at day 2 of Black Stars training

    Asamoah Gyan, Gifty Oware-Mensah turn up at day 2 of Black Stars training

    Legendary striker and Ghana’s all-time top scorer, Asamoah Gyan, arrived at the stadium alongside Ghana Football Association (GFA) officials, including President Kurt Okraku on Tuesday March 18 when the Black Stars held their second training session at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    After the training session, Gyan was seen having private discussions with Mohammed Kudus and Jordan Ayew on the field.

    Dr. Randy Abbey, Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, along with committee members such as former captain Stephen Appiah, also attended the session. They engaged with the players and coaching staff to evaluate their readiness for the upcoming matches.

    Additionally, GFA Executive Council member Gifty Oware-Mensah was spotted interacting with some of the players.

    A large number of players participated in the training as the team ramped up preparations for their upcoming AFCON qualifiers. Ghana is set to take on Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on March 21, 2025, before traveling to face Madagascar on March 24, 2025.

    Currently, the Black Stars sit second in Group I with nine points, level with leaders Comoros. Madagascar follows in third with seven points, while Mali is fourth with five.

  • Kofi Adams shares insights from talks with GFA about Otto Addo’s future

    Kofi Adams shares insights from talks with GFA about Otto Addo’s future

    Sports Minister Kofi Adams has revealed that he initially questioned the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) decision to keep Otto Addo as the head coach of the Black Stars.

    However, after the GFA explained their reasons, he chose not to challenge the decision further. Instead, he is waiting to see how Otto Addo performs in the upcoming matches.

    As the Member of Parliament for Buem, Adams acknowledged that with the World Cup qualifiers approaching, he had to respect the GFA’s choice, even though he had some doubts.

    In an interview with TV3 on March 17, 2025, he stated that, given the ongoing qualifiers, removing Otto Addo is not currently a priority for the government.

    “The GFA brought the coach and the other persons to introduce them to me. At that meeting, I raised all those issues. Am I satisfied? I would say time will tell, but I had my concerns, and those concerns, I registered them. But I think at this moment, and at the time that I became the minister, we were too close to these qualifiers.

    “So, the issue of changes should not be on the table. That should be the last thing. The issue on the table now is how to prepare the team for the tasks ahead of us,” he said.

    Despite calls for Addo’s dismissal, the GFA decided to allow him to lead Ghana in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

    The Black Stars will face Chad on March 21, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium before facing Madagascar in an away fixture on March 24, 2025.

  • GFA charges Hearts of Oak head coach for skipping post-match press conference

    GFA charges Hearts of Oak head coach for skipping post-match press conference

    Hearts of Oak head coach Aboubakar Ouattara has been charged by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Disciplinary Committee for skipping the mandatory post-match press conference after his team’s 1-0 loss to Dreams FC.

    The defeat, which came on Saturday at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, ended Hearts’ seven-game unbeaten run, with Abdul Razak scoring the only goal early in the match.

    After the game, Ouattara reportedly failed to meet with the media, an action the GFA viewed as deliberate and harmful to the sport’s image.

    He has until Tuesday, March 18, to officially respond to the charge.

    This comes just a week after Hearts of Oak was cited for violating safety regulations when the league resumed.

    Hearts of Oak’s loss to Dreams FC was their first defeat in the 2025 Ghana Premier League season after an impressive run of five wins and two draws.

    It was also their first league defeat since losing to rivals Asante Kotoko in the Super Clash back in December 2024.

    The Phobians are currently third on the league table with 36 points, just two points behind leaders Kotoko. They will aim to return to winning ways when they take on Bechem United on Wednesday in a Matchday 25 clash at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park.

  • GRA gives breakdown GFA bus shipment; reveals it contained 40 mattresses, costing GH₵356K for one container

    GRA gives breakdown GFA bus shipment; reveals it contained 40 mattresses, costing GH₵356K for one container

    Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has disclosed to JoySports that one of the containers used to transport the nine buses procured by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for Division One League clubs also contained over 30 mattresses. The inclusion of these items brought the total expenditure to GH₵356,380.33.

    It remains unclear whether the mattresses were intended for the newly revamped Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence or for another purpose.

    Last week, JoySports reported that some of the buses, imported at a cost of GH₵5,175,000 and cleared by Freightgistics Ghana Company Ltd., had yet to be registered due to missing documentation, according to some clubs.

    Additionally, Hohoe United’s bus was reportedly taken straight to a mechanic shop in Avenor, Accra, upon arrival. The JoySports investigation also revealed that the used Hyundai County bus was shipped alongside other unidentified items in the container.

    Further inquiries have now confirmed that these additional imports were medium-sized and student mattresses. JoySports’ Muftawu Nabila Abdulai had formally requested details from the GRA regarding the container’s full contents.

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has clarified that a total of 40 mattresses were included in the shipment that delivered one of the nine used Hyundai County buses procured by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for Division One League clubs.

    This information was received after JoySports had already published its initial report, meaning the details were not incorporated at the time. According to the GRA, the container carrying the black matte Hyundai County bus also contained 25 packs of medium-sized mattresses and 15 packs of student mattresses.

    The Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of the bus was GH₵212,783.08. Meanwhile, the 25 medium-sized mattresses were valued at GH₵32,597.50, and the 15 student mattresses at GH₵14,027.29.

    As previously reported in JoySports’ March 4, 2025, publication, the total duty paid on the bus amounted to GH₵72,116.10. Per the GRA’s breakdown, the duty on the medium-sized mattresses stood at GH₵17,000.86, while the student mattresses attracted a duty of GH₵7,311.63.

    “[Meanwhile]… the total duty on the container’s contents amounts to GHC 96,972.46.”

    GFA paid GHC 96,972.46 to GRA via its Zenith Bank account
    The total amount spent on the container, including the CIF value and duty, is GHC 356,380.33.

  • World Cup qualifier: “We need you more than ever” -Antoine Semenyo calls on support of Ghanaians

    World Cup qualifier: “We need you more than ever” -Antoine Semenyo calls on support of Ghanaians

    Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has urged Ghanaians to rally behind the Black Stars ahead of their World Cup qualifiers in March.

    Semenyo has been in excellent form this season, scoring nine goals across all competitions for Bournemouth. His seven Premier League goals—the same as teammate Dango Ouattara—are only behind Justin Kluivert’s 12 for the club.

    Since making his Black Stars debut in 2022, Semenyo has become a key player, representing Ghana at both the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    With Ghana set to face Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Semenyo is calling on Ghanaians to show their support and turn up in large numbers for the team.

    “As you know, we’ve got our World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar. I’m just reaching out to say continue praying for us. Continue being with us.continue supporting us; we need you more than ever, he said via the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

    Ghana currently lie second in Group I, level on points with Comoros, requiring victories in their upcoming games to stand a higher chance of progressing to the World Cup.

    Acknowledging the task ahead, Semenyo added: “These two games are so important and crucial for our qualification in the World Cup, so please continue praying for us. Continue supporting us, be there for us, support us in the games in March. We look forward to seeing you and hopefully we can get two wins.”

    Ghana, who failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, are yet to win a game since June 2024 and will be looking for their first win in 9 months.

  • TNA, Kpando, three others cleared by GFA’s Club Licensing ahead of GPL resumption

    TNA, Kpando, three others cleared by GFA’s Club Licensing ahead of GPL resumption

    Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) Club Licensing Department has approved five venues after a recent re-inspection ahead of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) restart.

    The approved venues include TNA Stadium, Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex, Dun’s Park in Bibiani, Nsekyire Sports Arena, and Kpando Sports Stadium.

    These venues meet the necessary standards for hosting Premier League matches, ensuring fair competition and adequate safety measures.

    Meanwhile, Nii Adjei Kraku Park, Tuba Astro Turf, Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium, Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, and Nana Agyemang Badu Park have received conditional approval.

    They must meet certain requirements before they can fully host matches.

    Baba Yara Stadium (home to Asante Kotoko) and Legon Stadium (currently hosting Hearts of Oak and Legon Cities) must address safety concerns before their next official fixture.

    However, Wenchi Sports Stadium, Ampanian Arena, and Berekum Golden City Park have been declared unfit due to technical and security issues. These venues will need urgent repairs and upgrades before they can be reconsidered.

    The next round of inspections is scheduled for March 9, while the Ghana Premier League resumes on March 7.

    Club Licensing approves five venues after re-inspection ahead of GPL resumption.



  • GFA CLC disapproves Baba Yara , UG Stadium, and four others ahead of GHPL resumption

    GFA CLC disapproves Baba Yara , UG Stadium, and four others ahead of GHPL resumption

    Ghana Football Association (GFA) Club Licensing Committee has declared six stadiums unfit to host Ghana Premier League matches as the competition resumes.

    Among the affected venues are the Baba Yara Stadium and the University of Ghana Stadium, both failing to meet key licensing requirements. Baba Yara Stadium, home to Asante Kotoko, was deemed unsuitable due to the lack of a designated safe zone.

    This ruling also impacts Hearts of Oak, Legon Cities, and Accra Lions, as the University of Ghana Stadium does not meet the required standards.

    Additionally, Golden City Park, home to Berekum Chelsea, Basake Holy Stars’ AAK Ampanian Stadium in Nzema, and Young Apostles’ Wenchi Sports Stadium have also been ruled unfit for league matches.

    Clubs affected by the ruling must either upgrade their facilities to meet GFA standards or find alternative venues for their home games.

    The decision aligns with the GFA’s Enhanced Matchday Safety and Security Protocols, introduced following the tragic stabbing of Asante Kotoko fan Nana Pooley in Nsoatre earlier this month.

    Despite these venue restrictions, Matchday 20 of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League will proceed as scheduled at approved stadiums.

  • Transparency of Black Stars’ budget Sports Ministry’s responsibility not GFA – Oduro Sarfo to Maahama

    Transparency of Black Stars’ budget Sports Ministry’s responsibility not GFA – Oduro Sarfo to Maahama

    Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council member Nana Oduro Sarfo has called on President John Dramani Mahama to hold the Sports Ministry, rather than the GFA, responsible for transparency in the Black Stars’ budget.

    His remarks come in response to President Mahama’s statement during the State of the Nation Address on Thursday, February 27, where he emphasized the need for full disclosure on government spending related to national teams.

    The President also directed Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams to ensure budget transparency and oversee the GFA’s financial accountability ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

    However, Oduro Sarfo argues that the President may have been misinformed, insisting that financial matters concerning the Black Stars are under the purview of the Sports Ministry, not the GFA.

    “The President has been misled in making that statement

    The GFA does not spend on the Black Stars. The FA submits the budget for approval, and once approved, the Ministry handles all financial matters” he told Takoradi-based Connect FM.

    Meanwhile, the Black Stars are set to face Chad in Accra on March 21 before taking on Madagascar in Morocco on March 24 as part of the Matchday 5 and 6 fixtures of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

  • VAR in Ghana football has delayed; GFA explains why

    VAR in Ghana football has delayed; GFA explains why

    General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Prosper Harrison Addo, has explained the delay in the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in the Ghana Premier League.

    VAR was initially expected to be implemented this season, but it now appears unlikely to be rolled out as planned.

    In an interview with 3Sports, Addo reassured fans that the GFA remains committed to incorporating VAR to enhance officiating standards.

    “We are on the journey to acquiring VAR, but some countries have more financial resources than others, allowing them to progress faster. VAR is not something you can simply purchase; there are several steps involved, including training for referees and VAR technicians. We have been working with FIFA on this process,” Addo explained.

    He further highlighted that while FIFA initially engaged member associations on VAR adoption, the high costs became a major barrier. To tackle this, FIFA is now collaborating with another company to develop a more affordable alternative called “VAR Light.” However, this version of the technology will still take time before it is ready for use.

    “Since the full VAR system is costly, we are opting for the second option, but our referees have already undergone some level of VAR training,” Addo added.

    The General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Prosper Harrison Addo, has explained the delay in the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in the Ghana Premier League.

    VAR was initially expected to be implemented this season, but it now appears unlikely to be rolled out as planned.

    In an interview with 3Sports, Addo reassured fans that the GFA remains committed to incorporating VAR to enhance officiating standards.

    “We are on the journey to acquiring VAR, but some countries have more financial resources than others, allowing them to progress faster. VAR is not something you can simply purchase; there are several steps involved, including training for referees and VAR technicians. We have been working with FIFA on this process,” Addo explained.

    He further highlighted that while FIFA initially engaged member associations on VAR adoption, the high costs became a major barrier. To tackle this, FIFA is now collaborating with another company to develop a more affordable alternative called “VAR Light.” However, this version of the technology will still take time before it is ready for use.

    “Since the full VAR system is costly, we are opting for the second option, but our referees have already undergone some level of VAR training,” Addo added.

    The Ghana Premier League is set to resume on March 7 after a three-week suspension triggered by the tragic stabbing of a fan in Nsoatre.

    In light of growing security concerns, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has implemented stricter safety measures aimed at curbing hooliganism and enhancing the safety of players and spectators.

  • Mahama appoints Nii Lante Vanderpuye as National Coordinator for DRIP

    Mahama appoints Nii Lante Vanderpuye as National Coordinator for DRIP

    Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has finally been given a role in President John Dramani Mahama’s second term.

    The former Odododiodio MP has been appointed as the National Coordinator for the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).

    Many expected him to return as Sports Minister, but instead, President Mahama chose Kofi Adams for the role. While no official reason was given, some believe it was due to the need for regional balance and parliamentary considerations.

    DRIP was started under Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government to improve roads across Ghana. The program provides local government bodies with the tools and resources needed for road construction and maintenance.

    Meanwhile, following the challenges the Black Stars faced leading up to their not qualifying for the AFCON in twenty (20) years.

    For the first time people and groups expressed their support for Nii Lante Vanderpuye to be reappointed as Sports Minister by the current President when he started naming his Ministers.

    Boxing promoter Alex Ntiamoah publicly called on President John Dramani Mahama to appoint Vanderpuye, citing his expertise and commitment to transparency and accountability in sports.

    Many fans and members of the sporting community also voiced their support, hoping that Vanderpuye’s strong stance on issues like the Ghana Football Association (GFA) would bring positive changes

  • George Boateng slams GFA’s sloppiness in addressing Black Stars’ AFCON woes

    George Boateng slams GFA’s sloppiness in addressing Black Stars’ AFCON woes

    Former Black Stars assistant coach, George Boateng, has criticized the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for making poor decisions after the team’s disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Boateng was part of Otto Addo’s coaching team after the 2022 World Cup and stayed on until Ghana’s poor showing at AFCON in Ivory Coast. Following the team’s failure, the GFA dismissed the entire coaching staff.

    Although Otto Addo was later reappointed as head coach, he could not secure Ghana’s qualification for the 2025 AFCON, making it the first time in 20 years that the country missed the tournament.

    Speaking on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa, Boateng emphasized the need for consistency in team management.

    “I am a very strong believer in continuity. I said it straight after the tournament [2023 AFCON] and also in the media that, as disappointing as it is, the federation has to analyze it.

    “You have to go in-depth to see where the mistakes were in terms of management, players, and staff, and then you replace those who were not competent enough—whether it be the playing body, staff member, or technical team,” he said.

    He also questioned whether the GFA had taken the necessary steps to rebuild after the AFCON failure.

    “You then rebuild on that, but I am not too sure if that has been done after the Africa Cup of Nations because you can see that after I left, we have now had a bigger slide. At least when I was there, we qualified and were unlucky not to get out of the group stage,” he added.

    Boateng has expressed his willingness to take on a head coach role, as rumors suggest he is being considered for the vacant coaching job at Blackburn Rovers.

    With Ghana missing out on AFCON, the Black Stars will now focus on their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they will face Chad and Madagascar in Matchday Five and Six.

  • Help me find Nana Pooley’s killer – Kurt Okraku calls on public

    Help me find Nana Pooley’s killer – Kurt Okraku calls on public

    GFA President Kurt Okraku has asked the public to help find the person responsible for the death of Yaw Frimpong, also known as Nana Pooley.

    The dedicated Asante Kotoko fan was stabbed during a league match between Nsoatreman FC and Kotoko at Nana Kronmansah Park.

    Following the incident, the Ghana Premier League was put on hold, and Kotoko has refused to play until justice is done.

    In his first meeting with Kotoko’s management since the tragedy, Mr. Okraku urged anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.

    “When that tragic act occurred in Nsoatre, there was someone present with the person who took Nana Pooley’s life. That person must be honest with football and reveal the killer’s identity. It’s a painful moment, but also an opportunity to make a positive impact on our game,” he said.

    Acknowledging the current difficulties facing Ghanaian football, Okraku expressed confidence in overcoming the challenges.

    “I have always said that the journey to transform our football is tough and rough, and right now, we are facing one of our toughest moments. But we will get through it,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the FA Cup Round of 16 matches will proceed as scheduled this weekend, though Asante Kotoko has opted out.

    Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley, was a devoted supporter of Asante Kotoko. Tragically, he was stabbed to death during a Ghana Premier League match between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko on February 5, 2025.

    The incident occurred at the Nana Kronmansah Park, and it has sparked widespread calls for justice and accountability1.

    Nana Pooley’s death has deeply affected the football community, with many mourning the loss of a passionate and dedicated fan.

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, has condemned the violence and urged eyewitnesses to come forward to help identify the perpetrator. Asante Kotoko has also suspended their participation in the league until justice is served.

  • Kwesi Nyantakyi to return to football? – Former GFA president reveals plans

    Kwesi Nyantakyi to return to football? – Former GFA president reveals plans

    Former GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi says he has no plans to return to football administration, even after his ban is lifted, because of the difficult experience he went through.

    FIFA initially banned him for life from all football activities after journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas released an investigative documentary in June 2018.

    The documentary exposed alleged corruption in Ghanaian football and showed Nyantakyi accepting $65,000 from an undercover reporter pretending to be a businessman.

    Nyantakyi later appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which reduced his ban to 15 years. This sparked rumors that he wanted to return to football administration.

    However, in an interview with Kessben TV, the former CAF Vice President said that while he still loves football, he has no interest in coming back.

    “Although I still have a passion for football, I am not interested in becoming FA President again or taking up any other administrative role. The fear of going through a similar ordeal will always be there,” he stated.

    He further explained that even if the ban had not been imposed, his experience after the documentary completely deterred him from considering a return. He described the situation as an attempt on his life.

    “Honestly, even if I hadn’t been banned, I wouldn’t have returned. That experience showed me that they had the power to harm me because it felt like they wanted to kill me. Not many people can survive such an ordeal,” he added.

    Kwesi Nyantakyi led the Ghana Football Association (GFA) from 2006 until he stepped down in 2018.

    During his time in charge, Ghana made history by qualifying for its first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2006. He also guided the national team through the 2010 and 2014 World Cup tournaments.

    Additionally, under his leadership, Ghana’s U-20 team, the Black Satellites, won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009..

  • Any display of incompetence will result in dismissal – GFA President warns match commissioners

    Any display of incompetence will result in dismissal – GFA President warns match commissioners

    GFA President Kurt Okraku has told match commissioners that they will lose their jobs if they do not do their work well.

    He spoke at a training session for match officials on Tuesday, highlighting the need to improve safety and security in Ghana’s top football league.

    His warning came after the sad death of Asante Kotoko fan Francis Frimpong, also called Pooley, who was stabbed during the team’s Week 19 match against Nsoatreman FC in Nsoatre.

    After this incident, the Ghana Premier League was stopped while the GFA discussed with all 18 clubs how to prevent future violence.

    “We’ll be very, very fair in assessing your work. Be honest,” Okraku said during the engagement.

    “Those who fall below the line, unfortunately, will leave us. When you hear the discourse in the public space, you would admit that all is not well. And if we have the opportunity to fix what is not right, this is the most opportune time.”

    The suspect in Pooley’s death, known as Brimah, is still on the run. Consequently, A former manager of Asante Kotoko, is offering GH¢10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest of the person who killed Francis Yaw Frimpong, known as Nana Pooley.

    Serebour Boateng announced on Facebook that the reward will be given to anyone whose information helps catch the main suspect in the murder case.

    Asante Kotoko’s first team will return to training today, but the club has stated that they will not play any official matches until justice is done for their late supporter.

    About Pooley’s death

    Francis Yaw Frimpong, affectionately known as Nana Pooley, was a passionate supporter of Asante Kotoko. Tragically, he was fatally stabbed on February 2, 2025, following a Ghana Premier League match between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC at Nana Koramansah II Park.

    The incident occurred after an on-field altercation among players escalated into the stands, leading to a violent confrontation. Pooley was caught in the chaos and suffered a fatal stab wound to the heart. The autopsy report revealed that the weapon used was about 7.5 cm long, and the cut to his heart was approximately 1.6 cm deep, causing catastrophic internal bleeding.

    The Ghana Police Service has arrested six suspects in connection with the incident, including former Sunyani West MP Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, who is also the owner of Nsoatreman FC. The football community has been deeply affected by Pooley’s death, and there have been calls for justice and an end to hooliganism in Ghanaian football.

  • Video: GPL clubs, GFA, mourn Kotoko’s Nana Pooley at one-week observation

    Video: GPL clubs, GFA, mourn Kotoko’s Nana Pooley at one-week observation

    A one-week memorial was held on Sunday, February 16, 2025, for the late Asante Kotoko fan, Francis Yaw Frimpong, also known as Pooley.

    The event, which took place at Heroes Park in Kumasi, was attended by officials from the Ghana Football Association, representatives from the Ghana Police Service, and several Ghana Premier League clubs.

    Among the clubs present were Hearts of Oak, Bechem United, Nations FC, and Bibiani Gold Stars, who joined Kotoko in mourning their devoted supporter. Asante Kotoko players and fans, including members of the Porcupine Tertiary supporters group, also gathered to pay their respects.

    After the ceremony, Asante Kotoko expressed appreciation to everyone who came to support them during this difficult time.

    “Asante Kotoko SC, through this note, expresses our sincerest appreciation for your exceptional efforts and support during the one-week observation of our departed supporter, Francis Yaw Frimpong, also known as Nana Pooley. Though grieving, the club is overwhelmed by your massive show of love, unity, and the preservation of culture.

    We assure you that, with your support, we can make a difference in the sport we all love. Special mentions go to the Ghana Police Service, the GFA, GHALCA, Hearts of Oak, Bechem United, Bibiani Gold Stars, Ashanti Gold, Nations FC, and the entire football community,” the club wrote.

    Pooley was stabbed to death during a league game between Nsoatreman and Kotoko on Sunday, February 2, 2025, in Nsoatre.

  • GFA involved in conflict of interest – Paa Kwesi Nduom

    GFA involved in conflict of interest – Paa Kwesi Nduom

    Elmina Sharks owner Paa Kwesi Nduom has accused the hierarchy of the Ghana Football Association of conflict of interest in running the Premier League.

    The politician expressed his frustrations over management of the country’s top-flight competition, which has been plagued with several challenges including poor officiating, lack of a headline sponsor, and absence of broadcast rights holders.

    It hit a new low in hooliganism when Asante Kotoko supporter Francis Frimpong “Pooley” was stabbed to death during a Week 19 clash against Nsoatreman in Nsoatre.

    “The people who run the league, there is a conflict of interest,” Nduom said in an interview with GTV Sports Plus.

    “Why should an owner of a team be President of GFA, why should an owner of a team be a vice-president of the GFA.

    “We can’t sack them because people’s hands are in their mouth. Can you go and sack the people who are there now? No.”

    Elmina Sharks players and supporters were allegedly involved in acts of hooliganism against Swedru All Blacks in a Division One – less than three weeks following the demise of Pooley and on his one-week celebration.

    “Isn’t it a consequence of what has been happening in the country? If you let people misbehave from Premier, Division One, Division Two, what do you expect? If I was not at the stadium, what do you think would have happened?

    Meanwhile, Sharks’ Jay Asamoah has been charged with breaching Section 13 (1) (k) of the Ghana Football Association’s Disciplinary Code for allegedly assaulting referee Eso Doh Morrison.

  • GFA, Police team up for Sports Policing Training

    GFA, Police team up for Sports Policing Training

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ghana Police Service are creating new Sports Safety and Security training for new police recruits. They had a meeting on February 14, 2025, at Police Headquarters to finalize the plan.

    This follows an earlier announcement by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) during a meeting with the GFA and Premier League clubs on February 5, 2025. The Police Service will start including sports policing in their training right away.

    Julius Ben Emunah, Head of Competitions and a CAF Certified Safety and Security trainer, met with leaders of the National Police Training School (NPTS) to finalize the training materials.

    The meeting included ACP Mike Baah, Commanding Officer of NPTS, Chief Superintendent Charles Asiamah Agyei, Director of HR, DSP Richard Wieking Welleh, Staff Officer at NPTS, ASP Festus Addo, Training Officer at NPTS, and Chief Inspector Kwadwo Mensah, an instructor at NPTS.

    They discussed content from both the GFA and the Police Service, which will be compiled into a manual for all six Police Training Schools.

    To further enhance the program, Emunah and another CAF trainer, Captain (Rtd) Nick Owusu, will hold Training of Trainers (TOT) workshops for selected instructors soon. Additionally, the Police Service will benefit from the CAF Safe Stadium program hosted by the GFA in September 2025.

    The GFA and the Police Service are committed to this initiative, ensuring that current police recruits gain practical experience at matches under police supervision before they graduate.

  • Excessive interviews, no show – GFA’s Frederick Acheampong criticises Sports Minister

    Excessive interviews, no show – GFA’s Frederick Acheampong criticises Sports Minister

    Executive Council member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Frederick Acheampong, has openly criticized Kofi Adams, the Minister of Sports and Recreation. Acheampong cautioned Adams to be more circumspect with his public comments.

    During an interview on Kessben FM in Kumasi, the former AshantiGold SC executive voiced his concerns about Adams’ frequent media appearances. He noted that the Buem constituency MP has been discussing sports matters publicly without consulting key stakeholders first.

    Acheampong recommended that the minister should engage with essential bodies like the GFA and the National Sports Authority (NSA) before making public statements on sports issues. He stressed that understanding the sector thoroughly would be vital for Adams’ success in his role as the minister.

    “Coming from a political background, he feels compelled to be seen taking action, but personally, I think the interviews are excessive. So far, he hasn’t achieved anything as sports minister, yet he’s been doing multiple interviews,” he said.

    “He [Kofi Adams] should have done a comprehensive interview after visiting various sectors like the NSA, GFA, and others. I think he could tone down, acquaint himself with the happenings, and speak from experience. Then he would understand why there are problems with the Black Stars,” Acheampong said.

    Kofi Adams is set to meet with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) next week to discuss the Black Stars’ upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier matches against Chad and Madagascar.

  • Number 12: Blame Anas for Ghana’s drastic football decline – Takyi Arhin

    Number 12: Blame Anas for Ghana’s drastic football decline – Takyi Arhin

    General Manager of Aduana Stars, Takyi Arhin, has voiced strong opposition to Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ Number 12 exposé, claiming it had a detrimental effect on Ghanaian football.

    Released in June 2018, the documentary shed light on widespread corruption within the sport in Ghana, causing significant upheaval. Among those implicated was former Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kwesi Nyantakyi, who was shown engaging in unethical practices.

    Despite facing charges of fraud and corruption, Nyantakyi was acquitted by a High Court in Ghana after a five-year legal battle. Following the verdict, Arhin criticized the exposé, arguing that it had set Ghanaian football back by decades.

    “The Anas exposé has taken us back about 50 years. Our football has not been the same as it was during the days of Kwesi,” he told ChannelOne TV.

    He acknowledged the efforts of current GFA President Kurt Okraku but insisted that Ghanaian football had suffered a major setback.

    “Kurt (Okraku, the GFA President) is doing his best… He (Nyantakyi) was Vice President of CAF, EXCO Member of FIFA; now Kurt is also gunning for the CAF Executive Council member position.

    “If Kwesi was still there, and Kurt had been added, our football would have been in a better place. The Anas exposé has set our football back by 50 years,” he added.

    Following the exposé, Nyantakyi lost his positions as GFA president, 1st CAF Vice President, WAFU president, and FIFA Executive Council member.

  • Otto Addo’s record is very poor, it’s terrible – Kofi Adams slams Black Stars coach

    Otto Addo’s record is very poor, it’s terrible – Kofi Adams slams Black Stars coach

    Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has strongly criticized Black Stars coach Otto Addo for his performance with the team.

    The 49-year-old, who was reappointed in March 2024 on a three-year deal, has dominated the headlines for the wrong reasons after failing to steer the team to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    For the first time in two decades, Ghana will not compete in the AFCON tournament after failing to win any of their six qualification games. The team recorded three defeats and three draws, finishing at the bottom of their group.

    The poor performance has led the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to augment the Black Stars’ technical team ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

    “The data is very poor; in fact, it’s terrible. Looking at only the data, there is no way he [Otto Addo] should’ve stayed on,” Adams told Metro TV.

    “The GFA took a decision to do away with those around him, but what was surprising was that the head coach was maintained.

    “Maybe something informed that decision.

    “It may be financial, but an engagement with the GFA will certainly let us know what led to that decision,” he added.

    Ghana will take on Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month, marking their first outing since the AFCON qualification disappointment.

  • GFA denies reports of looming elections over Gifty Mensah’s alleged absence – Reports

    GFA denies reports of looming elections over Gifty Mensah’s alleged absence – Reports

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has refuted reports suggesting that a by-election will be held to replace Gifty Oware-Mensah on the Executive Council, according to a publication by GhanaSoccerNet.com.

    Contrary to speculation, Oware-Mensah remains actively involved in GFA affairs and has been participating in meetings, including a recent high-level discussion on football-related matters.

    The GFA has clarified that there are no plans to replace any Executive Council member and has urged the public to disregard such claims.

    Rumors of her removal surfaced following allegations that she had been absent from recent council meetings and had left the country.

    This speculation was further fueled by her association with the National Service Scheme (NSS) scandal, where over 80,000 ghost names were allegedly uncovered on the scheme’s personnel list during her tenure as Deputy Executive Director.

    Despite the controversy, Oware-Mensah continues to play a significant role in Ghanaian football. She owns Berry Ladies FC and also serves as the Chairperson of the Black Queens’ Management Committee.

  • Otto Addo’s position to be reassessed – Sports Minister

    Otto Addo’s position to be reassessed – Sports Minister

    Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has announced that Otto Addo’s position as head coach of the Black Stars will be reviewed.

    Despite signing a three-year contract in March 2024, with an option for an additional two years, Addo has come under fire after Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 20 years. The team’s inability to win any qualifiers has led to widespread calls for a complete overhaul of the technical staff.

    As the Black Stars gear up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has bolstered the coaching team. However, Kofi Adams stressed in an interview with Woezor TV that the government, not the GFA, funds the national team’s technical staff, and any decisions should involve state consultation.

    By emphasizing state involvement, Adams highlighted the need for a collective approach to address the current challenges facing the team and to ensure a successful future.

    “First of all, the GFA doesn’t pay the Black Stars technical team; the government does, so you cannot go and appoint someone and say this is what I have appointed to manage a team that does not belong to you,” he said.

    “The national team does not belong to the GFA, and neither do they pay the coaches. It is the state that pays, so nobody can sit anywhere and say that when they decide, they cannot consult anybody in making that decision. If that is the mindset of how they approach their work, then they will have issues.

    “The country has only asked the GFA to manage the national teams, and that is why the state pays the coaches and still funds all the qualifiers. So how do you appoint somebody that the state will pay but don’t involve the state in decision-making?” he quizzed.

    German coach Winfried Schäfer has been brought in as a technical advisor for the Black Stars and as the technical director for the association. Additionally, Black Satellites coach Desmond Ofei has joined the technical team, while John Paintsil and Fatau Dauda continue in their roles as second assistant coach and goalkeepers’ trainer, respectively.

    Kris Perquy has been appointed as the team psychologist, and Gregory De Grauwe will serve as the video analyst.

    Despite these changes, Sports Minister Kofi Adams has expressed concerns over the GFA’s approach to decision-making regarding coaching appointments.

    With Ghana missing out on AFCON 2025, the Black Stars will shift their focus to the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they will face Chad and Madagascar in the next round of matches next month.

  • Kim Lars Bjorkegren touches down in Ghana to officially begin his role as Black Queens coach

    Kim Lars Bjorkegren touches down in Ghana to officially begin his role as Black Queens coach

    Swedish coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren has arrived in Ghana to officially begin his tenure as head coach of the Black Queens.

    The 43-year-old landed at Kotoka International Airport on Wednesday, February 12, where he was welcomed by officials from the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

    His appointment follows the exit of Nora Hauptle, leaving him with the challenge of building on her legacy.

    Bjorkegren’s appointment was confirmed last month after finalizing a two-year contract with the GFA.

    He is set to hold his first official press conference on Friday, February 14, at the GFA Secretariat, where he will outline his vision for the national women’s team.

    His first assignment with the Black Queens will be a friendly match against Morocco in Casablanca next week, serving as part of the team’s preparation for the rescheduled 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in July.

    As he takes charge, Bjorkegren will be focused on guiding the team beyond the group stage of the WAFCON and making a strong impact in the tournament.

  • Bono NSA Boss says Boreholes drilled by GFA at Sunyani Coronation Park shallow and full of clay

    Bono NSA Boss says Boreholes drilled by GFA at Sunyani Coronation Park shallow and full of clay

    The two boreholes constructed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) at Sunyani Coronation Park are reportedly too shallow and have not served their intended purpose since being commissioned a year ago according to .

    The project was part of the GFA’s initiative to provide reliable water access to sports facilities. However, Bono Regional Director of the National Sports Authority, Foster Boakye, revealed that one of the boreholes is so shallow that it pumps out clay instead of clean water, making it unusable for watering the pitch.

    GFA President Kurt E.S. Okraku had commissioned three boreholes in the region—two at Coronation Park and one at Sunyani Technical University.

    This was part of the GFA Executive Council’s decision to use funds from FIFA’s Forward 1.0 program to improve playing conditions by ensuring access to water at various stadiums nationwide.

    The project has benefited several leagues, including the Premier League, Division One League, Women’s Premier League, and other regional game centers. However, a year later, the NSA director for Bono says the initiative has not fully achieved its goal.

    “They gave us two boreholes, but unfortunately one of the boreholes was too shallow. Right now, they have connected the new dressing room to that borehole and that is what the players use to shower anytime they play matches. Before God and man, anytime we pump water it’s more or less clay that comes out. How can we use such clay water to water the park, he quizzed. That’s why we channelled that borehole to the dressing room,” he said.

    Foster Boakye said that when he informed a GFA Executive Council member about the issue, he was told to handle it himself.

    “I even spoke to one of the FA Exco members and pleaded with him that if it could be possible, they could even let the person come and do the drilling again so that the dirt or clay we see in the water will go down. I spoke to him and he said as for that one the NSA should take care of the cost. But my question is where is the NSA going to get the money from to do all those things?” he quizzed.

    Meanwhile, the club licensing board of the GFA has revoked the license of the Sunyani Coronation Park with immediate effect for not meeting their requirements.

  • Sports Minister to engage GFA if Otto Addo remains the best fit for Ghana’s coaching role

    Sports Minister to engage GFA if Otto Addo remains the best fit for Ghana’s coaching role

    Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has announced that discussions will be held with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) concerning the future of Black Stars head coach Otto Addo.

    Reappointed in March 2024 on a three-year contract, the 49-year-old Addo has faced significant scrutiny after failing to secure the national team’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    In response to growing concerns, the GFA has taken measures to bolster the Black Stars’ technical team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

    As part of these changes, the experienced German coach and former Cameroon AFCON winner, Winfried Schäfer, has been appointed as the technical advisor and football director for both the Black Stars and the GFA.

    Additionally, Kris Perquy will join as the team psychologist, and Gregory De Grauwe will take on the role of video analyst.

    In an interview with Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Minister Adams recognized the decision to retain Addo but stressed the importance of further evaluation to determine if he remains the right fit for the role.

    “We will engage the GFA on the future of Otto Addo, and we will arrive at a common ground and know whether he will stay or leave,” he said.

    “We didn’t qualify for the AFCON, but we plan to qualify for the World Cup, so we will engage the GFA to know if Otto Addo is the right person for the team going forward.

    “I have heard all the complaints of Ghanaians, but we will engage the GFA. I believe that we cannot do the same thing and expect a different result,” he added.

    Meanwhile, former Black Stars players John Paintsil and Fatau Dauda have been retained as part of the technical team.

  • GFA is under no obligation to consult anyone before making decisions – Fred Acheampong

    GFA is under no obligation to consult anyone before making decisions – Fred Acheampong

    Executive Committee Member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Fredrick Acheampong, also known as Fred Achie, has asserted that the GFA has the authority to independently make decisions regarding the Black Stars.

    He emphasized that while the public is welcome to express their opinions on these decisions, they cannot force the GFA to reverse them.

    Acheampong further clarified that the GFA is not obliged to consult the public or external stakeholders for input on their decisions, only those within the association have a say, and no single individual can exert influence over their actions.

    “The Ghana Football Association (GFA) do not need to consult anyone to make a decision on the Black Stars. We are the administrators of the various national teams, and we don’t need to consult anyone in making decisions,” Acheampong told Asempa FM.

    The backlash followed the GFA’s decision to retain Otto Addo as the head coach of the Black Stars, with John Paintsil continuing in his role as the assistant coach.

    Additionally, their appointment of Winfried Anton Schafer, a German coach who led Cameroon to victory in the 2002 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), as the Technical Advisor sparked further controversy.

  • “The GFA needs a serious overhauL” – Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom after Kotoko fan’s murder

    “The GFA needs a serious overhauL” – Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom after Kotoko fan’s murder

    Business consultant and founder of Ghana’s Progressive People’s Party (PPP), Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to implement significant reforms following the tragic incident at Nsoatre last weekend.

    The incident claimed the life of Francis Frimpong, popularly known as Pooley, an ardent Asante Kotoko supporter who was fatally stabbed during the club’s matchday 19 clash against Nsoatreman at the Nana Koroman II Stadium.

    In the aftermath, three individuals have been arrested in connection with the violent disturbances that marred the game. While the GFA has launched investigations and charged those involved, Dr. Nduom believes these measures fall short of addressing the deeper issues.

    He is calling for comprehensive reforms within the GFA to prevent such tragedies in the future and to ensure the safety of fans and players alike.

    “The GFA needs a serious overhaul,” he shared in a post on Facebook.

    “A few people at the top feed on FIFA money and leave the clubs, referees and players hungry.

    “What are we waiting for? More deaths, bankruptcies and Black Stars losses?” he quizzed.

    As part of the measures, the Ghana FA is set to meet with the Ghana Premier League clubs on Thursday, February 6, while a meeting with the supporters leadership is also in line for Friday.

    In the mean time, no Ghana Premier League fixture will be played this weekend.

  • Ghana FA suspends Premier League matches after tragic fan death in Nsoatre

    Ghana FA suspends Premier League matches after tragic fan death in Nsoatre

    Ghana Football Association (GFA) has suspended all Ghana Premier League matches in response to the recent outbreak of violence in Nsoatre.

    The violent incident, which occurred during a match between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko on Matchday 19, tragically resulted in the death of a Kotoko supporter.

    In light of this, the GFA has announced the postponement of Matchday 20 fixtures. The Association explained that this decision will allow time to engage with key stakeholders to assess the impact of the incident and explore measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.

    The action taken “will allow the GFA to assess the situation, consult with stakeholders, and develop strategies to prevent such incidents in the future.”

    “The GFA has been working to improve the overall football experience in Ghana and is keen to ensure that this incident is dealt with swiftly and decisively to send the signal that such acts have no place in Ghana Football.”

    The victim, Francis Frimpong, widely known as Pooley, was a devoted fan of Kumasi Asante Kotoko.

    According to an eyewitness present in the VIP section of the stadium, the altercation erupted while they were seated near Ignatius Baffour Awuah, the former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations.

    “I was seated right below Hon. Baffour Awuah, who is the owner of the club, when the fight started on the pitch,” he said in Twi.

    “Kwasi Appiah [Head of Asante Kotoko’s Technical Directorate] was seated to his right. So when the fight broke out, he went downstairs to try and calm the situation.

    “When he got there, he signalled for Kwasi Appiah to join him, but some of the Kotoko leadership advised Appiah not to, warning that the situation was too volatile and he could be attacked, so Appiah stayed back,” he narrated.

    According to the eyewitness, this angered Baffour Awuah.

    “He got upset that Appiah ignored him and, out of frustration, signalled the supporters to continue what they were doing. He incited the fans. On his way back to his seat, Pooley approached him.”

    Reports indicate that Appiah was hit with water, prompting him to exit the stadium.

    However, just as calm seemed to return, the situation took a devastating turn.

  • GFA unveils new Black Stars technical team as Laumann exits, Paintsil stays

    GFA unveils new Black Stars technical team as Laumann exits, Paintsil stays

    The long-awaited restructuring of the Black Stars’ technical team was finally confirmed late on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

    Anticipating mixed reactions over their decision to retain Otto Addo, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) quietly unveiled the revamped technical setup.

    Otto Addo remains as head coach, with John Paintsil unexpectedly keeping his role as assistant coach. In a notable addition, experienced German coach Winfried Anton Schäfer, who led Cameroon to an AFCON victory in 2002, has been appointed as a technical advisor.

    Additionally, Desmond Ofei, previously the head coach of the Black Satellites, has been promoted to assistant coach, replacing Joseph Laumann.

    For the first time, the Black Stars have added a sports psychologist to their backroom staff. Kris Perquy, a seasoned professional with 17 years of experience, has been appointed to provide psychological support to the team.

    In a bid to enhance tactical preparation, Belgian video analyst Gregory De Grauwe will lead the Video Analysis Unit. With a UEFA License B Coaching certificate and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, De Grauwe has honed his expertise with clubs like Sporting Lokeren and K. Beerschot VA.

    The team has also bolstered its logistics department by appointing two highly experienced equipment officers—Issah Amadou from Asante Kotoko and Abdul Rahman Alhassan from Hearts of Oak. Together, they bring an impressive 53 years of combined experience in managing football equipment.

    The restructured technical team will have its first major test in March when they guide the Black Stars in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

  • Kurt Okraku passes integrity test; cleared to contest CAF ExCo seat

    Kurt Okraku passes integrity test; cleared to contest CAF ExCo seat

    The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has been approved to run for a position on the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in the upcoming elections.

    In a Facebook post, Mr. Okraku shared that he had successfully passed the required integrity and eligibility tests to qualify as a candidate.

    “I am delighted to share that I have been cleared to contest for a place on the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after successfully passing the integrity and edibility (eligibility) test.

    I am excited with what lies ahead! May God guide us through this journey,” he wrote.

    The story of his decision to contest was first reported by Muftawu Nabila Abdulai on January 14, 2025.

    The CAF Elective Congress, where members will decide on new Executive Committee members, is scheduled to take place on March 12, 2025, in Cairo, Egypt.

    Mr Okraku’s successful bid for a position on the CAF Executive Committee is unopposed and he will be automatically elected onto the powerful decision-making body as the WAFU Zone B representative.

  • VAR to be implemented in Ghana next season – GFA’s Alex Kortey confirms

    VAR to be implemented in Ghana next season – GFA’s Alex Kortey confirms

    The Referee Manager of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Alex Kotey, has announced that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will be introduced in the Ghana Premier League next season.

    According to Kotey, referees will undergo a three-month training program to help them understand how to use the technology before it is officially put into use.

    He added that FIFA’s plan is to roll out the VAR system at the start of the 2025/2026 Ghana Premier League season.

    “We want to start next season somewhere in August or September. We have two or three months to train.

    That is the plan from FIFA. We can do it in less than three months if our people can catch it fast,” he said.

    Reports suggest that Alex Kotey and FIFA-certified VAR referee Daniel Laryea will be in charge of training the referees.

    In addition, the league’s official broadcaster will also receive special training from FIFA experts to get ready for the introduction of VAR in the 2025/26 season.

  • Zambia officially announces Nora Häuptle as Copper Queens head coach

    Zambia officially announces Nora Häuptle as Copper Queens head coach

    Football Association of Zambia has officially named Nora Häuptle as the new head coach of the Copper Queens after she parted ways with Ghana’s Black Queens.

    The announcement was made on Friday at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel, where the Swiss coach signed a three-year deal to take charge of Zambia’s women’s national team. She takes over from Bruce Mwape, the former coach.

    Nora decided not to extend her contract with Ghana after completing her two-year term, which led to her exit.

    Nora Häuptle’s main goal now is to prepare Zambia for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will take place in July.

    Her first task is to get the team ready by planning a series of friendly matches to help them improve.

    Interestingly, Zambia had previously knocked out Häuptle’s former team, Ghana’s Black Queens, in the qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games after a two-legged match.

    After Häuptle left, the Ghana Football Association appointed Kim Lars Bjorkegren as the new head coach of the Black Queens.