On Thursday, security personnel at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium failed to manage the crowd effectively during Ghana’s AFCON 2025 Qualifier against Angola, leading to two separate disruptions.
The first incident occurred in the first half when a fan bypassed security and ran onto the field to embrace Ghana striker Jordan Ayew.
The game had to be momentarily halted while the intruder was apprehended. This marked the latest in a series of pitch invasions, with players like Andre Ayew and Mohammed Kudus previously being targeted.
In 2020, Ghana received a $10,000 fine following a similar fan invasion during an AFCON 2021 Qualifier against South Africa in Cape Coast.
After Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to Angola, disgruntled fans stormed the pitch and caused significant damage to property, including smashing nearly all the pitch panels.
Objects, including plastic bottles, were hurled onto the field after Ghana conceded a last-minute goal in the 93rd minute of the Group F match.
While the police were able to arrest one individual in connection with the vandalism, this episode adds to Ghana’s growing list of fines for crowd mismanagement.
Earlier in January, Ghana was fined $15,000 for disturbances during their AFCON 2023group match with Cape Verde.
Four Ghanaian officials are currently attending a groundbreakingVideo Assistant Referee (VAR) course organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
This course marks a significant milestone as it is CAF’s first-ever VAR training session specifically designed for regional zones, with the WAFU B zone taking the lead.
The Ghanaian participants in this training include Rita Ama Nkansah Boateng, Julian Nii Akwa Nunoo, Emmanuella Aglago, and Alex Kotey.
The course aims to enhance the quality of refereeing in the region by equipping these officials with the latest VAR techniques and practices.
This initiative reflects the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) commitment to improving the standards of football officiating in the country and underscores Ghana’s active role in shaping the future of African football.
As WAFU B pioneers this essential training, it sets a precedent for other zones to follow, ensuring a more consistent and reliable officiating framework across CAF competitions.
Iñaki Williams has been named in the Black Stars’ squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The Athletic Bilbao forward, who missed Ghana’s World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic in June due to a foot injury, is set to make his return following successful surgery.
Despite Williams’ absence, the Black Stars achieved back-to-back victories in those World Cup qualifiers.
Since his recovery, Williams has returned to form, playing against Getafe, Barcelona, and Valencia in Athletic Bilbao’s opening La Liga matches of the season.
Ghana will face Palancas Negras at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5 and will then travel to Niger for their second qualifier on September 9.
Coach Otto Addo is expected to announce his final squad for these fixtures today. Notably, no players from the Ghana Premier League have been included in this squad.
The Black Stars are determined to secure one of the top two positions in Group F to advance to theAFCON tournament, which is scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Head coach of theBlack Stars, Otto Addo, is scheduled to announce his squad for Ghana’s games against Angola and Niger at a press conference on Thursday, August 29, 2024.
This has been confirmed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in a notice on the official X page of the Black Stars.
The notice said, “Our Head Coach Otto Addo will meet the press this Thursday, August 29th, at 12:00 PM to announce the squad for our upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Angola and Niger.”
The press conference for announcing the squad will take place in theGhana FA Conference Room.
Ghana Football Association (GFA),in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, unveiled a new fully equipped ambulance for the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence (GSCE) on Monday, August 26, 2024.
The ambulance will provide essential emergency services to players, officials, and staff at the technical centre, which serves as the primary base for the nation’s football teams.
The introduction of this ambulance is expected to enhance healthcare delivery at the facility, bolstering safety during training camps and official gatherings.
GFA General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo, commended the Ghana Health Service for its instrumental role in acquiring the ambulance, highlighting the importance of the partnership in supporting football development.
“This has been achieved by the kind courtesy of a partnership between the GFA and the Ghana Health Service, which is an agency under the Ministry of Health. We are extremely grateful to them for the immense support.
This ambulance will be put to good use and serve its purpose for football here in Prampram,” stated Addo.
The launch event was attended byGFA President Kurt Okraku, Vice-President Mark Addo, key stakeholders, and members of the media.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) has initiated discussions with Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, a talented Dutch-born goalkeeper of Ghanaian heritage, in an effort to secure his commitment to play for Ghana.
Owusu-Oduro, who currently serves as the first-choice goalkeeper for AZ Alkmaar, is also part of the Dutch youth national teams and has represented the Netherlands at both U-16 and U-21 levels.
At 19, Owusu-Oduro is making significant strides in his club career, catching the attention of the GFA, which is keen on bringing him into the fold of the Black Stars.
However, the young goalkeeper finds himself at a crossroads, contemplating whether to switch his allegiance to Ghana, his father’s homeland, or to continue his journey with the Dutch national team.
Reports suggest that theGFA is in active negotiations with Owusu-Oduro’s representatives, exploring every possible avenue to persuade him to don the Ghanaian jersey.
Only four stadiums have secured approval from the Club Licensing Department of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) ahead of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season.
Following an initial inspection conducted in August 2024, the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex, Nsenkyire Sports Arena, Dun’s Park, and WAFA Park were the only venues that met the necessary infrastructure standards to host league matches.
Despite its recent inauguration, the state-of-the-art TNA Stadium, which boasts a 13,000-seat capacity and a construction cost of $16 million, has not yet received full clearance.
The stadium currently lacks an inner perimeter, a critical requirement for full licensing.
Similarly, the country’s largest football arenas, the Baba Yara Stadium and the Accra Sports Stadium, have been given conditional approval.
These iconic venues are still under review, with certain infrastructural elements needing to be addressed before they can receive complete certification.
Stadiums that failed to meet the licensing standards have been issued detailed reports highlighting the necessary upgrades required for compliance.
A follow-up inspection of all venues is scheduled for August 30, 2024, to ensure that any outstanding issues are resolved in time for the start of the league.
The 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season is slated to kick off on September 6, with clubs and their fans eagerly awaiting the final decisions on stadium approvals.
Black Stars coach Otto Addo has submitted his squad list to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Ghana, drawn in Group F with Angola, Niger, and Sudan, will begin their qualification campaign next month.
The four-time African champions will start with matches against Angola and Niger.
The Black Stars are set to face Angola’s Palancas Negras at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5, followed by an away game against Niger on September 9.
Reports indicate that Otto Addo has already provided his squad for the first two qualifiers to the GFA Executive Council. Notably, no players from the Ghana Premier League are included in the roster.
Addo is expected to assemble a strong lineup for these important matches as Ghana seeks to secure a spot in the tournament, which will be hosted in Morocco next year.
The Black Stars are determined to continue their impressive form, following consecutive wins against Mali and the Central African Republic in the2026 World Cup qualifiersin June.
Ghanaian coach Kwasi Appiah is reportedly facing pressure from influential figures to resign from his position as an Executive Council member of theGhana Football Association (GFA).
Well-informed journalist Muftawu Nabila Abdulai reported that despite the increasing calls for his resignation, Appiah appears satisfied with his current role and is unlikely to step down.
Abdulai further noted that during a recent Executive Council meeting, Appiah exited when the conversation shifted to matters concerning the Black Stars.
“Grapevines have it that Sudan head coach Kwasi Appiah is being told to resign as an Executive Council member of the Ghana Football Association. If Appiah resigns, ‘Chief of Staff’ Michael Bogdan Osekere could be a likely candidate to replace him on the ExCo.
“It doesn’t appear Appiah will step down, though. Apparently, in the last Executive Council meeting, Appiah excused himself when matters of the Black Stars were about to be discussed,” Nabila wrote on X on August 14, 2024.
Pressure on Kwasi Appiah has intensified following the draw that placed his team, Sudan, in the same group as Ghana for the2025 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
Despite growing criticism and concerns over a possible conflict of interest, Appiah continues to hold his position.
Whether he will ultimately step down remains uncertain.
In his address, during a press engagement in Sunyani on Friday, August 9, 2024 he revealed a significant development that is set to transform the landscape of Ghanaian football.
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology would soon become a reality for the nation’s football leagues.
“We will introduce VAR to our football,” stated Kurt Okraku, highlighting the GFA’s commitment to embracing technological advancements in the sport.
He went on to explain that incorporating VAR is a crucial element of the GFA’s comprehensive plan to enhance refereeing standards across the country.
He highlighted that the first stage of this implementation will commence with the Ghana Premier League (GPL).
Football fans and stakeholders in Ghana will be keenly observing how VAR affects game dynamics and referee performance.
This move underscores the GFA’s commitment to tackling officiating challenges and its dedication to advancing the quality of the sport.
President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, expressed his desire to be remembered as a leader known for his integrity.
At a press briefing in Sunyani on Friday, Mr. Okraku emphasized his commitment to honoring his promises and remaining true to his word in his role at the helm of Ghanaian football.
“I want to be remembered for being a very honest leader who stood by his words and delivered the same at every given opportunity,” he said.
Critics have raised concerns about Mr. Okraku’s leadership style, alleging that he has been lacking in transparency regarding the governance of the association.
But he is determined to ensure that his legacy is one of a leader who was honest with his football family and consistently delivered on his promises. “This is how I want to be remembered,” he reiterated.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has commended the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for its outstanding utilization of the FIFA Forward program during a meeting withGFA President Kurt Okraku in Paris on Thursday.
The FIFA Forward program offers customized support for the advancement of football within each member association and the six confederations.
From 2016 to 2022, FIFA distributed $2.79 billion to member associations and confederations for football development, with Ghana receiving significant benefits.
“I congratulated him on the Ghana Football Association making excellent use of the FIFA Forward programme, such as the recent upgrade to the Ghana Soccer Centre of Excellence,” Infantino said after the meeting.
Recent upgrades at the Ghana Soccer Centre of Excellence, the GFA’s training hub for national teams in Prampram, feature newly installed floodlights that were activated in April 2024.
A new 40-bed accommodation facility for the national teams is also nearing its final stages of construction, alongside an additional artificial playing surface.
Ghana has also become part of the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) and hosted a TDS workshop in June 2024, which welcomed representatives from 10 African member associations.
Ghana has signed on to the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) and held a TDS workshop in June 2024, which included participation from 10 African member associations.
“President Okraku also explained how Ghana was benefitting from the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, giving anyone who wants to play football in Ghana a chance to shine. He also provided me with an update on the work being done to encourage greater female participation in our sport,” Infantino said.
Infantino added, “Ghana certainly is a football nation, as I saw for myself during a visit a few years ago, and the GFA is working incredibly hard to ensure more young people in the country can play our wonderful sport. I look forward to continuing our excellent collaboration and to seeing Ghana participate in FIFA tournaments in the future.”
Okraku, who has been at the helm of Ghana football since 2019, praised Gianni Infantino’s support for African football.
“FIFA, led by the President, has been at the forefront of support for the development of football, especially in Africa. It was always important for us to engage and to know how far we are going, how well we are doing, and what we have to do to make it much, much, much better,” Okraku said.
The 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season will take a brief hiatus for the national elections scheduled for December 7, 2024.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced that the league will pause after matchday 12, with the final matches before the break taking place on November 25, 2024.
The league is set to resume on December 13, 2024.
This break allows players and officials to participate in electing a new president and parliamentarians.
Additionally, the GFA has confirmed that midweek fixtures will be arranged for clubs involved in CAF inter-club competitions.
The new season will commence on Friday, September 6, 2024, at various locations and is slated to conclude on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
Former Ghana international Derek Boatenghas criticized the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for not doing enough to attract European-born Ghanaian players to the national team.
Despite the GFA’s success in recruiting talents like Inaki Williams, Tariq Lamptey, and Antoine Semenyo, Boateng argues that the Association needs a more structured approach to engage young European-born players to represent the four-time African champions.
In an interview, the former Fulham midfielder pointed out how countries like Germany proactively scout young players with German roots and nurture them for the national team.
Boateng expressed his frustration at seeing players of Ghanaian descent, such as Kobbie Mainoo, Jeremy Doku, Jeremie Frimpong, and Nico Williams, choose to represent European countries instead of Ghana.
Sharing his experiences from scouting trips in the USA, he observed other nations’ efforts to identify and develop young talent with roots in their respective countries.
He specifically noted Germany’s active scouting of young players with German heritage and their early integration to build a sense of national identity.
“I have been in the USA for scouting jobs multiple times and I have seen expatriates also joining to scout players, but they are doing that for their country. I know Germany is doing that.
“I was told that they are doing that because they want to bring all young players with roots in Germany and, after identifying them, they will camp them. By doing that, the players will know where they are coming from” Boateng told Kingdom FM.
He continued, “In Ghana, we don’t know how to do these things, and we keep losing players because we are not paying attention to how we can get them. How can we lose players like Kobbie Mainoo, Jeremy Doku, Jeremie Frimpong, and Nico Williams? Inaki is playing for us, but why couldn’t we get Nico? Because he is good and talented, Spain blocked his chances of playing for Ghana” Boateng lamented.
Boateng criticizedthe GFA’s reactive approach,emphasizing the need to engage players and their families from a young age rather than waiting until they have already begun their professional careers.
“We must do a lot more, and we shouldn’t wait until they are grown up and playing before we start talking to them. By then, their parents will not even allow it because we were not there from the beginning, so why now?” he quizzed.
Ghana Football Association (GFA)has unveiled the fixtures for the 2024-25 Ghana Premier League season, set to kick off on Friday, September 6, 2024, just 82 days after the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.
Defending champions FC Samartex 1996 will commence their title defense with an away game against Dreams FC. Hearts of Oak will face newly promoted Basake Holy Stars at home, while Asante Kotoko SC will travel to Karela United for their opening match.
Match Day 1 promises thrilling encounters, including former champions Medeama SC hosting last season’s runners-up, Accra Lions. Newly promoted Vision FC will play Berekum Chelsea at home, Nsoatreman FC will take on Young Apostles, Aduana FC will face Heart of Lions, Gold Stars FC will meet Legon Cities, and Nations FC will clash with Bechem United.
The highly anticipated first leg of Ghana’s Super Clash between Asante Kotoko SC and Accra Hearts of Oak is scheduled for Match Day 13 at Baba Yara Stadium, with the return fixture on Match Day 30 at Accra Sports Stadium.
The Brong Ahafo derbies will feature Nsoatreman FC hosting Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 3, Bechem United on Match Day 9, and Aduana FC on Match Day 11. Additionally, Aduana FC will face Bechem United on Match Days 2 and 19, while Berekum Chelsea will meet Bechem United on Match Day 11.
Western derbies will see Medeama SC and Basake Holy Stars clash on Match Days 4 and 21, and FC Samartex battling GoldStars FC on Match Days 2 and 19. The Ashanti derby between Asante Kotoko SC and Nations FC is set for Match Days 11 and 28.
The final matches of the season include FC Samartex 1996 traveling to Accra Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko visiting debutants Vision FC, Dreams FC hosting Legon Cities, Nations FC facing Heart of Lions at home, Aduana Stars entertaining Basake Holy Stars, Bechem United playing Young Apostles, Karela United welcoming Nsoatreman FC, and Medeama hosting Berekum Chelsea.
The league will begin on the weekend of Friday, September 6, 2024, and run until Sunday, June 8, 2025, spanning 34 weekends with no official midweek matchdays to reduce travel strain on clubs. There will be a one-week break before the December 7, 2024, National Elections, allowing players and officials to vote.
Anticipation is high among fans, with hopes of winning the title, qualifying for African competitions, or simply retaining Premier League status.
Former Black Stars midfielder Derek Boateng has voiced his admiration for Kwesi Nyantakyi, the former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), and expressed a desire for his return.
Nyantakyi is widely recognized as one of the most successful GFA presidents.
In an interview, Boateng reflected on the abrupt end of Nyantakyi’s tenure, which was terminated by the Number 12 exposé by undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas—a scandal that significantly damaged Nyantakyi’s reputation.
Boateng is of the opinion that Ghanaian football would have continued to thrive under Nyantakyi’s leadership.
“I wish Nyantakyi could oversee Ghana Football again. His track record speaks for itself, and it’s unfortunate how things turned out,” he told Kingdom FM.
“I cannot say whether the accusations against him were true, as I wasn’t present. However, I know he made significant contributions to the sport,” he added.
Boateng, however, has been critical of the current administration under Kurt Okraku, asserting that they have not succeeded in elevating the standard of the game.
He criticized the administration’s handling of criticism, saying, “I have reservations about Kurt Okraku’s leadership because they seem to take criticism personally. Constructive feedback is essential for the improvement of our sports, and it should be welcomed.
“In one meeting, he mentioned employing many former footballers in national teams, but for me, competence should be the priority, not just being a former player. Our game is not in good shape, and there’s a lot to do. We need to start from the grassroots because the foundation is crucial,” he added.
Under Nyantakyi’s presidency, Ghana reached several notable achievements, such as winning the U-20 World Cup and making its World Cup debut in Germany in 2006.
The Black Stars also competed in the World Cups held in South Africa in 2010 and Brazil in 2014.
Additionally, the team reached the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2010 and 2015 but did not secure the championship.
Black Princesses coach Yusif Basigi has called on the government to extend contract provisions to all national team coaches, not just the Black Stars coach.
In an interview, Coach Basigi highlighted the struggles faced by national team coaches due to the lack of government contracts.
He argued that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is not adequately equipped to manage these contractual issues and urged the government to take charge.
“When it comes to contract matters, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) cannot handle them,” the Hasaacas Ladies coach told Onua FM.
“If they are to enter contracts with coaches, it will be a worry. It is the government that must pay attention to us because the national team belongs to the government and the GFA is a caretaker.
So, government should turn attention to us because we are suffering,” he added.
Basigi is set to lead the Black Princesses in the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, where Ghana will compete in Group E with Japan, New Zealand, and Austria.
The team is determined to progress beyond the group stage, a goal that has eluded them in their previous six appearances.
Former Black Stars legend Augustine Arhinful has disclosed that he once cautioned Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Simon Okraku about the people in his circle.
Arhinful recounted that Okraku was pushing for a policy to decentralize the GFA’s status committee, a move he vehemently opposed due to various practical challenges.
Arhinful shared that during a briefing, he advised Okraku to drop the decentralization plans, drawing from his own experiences on similar committees.
However, Okraku did not appreciate this advice.
In an interview with Dan Kwaku Yeboah, Arhinful revealed that this disagreement prompted him to write a letter to Okraku, warning him to be wary of those around him.
“I attended Kurt’s meeting because I had heard that he wanted to decentralise the status committee, but I knew it wasn’t feasible unless certain changes were made.
During the question session, I suggested that his plan to decentralize the status committee should be reconsidered because it wasn’t possible. I have been part of two status committees in Europe, one in Italy and the other in Turkey.
“He wasn’t happy with my suggestion and even told someone that I was trying to undermine him. After five years, has he done it? No… I wrote a personal letter warning him to be careful with the people around him because I realized they only tell him the positives.
I sent it to his office at Asylum Down, but I don’t know if he received and read it,”Arhinful said in a n interview.
There is increasing pressure on Sudan national team head coach Kwasi Appiah to resign from his position as an Executive Council Member of theGhana Football Association (GFA)due to a significant potential conflict of interest.
Appiah’s dual roles as Sudan’s national team coach and a member of the GFA Executive Council have come under scrutiny after Ghana and Sudan were drawn against each other for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in a recent draw held in South Africa.
This situation puts the former Ghana international in a position where he must work against Ghana, a country where he holds considerable influence as part of the 12-member Executive Council, the second-highest decision-making body in Ghanaian football.
There have been growing calls for Appiah to step down from his Executive Council role following his appointment as Sudan’s national team coach. However, Appiah has resisted these calls and attempted to juggle both responsibilities.
According to sources from Ghana’s leading football website, GHANAsoccernet.com, Appiah has struggled to participate actively in Executive Council meetings due to his demanding schedule.
With the Black Stars set to face the Falcons of Jediane for a spot in the2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the calls for Appiah’s resignation from the GFA Executive Council have intensified.
Critics argue that it is illogical for him to remain in a position where he would be expected to strategize against Sudan while simultaneously managing the team Ghana seeks to defeat.
Appiah’s role in the GFA is increasingly seen as untenable due to the clear conflict of interest.
Given his commitments with the Sudan national team and his involvement with Asante Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee, it is argued that his position within the GFA Executive Council is now more problematic than ever.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) plans to inaugurate two additional football academies in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions as part of its strategy to identify and cultivate young football prospects nationwide.
Professor Isaac Kwame Mintah, Technical Director of the GFA, indicated that these new facilities will extend the GFA Elite Football Academies initiative, following the successful establishment of a similar academy in Winkogo, Upper East Region, earlier this year.
Addressing the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) Knowledge Exchange Seminar in Accra last Thursday, Prof. Mintah emphasized the long-term goal of these endeavors: to nurture promising young players for the national youth teams, with the ultimate aim of bolstering the senior national team.
“Even as we speak today, we have already started the process to establish a second academy in the Ashanti region, specifically in Kumasi, which will serve students from the Brong Ahafo and Ashanti regions,” Prof. Mintah explained. “Additionally, we are planning to open another academy in the Greater Accra region this year, hopefully in Prampram.”
The GFA’s strategy includes establishing Elite Football Academies in all ten footballing regions of Ghana within the next seven years.
“The goal is to have one academy per region, ensuring a continuous supply of talent for our youth national teams, which will eventually feed into the senior national team,” Prof. Mintah added.
“Our aim is to maintain a robust talent pipeline, positioning Ghana to excel in the World Cup and potentially conquer the world stage.”
Former Ghana international and FIFA High Performance Expert, Tony Baffoe, praised the initiative, noting its potential to strengthen the country’s football foundation.
“The more regional centres we have where players can train, the better it is for the country. This approach will help develop future stars like Dede Ayew and Kudus,” Baffoe said.
The Head of the FIFA TDS, Ulf Schott, mentioned the scheme’s objective to support national teams in reaching their full potential, particularly as FIFA expands the World Cup to 48 teams.
“FIFA has allocated $200 million for the Talent Development Scheme over the next four years, aiming to ensure that every talented player has the opportunity to be selected and developed,” Schott stated.
The TDS emphasizes funding, expertise, training, education, and knowledge exchange. Currently, a Knowledge Exchange Workshop is taking place in Ghana, involving ten Member Associations: Ghana, Algeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia, and Zambia.
With the Academies Programme, FIFA aims to establish a high-performance academy or centre of excellence in at least 75 member associations by 2027.
Real Tamale United (RTU) has apologised to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and their supporters for fielding unregistered players in their league game against Dreams FC in Dawu.
Despite suffering an 8-1 defeat, the main issue was RTU’s decision to use players who were not registered for the match.
Due to six months of unpaid salaries, the club’s registered players boycotted the game, prompting the management to take Division Two players to Dawu.
The GFA has charged the club and is currently investigating the situation, while Dreams FC has also lodged a protest.
The Dawu-based team stated they played the match under protest after their captain and team manager raised concerns about RTU’s use of incorrect players.
In their statement, RTU mentioned they had responded to the GFA’s charge andemphasized that it was not their intention to undermine Ghana football.
“The action was never deliberate and was never intended to ridicule our beautiful game. The club has gone through some difficult moments this year, a situation that is culminating in our exit from the Premier League.
“The club, however, appeals for mercy and sympathy from the general public and the GFA as we strive to reorganise and build a team that all of us will be proud of. We express our regret once more and assure you that this will never happen again. The club is sorry,” the statement read.
Spokesperson for theGhana Football Association (GFA),Henry Asante Twum, has shed light on the altercation that occurred between players and officials from the Central African Republic following Ghana’s 4-3 victory on Monday, June 10, 2024.
Jordan Ayew, who scored a hat-trick, and Black Stars assistant coach Joseph Laumann were at the centre of the incident at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Henry Asante Twum revealed that the scuffle began when Jordan Ayew defended his teammates from verbal abuse by a player and the assistant coach of the Central African Republic.
The player made derogatory remarks in French, not realising that Jordan Ayew and several Black Stars players understood the language.
Infuriated by the comments, Jordan Ayew confronted the player.
Simultaneously, Laumann, who also speaks French, addressed the assistant coach of C.A.R. for his similar comments.
“The report I received is that after the match, one of the Central African Republic players and their assistant coach insulted the Black Stars players in French. They didn’t realize that Jordan was adept in French, so Jordan confronted him,” he said.
“Joseph Laumann is also fluent in French, so he confronted the assistant coach. The assistant coach of C.A.R was the first to attack our assistant coach, but we managed to calm the situation and ensure it didn’t escalate. They were trying to paint a picture of us robbing them, and even their coach abandoned the post-match press conference,” he added on Asempa FM.
Jordan Ayew netted his second hat-trick for the Black Stars, leading them to a 4-3 victory over the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium. Fatawu Issahaku added another goal for the Black Stars.
The Black Stars now hold second place in Group I, with nine points from four matches.
Otto Addo has announcedGhana’s 26-man squad for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR) in June.
The Black Stars will first travel to Bamako to face the Eagles on June 6, followed by a home match against CAR in Kumasi on June 10.
Notably, the squad includes debut call-ups for Cagliari midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana and West Bromwich forward Brandon Thomas-Asante.
Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Frederick Asare is the only home-based player included in the selection.
Addo has also retained many of his key players, demonstrating confidence in his established squad for the must-win encounter against Mali on June 6 in Bamako.
Fit-again Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey returns to the squad, alongside Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), Alexander Djiku (Fenerbahce Istanbul), Alidu Seidu (Stade Rennes), Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion), Salis Abdul Samed (RC Lens) and Mohammed Salisu (AS Monaco).
Striker Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth), wingers Kamaldeen Sulemana (FC Southampton), Issahaku Abdul Fatawu (Leicester City), Ernest Nuamah (Olympique Lyon) and Osman Bukari (RS Belgrade) have been named in the 26-man squad
There are also places for Ebenezer Annan (FK Novi Pazar), Ibrahim Osman (FC Nordsjaelland), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano), Abu Francis (Cercle Brugge) and Brandon Thomas-Asante (West Bromwich) in the squad.
Seven players have been ruled out due to injuries for the upcoming double-header next month.
The injured players include Baba Iddrisu, Majeed Ashimeru, Inaki Williams, Joseph Paintsil, Nathaniel Adjei, Dennis Odoi, and Daniel Amartey.
Additionally, Daniel Kofi Kyere and Joseph Aidoo are confirmed to be sidelined with long-term injuries.
Otto Addo’s 26-man squad will assemble on Thursday morning to commence preparations for the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA, Mexico, and Canada.
The Black Stars will undergo training at theUniversity of Ghana Stadium for six days before departing for Bamako on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.
The squad
Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St Gallen), Jojo Wollacot (Hibernian FC), Frederick Asare (Asante Kotoko)
Defenders: Gideon Mensah (AJ Auxerre),Ebenezer Annan (FK Novi Pazar), Mohammed Salisu (AS Monaco), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano), Alexander Djiku (Fenerbahce Istanbul), Alidu Seidu (Stade Rennes), Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion).
Midfielders: Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United), Ernest Nuamah (Olympique Lyon), Salis Abdul Samed (RC Lens), Ibrahim Sulemana (Cagliari Calcio), Edmund Addo (FK Radnicki Nis), Thomas Partey (FC Arsenal), Elisha Owusu ( AJ Auxerre), Abu Francis (Cercle Brugge).
Forwards: Osman Bukari (RS Belgrade), Issahaku Abdul Fatawu (Leicester City, loan from Sporting CP), Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), Ibrahim Osman (FC Nordsjaelland), Kamaldeen Sulemana (FC Southampton), Brandon Thomas-Asante (West Bromwich).
Former coach of Ghana’s U17 team, Laryea Kingston, has addressed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) regarding the circumstances of his resignation.
Following Ghana’s defeat to Burkina Faso in the WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship, Kingston announced his decision to step down during a press conference on Saturday, May 25.
In response, the GFA issued a statement on Sunday, May 26, accepting Kingston’s resignation but condemning his actions.
“Coach Kingston announced to the players and the coaching staff that he has resigned. Coach Kingston also got off the Team Bus whilst the team was on its way to the Team Hotel.
He failed to attend the Team’s evening meeting with the Management Committee and has since not reported at the Team Hotel,” portions of the GFA statement read.
Addressing concerns about his conduct of abandoning the team bus, Laryea Kingston explained that the announcement of his resignation was made clear and without ambiguity.
He also took responsibility for the team’s failure to qualify for the U17 AFCON.
“Concerning any other issue about my personal conduct, with suggestions that I abandoned the team following last Saturday’s semi-final defeat to Burkina Faso, I state unmistakably, that my announcement during the post-match press conference was without ambiguity that my role as coach with the team ends after the tournament,” Kingston stated.
The ex-player apologized to theGFA President, Exco, and all affected parties for any inconvenience his decision to resign has caused.
“To the President and the Exco, I also want to unreservedly and sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding, inconvenience and embarrassment my decision to announce my resignation last Saturday caused.”
Contrary to theGhana Football Association’s (GFA) statement announcing the acceptance of Laryea Kingston’s resignation, Nana Oduro Sarfo, a member of the FA’s Executive Council, has stated that no final decision has been made.
Nana Oduro Sarfo explained that the Executive Council plans to engage with Laryea Kingston to seek an amicable resolution.
Speaking on Asempa FM, he mentioned that Kingston’s decision to resign came as a surprise to the Council, prompting the need for further discussions.
He emphasized that the upcoming meeting with Kingston will determine whether he will continue in his current role or proceed with his resignation as previously communicated.
Sarfo explained, “The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has not sacked Laryea Kingston. We have asked him to step aside. We will call him after the tournament to find out about his decision. We will sit and know if would love to continue.”
“He said he would resign, so the Management Committee thought having him there for the Nigeria game wouldn’t be good for the team,” he added.
Laryea Kingston announced his resignation from the Black Starlets following the team’s defeat to Burkina Faso in the semi-final of the 2024 WAFU Zone B Championship.
The Black Stars lost 2-1 to Burkina Faso in the match played at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Saturday, May 25, 2024.
“I know Ghanaians remember me as a player and are familiar with the sacrifices I made for the country during my playing days. I gave my all as a player, but in the end, I wasn’t happy.
I focused more on my coaching career and educated myself to ensure I came back to change the narrative around Ghanaian football.
“Within these past seven months as Head Coach, I’ve given my all. I decided when we came back from Russia that I would resign after the WAFU competition. The explanation will come later,” he said.
The Ghana Football Association, in a press release, said that Laryea Kingston announced his resignation to the players of the Black Starlets using inappropriate language.
The Ghana Football Association also claimed that “Coach Kingston got off the team bus while the team was on its way to the team hotel.
“He failed to attend the team’s evening meeting with the Management Committee and has since not reported to the team hotel.The GFA duly accepts Laryea’s resignation,” reads part of the statement issued on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
Ghana Football Association(GFA) has accepted Laryea Kingston’s resignation as head coach of the Black Starlets, though it has shed light on some allegations that reveal the nature of his relationship with the Football Association.
In a recently revised press release, the Ghana Football Association stated that Laryea Kingston informed the Black Starlets of his resignation “using inappropriate language.”
The Ghana Football Association also claimed that “Coach Kingston got off the team bus while the team was on its way to the team hotel.
“He failed to attend the team’s evening meeting with the Management Committee and has since not reported to the team hotel. The GFA duly accepts Laryea’s resignation,” reads part of the statement issued on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
Laryea Kingston announced his resignation from the Black Starlets following their 2-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the WAFU Zone B Under-17 championship.
The Starlets, who coasted through their first two matches in the competition, fell to the Burkinabes in the game played at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Saturday, May 25, 2024.
“I know Ghanaians know me as a player and are familiar with the sacrifices I made for the country during my playing days. I gave my all as a player, but in the end, I wasn’t happy.
I put more focus on my coaching career and educated myself to make sure I came back to change the narrative around Ghanaian Football.
“Within these past seven months as Head Coach, I’ve given my all. I decided when we came back from Russia that I would resign after the WAFU competition. The explanation will come later,” he said.
Former Kumasi Asante Kotoko coach, Isaac Adade Opeele Boateng, has criticized Laryea Kingston’s resignation as the Black Starlets coach, calling it a feeble attempt to gain public sympathy.
In a social media post, Coach Opeele outlined his reasons for considering Laryea Kingston’s resignation a poor decision.
Opeele emphasized that a key quality of a competent coach is the ability to navigate behind-the-scenes politics, an area where he believes Kingston lacked proficiency.
Additionally, Opeele criticized the way Kingston communicated with his players, referencing the language used in some viral videos.
“Laryea, in a video, was seen shouting at two of his players for running slowly. He should understand that not all players respond well to being yelled at.
Yelling at players at that level can undermine confidence and have negative psychological effects.
Laryea achieved good results but chose to quit abruptly after a loss. The GFA alleges he left the team bus, abandoning the kids en route to the team hotel.
“No matter what he’s experiencing, Ghanaian coaches endure worse at the club level but they adapt. Many coaches haven’t even had the chance to lead a national team, yet Laryea got the opportunity and left the team.
“Such actions have consequences, and this particular one will likely have a detrimental effect on his future employment with club owners.
Seeking public sympathy in this manner will only result in future critics dubbing you as the ‘Coach Who Abandoned His Team’ after failing to qualify.
It’s a disaster that the next generation will use to criticize you. Laryea Kingston must reconsider!” he stated.
Laryea Kingston declared his resignation from the Black Starlets after the team’s defeat to Burkina Faso in the semi-final of the 2024 WAFU Zone B Championship.
The Black Starlets fell 2-1 to Burkina Faso in the match held at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Saturday, May 25, 2024.
“I know Ghanaians remember me as a player and the sacrifices I made for the country during my playing days. I gave my all as a player, but ultimately, I wasn’t satisfied.
I focused more on my coaching career and educated myself to ensure I could return and change the narrative around Ghanaian football.
“Over the past seven months asHead Coach,I’ve dedicated myself completely. I decided when we returned from Russia that I would resign after the WAFU competition. I will provide an explanation later,” he said.
Ace sports journalist Collins Atta Poku has argued that Black Stars players should not require any extra motivation to show up for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
Atta Poku believes that the significance of these two matches should be sufficient to inspire the players to perform at their best for Ghanaians.
He emphasized that the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, holds great importance for Ghanaians, and the Black Stars players should be driven enough to secure victories in both matches.
In response to reports suggesting Thomas Partey might be excluded from the games, Atta Poku strongly argued that the Arsenal midfielder should not need to be persuaded to play for the Black Stars.
While questioning the credibility of these reports, Atta Poku stated that Partey would likely want to emulate the career paths of Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, and Sulley Muntari, who all concluded their national team careers with World Cup participation.
He explained that Ghana needs wins against Mali and the Central African Republic to be in a strong position for qualification, and that all in-form players, including Thomas Partey, should be included in the squad.
“Nobody needs to speak to Teye Partey to play that game in Bamako. If you are a player worth your salt, these are some of the matches you use to prove your mettle.
He is one of the leaders in the team, so why should we beg him to come and play this game?
“The World Cup is at stake, and I’m sure he would love to play in his last World Cup. Stephen Appiah did it in 2010, and Essien and Muntari did it in 2014. They exited the national team after the World Cup.
What has this crop of players achieved? Nobody should beg anyone to come and play this game.
“In 2009, it was then-youngster Kwadwo Asamoah who won us the game against Mali in the World Cup qualifiers. His teammates, Jorginho and Declan Rice, will be playing in the European Championship.
Partey’s equivalent of that is the World Cup qualifiers, so he should come and play. I don’t think he will turn down call-ups,” he said.
Meanwhile, coach Otto Addo is set to announce the squad for the two upcoming matches next week.
The Black Stars are scheduled to play against Mali in Bamako on June 6, followed by a game against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadiumon June 10.
Former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), George Afriyie, is hesitant about his plans to once again contend for the presidential position.
Afriyie’s aspirations to lead the football governing body were dashed last year when he faced disqualification ahead of the election, which ultimately saw Kurt Okraku emerge victorious.
In response, Afriyie opted to appeal his disqualification to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). However, his case was recently dismissed, adding a new layer of uncertainty to his future ambitions.
Given this latest setback, Afriyie expresses doubt regarding his willingness to pursue the presidency once more.
“Nobody knows tomorrow. I have not taken any decision yet, but in life, you just have to focus and do what you want to do, and then when there is time and opportunity to do anything, why not?” he told Graphic Sports.
On the decision to dismiss his appeal, he added, “I just gave my opinion, and I said, per what the CAS ruling is, I have accepted it, so we move.”
Afriyie held the position of vice president under Kwesi Nyantakyi’sleadership in the association.
Former Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA),Ibrahim Saanie Daara, has expressed his view on the challenging situation facing Black Stars coach Otto Addo regarding the inclusion of captain Andre Dede Ayew in the squad.
Ayew has encountered difficulties with the Black Stars due to their recent performances, particularly with group stage exits in the last two AFCON editions and the 2022 FIFA World Cup under his captaincy.
While some fans advocate for a transition away from Ayew, Saanie Daara argues that it will be incredibly tough to omit him from the squad at this juncture.
Despite the team’s struggles, Ayew’s performance in the French Ligue 1, where he has scored 5 goals this season, with one nominated for Goal of the Season, suggests that the 34-year-old still has much to offer.
In a post on X, the former GFA spokesperson stated, “To think that Andre Ayew is able to produce such a goal that wins the Goal of the Month award in the French top flight shows that he has more to offer. Well done, Capi.”
“This will be hard for Otto Addo to ignore in hisBlack Stars call-ups,” he added.
Coach Otto Addo is expected to name Ghana’s squad for the game against Mali in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the coming weeks.
Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has rejected George Afriyie’s appeal after he was disqualified from running in the 2023 Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidential election.
In a statement released on May 6, 2024, CAS provided detailed reasons for dismissing Afriyie’s appeal.
1. The appeal filed on September 29, 2023 by George Kwasi Afriyie against the decision rendered on September 15, 2023, by the GFA Appeals Committee is dismissed.
2. The Appealed Decision rendered on September 15, 2023, by the GFA Appeals Committee is confirmed.
3. The costs of the arbitration, to be determined and served separately to the parties by the CAS Court Office, shall be borne by George Kwasi Afriyie.
4. George Kwasi Afriyie is ordered to pay the Ghana Football Association a total amount of CHF 1,000 (one thousand Swiss francs) as a contribution towards its legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection with this arbitration.
5. All other or further motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.
The former GFA Vice President also announced his satisfaction with the CAS ruling.
“I have today received the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding my appeal against the decision of the Elections Committee of the Ghana Football Association.
The CAS, in their decision, has upheld the decision of the Election Committee of the GFA. I take the decision in good faith and express my sincere gratitude to everyone who supported me during this period,” George Afriyie stated.
Background
Before the 2023 GFA Elections, George Afriyie was disqualified from participating after his nomination forms were endorsed by an unqualified individual, Jeffrey Asare, who falsely claimed to be a Director at Victory Club Warriors FC.
Despite appeals to the Elections Committee and subsequent legal actions, the decision stood, as it was deemed that Afriyie’s nomination violated GFA election regulations.
Afriyie’s attempts to appeal his disqualification at CAS were unsuccessful. Consequently, Kurt Okraku ran unopposed and secured re-election as GFA president on October 5, 2023, at the Rahdach Hotel in Tamale.
Sports journalist Saddick Adams has commended theGhana Football Association (GFA)for the recent installation of floodlights at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
In a post dated April 25, 2024, he highlighted that the new floodlights will greatly facilitate evening training sessions for national team players at the facility.
“For the first time ever, players of our national teams can train at night at our National Training Complex. Shouldn’t have taken this long but better late than never. A major step. Kudos to the GFA,” the caption of his post read.
Accompanying the article were three aerial photographs of the facility taken at night. These shots displayed the fully illuminated pitch at the center, with the Prampram township visible in the background.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has faced consistent criticism for the inadequate facilities at this center.
Saddick, also known as Sports Obama, played a leading role in organizing a recent protest against the mismanagement of football in the country.
He proposed conducting these exams three times a year to ensure that referees have a thorough understanding of the game’s rules, thereby enhancing their performance during matches.
“The Regional Referees Associations have to be honest and more scientific.
There should be mandatory theoretical exams conducted three times in a year, with these exams being computerized for all referees across the country”, he said.
“In the past, we dwelt a lot on physical training as a yardstick to determine the quality of referees; over time, we realized that they tended to be physically fit but did not have a firm grasp of the laws governing the game,” Kurt Okraku said during a one-day training workshop for Referees Managers of the ten Regional Football Associations in Accra.
Under his administration, Kurt Okraku has ensured serious investments to improve refereeing.
He is the brain behind the Catch Them Youth refereeing policy.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II,the club’s owner, expressed strong disapproval of their recent poor performances, during a meeting with the Asante Kotoko team at Manyhia on Thursday, April 18.
He made it unequivocally clear that such performances are unacceptable.
Furthermore, Otumfuo conveyed his determination to disband the team rather than see it relegated.
“I will personally call the GFA to dissolve Kotoko before you take the club to relegation,” His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said.
After Asante Kotoko’s dismal performance in their last seven games, the club’s owner, Otumfuo, has voiced his concern.
During this stretch, the team endured six defeats and only secured one draw, leaving them perilously close to the relegation zone, just three points above it.
With an imminent Week 27 fixture against Samartex FC at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium this weekend, Otumfuo has implored the team to clinch victory in the upcoming match.
President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, recently convened a highly productive meeting with the Women’s Super Cup Committee, in a bid to enhance Women’s Football in Ghana.
The meeting was characterised by a collaborative spirit and a strong determination to uplift the status of women’s football in the country.
President Okraku kicked off the session by extending heartfelt congratulations to the Committee members for their unwavering dedication to the advancement of Women’s Football.
He expressed gratitude for their invaluable service and warmly welcomed new additions to the team, emphasizing the importance of their roles in shaping the sport’s future.
During the meeting, President Okraku emphasised the significance of the off-season Women’s Super Cup competition as a platform to showcase the talent and skill of female footballers across Ghana.
He articulated his vision for the competition to not only foster healthy competition but also to inspire and empower young women to pursue their football aspirations.
Julius Emunah, Head of Competitions at the GFA, provided a comprehensive overview of the format of the Women’s Super Cup competition, offering clarity on its organisation.
The Committee engaged in fruitful discussions regarding probable dates for the tournament, with a collective commitment to selecting optimal timing to maximise participation and viewership.
A pivotal aspect of the meeting was President Okraku’s call to action for Committee members to actively seek sponsorship from corporate entities within Ghana.
Recognizing the importance of financial support in the success of such endeavours, he urged the committee to leverage their networks and forge partnerships that would enhance the stature and impact of the Women’s Super Cup competition.
Chaired by Ebenezer Adotey Allotey, with Esther Addo as the Vice Chairperson, the Committee boasts a dynamic lineup of members, including Mariam Iddrisu and Solomon Osei Wusu, whose diverse expertise and passion for Women’s Football bode well for the realisation of the tournament’s objectives.
Additionally, the presence of GFA Deputy General Secretary Ama Brobbey-Williams further underscored the GFA’s commitment to the development of Women’s Football at all levels.
As the meeting concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism and determination among attendees, reflecting a shared resolve to propel women’s football to new heights in Ghana.
With meticulous planning, strategic partnerships, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, the Women’s Super Cup promises to be a landmark event that not only celebrates the talent of female footballers but also paves the way for a more inclusive and vibrant football landscape.
Five months ago, Deputy Director of the National Service Secretariat (NSS), Gifty Oware-Mensah, who has been implicated in a recent exposé by The Fourth Estate, on affluent individuals who allegedly obtained scholarships meant for academically gifted but financially disadvantaged Ghanaians, was made a member of the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) Executive Council.
The Ghana Football Association broke the news about the swearing-in ceremony of its new Executive Council on Monday, October 9, 2023.
Members of the newly elected Executive Council were sworn into office for a four-year mandate.
Present at the meeting were President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, Mark Addo, Dr. Ransford Abbey, Kingsley Osei Bonsu, Frederick Acheampong, Nana Sarfo Oduro, Dr. Gifty Oware-Mensah, Eugene Nobel Amon Noel and Gideon Fosu.
The Members signed the Oath of Office and the Oath of Confidentially. James Kwesi Appiah was absent with permission of the GFA President.
Gifty Oware-Mensah, aside from working at the NSS, owns Berry Ladies FC, a female football formerly known as Halifax Ladies FC, which is currently playing in Ghana’s women premier league.
Per reports, Gifty who has denied receiving any scholarship, “obtained a government scholarship of GBP18,450 (GBP means Great British Pound) to study at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom in 2020 to pursue an MSc in Development Policy and Politics.”
It is said that she received the scholarship three years after she started working for the Secretariat.
According to the Fourth Estate, they reached out to her on January 19, 2024, and her response was “From 2019, my name has been Gifty Oware-Mensah. Let me call Kingsley [Agyemang] and get back. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Let me speak to them and get back to you.”
The Fourth Estate further reported that “She later sent a text message that she was driving to Sunyani and would revert. Subsequent calls to her did not yield result.”
FormerGhana Football Association (GFA) President, Kwesi Nyantakyi, exudes confidence in his bid for the upcoming parliamentary by-election in the Ejisu Constituency, Ashanti Region.
Following the balloting for the New Patriotic Party’s primaries, Nyantakyi, speaking to the media, interprets his placement at number 7 on the ballot as a sign that he is the ideal candidate to represent Ejisu in parliament.
Drawing a parallel, Nyantakyi likens his ballot position to the renowned footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, who famously wore the number 7 jersey for Manchester United and Real Madrid, suggesting his readiness to lead Ejisu with distinction.
“I had indicated to you all on the day I submitted my form that I was the Cristiano Ronaldo of Ejisu and God has perfected it,” he said.
He also maintained that the number 7 biblically represents hard work, dedication, and excellence which are all virtues he would be bringing on board to help the people of Ejisu.
“The number seven jersey number I took represents my brilliance, eloquence, hard work, and excellence in football as we transfer into politics. God spent six days to create the world and rested on the 7th day. And so, it means that my coming signifies that the people of Ejisu will take a rest whilst I assume or continue the hard work for them,” he said.
Kwesi Nyantakyi reiterated, “In philosophy, seven also means wisdom, truthfulness, hard work, intellectuality, etc. And so, if you are not an intelligent man, or a hard-working or a wise person, you are not associated with seven”.
About the Ejisu by-election:
The Ejisu Constituency seat became vacant following the sudden demise of the sitting Member of Parliament, John Kumah.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has however, set April 13, 2024, for its primaries to elect a parliamentary candidate for the Ejisu Constituency.
The nine (9) aspirants who have filed nominations, according to the constituency chairman, includes Klinsman Karikari Mensah, Abena Pokuaa Amoah, Portia Acheampong, wife of the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe, alias Abronye DC, and Aaron Prince Duah.
Others are Kwasi Nyantakyi (former Ghana Football Association President), Dr. Evans Dua, Helena Mensah (PM for the Ejisu Municipal Assembly), Kwabena Boateng, and Maame Yaa Aboagye.
In a discussion about finding a replacement for the late Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu, John Kumah, former president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi, drew a parallel between football and politics.
Nyantakyi compared Kumah’s significance in politics to that of soccer icon Lionel Messi, highlighting the need for a candidate of similar calibre to fill his shoes.
He stressed the importance of selecting a suitable replacement for Kumah who possesses the same high level of skill and capability.
“If Lionel Messi plays a match and gets injured, will you take anybody at all to go and replace him? You need Cristiano Ronaldo, Mbappe, or Haaland, you understand?” Nyantakyi said this in an interview with GhOne TV on April 4, 2024.
The former GFA president, who claims to have been approached several times by residents of Ejisu since 2012, expressed his willingness to vie for the MP position.
Describing himself as the “Ronaldo” equivalent, he suggests that he has the requisite skills to step into the void left by Kumah’s passing.
“I am Ronaldo and I think that I should be brought in to replace Lionel Messi,” he added.
The NPP has announced that the nominees will undergo vetting on April 6, 2024.
Following this,more than 1000 party delegates are anticipated to take part in the primary on April 13, 2024, to select a candidate for the upcoming by-election.
Patrick Osei Agyemang, also known as Countryman Songo, a key organizer of the Save Ghana Football protest, has responded to Kwesi Nyantakyi’s criticism of their demonstration held on February 14, 2024.
During the April 2, 2024, episode of his Fire for Fire show, Songo expressed disagreement with a comment made by the former president of the Ghana Football Association, which seemed to undermine the significance of the protest.
While Songo acknowledged Nyantakyi’s suggestion that the organizers could have opted to submit a petition to the GFA instead, he was upset by the characterization of the protest as “unnecessary”.
The outspoken presenter from Adom TV argued that Nyantakyi’s attempt to diminish the protest was inappropriate and that he should concentrate on his campaign for the Ejisu parliamentary seat.
“I don’t understand his claim that the demonstration was unnecessary. I don’t understand that word. How can you say that the demonstration was unnecessary? I don’t agree with his claim that the protest was not necessary.
“If you want peace, we will give you peace, but people don’t like peace. Our football is in a bad state. He (Nyantakyi) even stated that since his exit, Ghana has not been able to qualify for the knockout phase of a tournament. This means that the football is bad now.
“He destroyed it with his corruption and those who came after him made it worse. The demonstration was an exercise of our constitutional rights,” he said.
In a recent interview with Captain Smart, Kwesi Nyantakyi, who is vying for the Ejisu constituency seat, criticized the decision of Songo, Saddick Adams, and several sports journalists to organize a demonstration.
Nyantakyi argued that instead of taking to the streets, the conveners should have opted to submit their grievances to the GFA through a written petition.
“I don’t agree with the Save Ghana Football demonstration. That protest was not necessary. They should have simply put their petition on paper and submitted it to the GFA,” he told Onua TV.
The “Save Ghana Football” protest witnessed a significant turnout of Ghanaians who marched through the streets of Accra, holding placards to voice their grievances against both theGhana Football Association and the government.
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi has thrown his support behind the current leader, Kurt Okraku, expressing confidence in his abilities given the necessary backing from stakeholders.
Nyantakyi emphasised Okraku’s potential to elevate Ghana’s football status, underscoring the importance of unified support for the GFA president.
Despite recent criticisms of Okraku’s administration following the Black Stars’ disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Nyantakyi remains hopeful about the future of Ghanaian football under Okraku’s leadership.
Speaking to 3Sports, Nyantakyi emphasised the need for collective assistance for Okraku, urging post-election unity to ensure support for the elected candidate.
“Oh, I think that he is capable. He just needs help. Everybody should help him. One thing I advise is that when it’s election time, people come with different tasks and have different candidates but let’s rally around whoever the majority elects and provide the needed support so that we can achieve the common objective,” he stated
“The common objective is to find national teams succeeding. Our football grassroots. For men’s and women’s football, everything going well. So let’s give him the support and I have no doubt that ifwe give him the support he will succeed”, he added.
During the interview, Nyantakyi made several surprising revelations and allegations that sparked widespread discussion and debate.
Amidst the myriad of claims, there were five particularly noteworthy statements that garnered significant attention and fueled numerous conversations.
Here, we explore five key remarks made by Kwesi Nyantakyi during his televised interview.
Admitting to paying a $100,000 bribe to kill number 12 documentary
Kwesi Nyantakyi claimed that he offered $100,000 to Anas Aremeyaw Anas in exchange for not including his involvement in the Number 12 documentary.
He provided detailed accounts of the alleged discussions and financial transactions that occurred prior to the documentary’s broadcast.
Nyantakyi implicated several notable individuals who were aware of the situation and played roles in facilitating the arrangement, ultimately leading to his purported payment of $100,000 to Anas.
According to Nyantakyi, he received a reimbursement after his segment was featured in the documentary, which aired in 2018.
“Before the video was released, a former colleague at the GFA Exco, Adam Munkaila, took me to Anas’ lawyer. I met him at his residence around Westland and he told me Anas was his student and had informed him he needed $150,000 to kill the story.
“I gave them $100,000, but they told me the amount was inadequate and later went ahead to release the video,” Nyantakyi said in an interview with Captain Smart on Onua TV on Tuesday morning.
“After the video came out, I asked for a refund and even the refund was done in instalments. Today, they would bring $20,000, and the next day another $10,000. They were giving me stories, but eventually I got everything back,” he said.
2. Becoming a Minister of Sports
The ex-CAF vice president declared his eagerness to seize the chance to serve as a sports minister in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
He indicated that the prospect of taking on the role under the NPP government is feasible, whereas it appears improbable under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership.
“If NPP comes and they make me a sports minister, I may consider it but if the NDC comes and they consider me, it will be difficult.”
Nyantakyi has transitioned into politics and is set to contest the NPP parliamentary seat in the Ejisu Constituency.
3. Relationship with George Afriyie
The ex-GFA president discussed his rapport with his former vice president, George Afriyie.
He clarified that while there are no hostilities between them, he does not consider Afriyie to be a close friend.
“I have no issues with George Afriyie,” he confessed.
“If someone offends me, I don’t keep it in me; and I’ve let go of everything but I will not call him. He’s not my friend that I call for us to sit somewhere or go to the bush canteen to eat fufu,” said Nyantakyi.
4. Apology to Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo
Nyantakyi apologised to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his vice, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for using their names in the documentary.
“I admit I was wrong to mention the President [Akufo-Addo] and his Vice [Dr Mahamudu Bawumia] in that incident. I am sorry and I hope they forgive me,” he said.
5. Ghana football has declined
During the interview, Kwesi Nyantakyi offered his thoughts on the state of Ghana football, implying that he was the glue that held the sport together.
Nyantakyi claimed that Ghanaian football has been in decline since he stepped down from his position in 2018.
“Ghana football has declined since I left. Since 2019, we have consistently exited tournaments in the first round or even during the group stage. So, if you plot it on a graph, you’d see a sharp decline.”
Tiger Eye PI, the investigative firm behind the notorious Number 12 documentary, which exposed corruption in Ghanaian football, has strongly criticized former Ghana FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi for his recent remarks.
Nyantakyi alleged that the firm, along with lead investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, attempted to extort money from him to prevent the release of the Number 12 documentary.
Tiger Eye PI vehemently denied these accusations and branded Nyantakyi as both a bribe-giver and a bribe-taker.
They asserted that Nyantakyi’s attempt to evade accountability began publicly after the death of a key witness in the ongoing criminal trial linked to the documentary, Ahmed Suale.
“He [Nyantakyi] faces an ongoing criminal trial for corruption and fraud at the High Court in Accra. “Mr. Nyantakyi’s desperation to evade accountability could only happen after the murder of the key witness for the state, Ahmed Suale, after his face was shown on national televsion.”
“A day before his assassination, Mr. Suale was in conference with state prosecutors over the criminal trial of Nyantakyi,” they wrote in a statement.”
Nyantakyi, back in 2020, denied any involvement in the death of the journalist, Ahmed Suale.
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) and aspirant forEjisu Parliamentary seat president Kwesi Nyantakyi claims that the infamous “Number 12” documentary by Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ Tiger Eye PI was orchestrated by some big wigs to oust him from his position
He made these remarks on Captain Smart’s Onua TV morning show ‘Maakye’ on March 2, 2024.
According to him, the prevailing narrative suggested that he was too powerful, and as a result, Anas and his crew were paid to ruin his reputation.
Drawing from an English adage that says ” you have to give a dog a bad name before you can kill it, Nyantakyi contended that Anas, did exactly that.
“Oh yes, because it was widely known that Kwesi Nyantakyi was too powerful. There is a popular English adage that says, ” you have to give a dog a bad name before you can kill. So Anas and his team couldn’t have killed me if they didn’t give me a bad name.
There are some bigwigs in Ghana who were behind it,” he said.
He claims that at the right time he will name and shame the faces behind the number 12 documentary.
“There are some bigwigs in Ghana who were behind it, but at the right time I will mention their names, because if I do right now, they will be summoned by court. I will be asked to present proof so at the right time I will name them. They know themselves; those in football know them too, “he added.
“The Anas team was paid to bring me down because I was too powerful”. Former GFA president, Kwesi Nyantakyi reveals on Onua Tv with Captain Smart.
CEO of MTN Ghana Nungua Stevie Wonder Sam George Alan Lionel Messi Teshie Shatta Wale Game of thrones pic.twitter.com/ZfohQR1P9U
One of Tiger Eye PI’s notable investigations was the documentary titled “Number 12,” which exposed corruption and bribery in Ghanaian football.
The documentary, released in June 2018, revealed widespread corruption among football officials, referees, and administrators in the country.
In “Number 12,” Anas and his team posed as investors and agents seeking to bribe football officials to influence the outcome of matches and player selection.
The documentary captured several high-ranking officials, including the president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi, accepting bribes and engaging in unethical conduct.
As a result of the documentary, Kwesi Nyantakyi resigned from his position as president of the GFA and was banned from football-related activities by FIFA.
The documentary also led to the dissolution of the GFA’s executive committee and sparked widespread reforms in Ghanaian football governance.
A delegation led by El Hadj Wack Diop, Regional Manager for the FIFA Development Office for West & Central Africa, and Silmara Sousa, Africa-Regional Coordinator of Member Associations Division of FIFA, has begun a three-day visit to the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The delegation arrived in Ghana on Tuesday to engage in discussions with the GFA on various football development matters and to review ongoing projects, particularly those supported by the FIFA Forward programme.
Discussions will cover topics such as reviewing the GFA’s Contract of Agreed Objectives for 2023-2026, assessing FIFA Forward Regulations criteria, and evaluating current projects.
The meeting will also delve into initiatives led by the GFA’s Technical Department, including Women’s football development, Talent Identification Scheme (TDS), FIFA High Performance, and utilization of FIFA forward funds.
These engagements aim to provide the GFA with insights to shape future projects for presentation at upcoming AFCA or DevCo meetings of FIFA.
On Thursday, the delegation will visit project sites, including the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, and meet with key stakeholders, including the Director of the Technical Centre and the Technical Director.
Meetings have already occurred with the President of the Association, Edwin Simeon-Okraku, the General Secretary, Director of Legal, Women’s football development team, and the Director of Finance.
El Hadj Wack Diop and Silmara Sousa will concludetheir visit on Friday, March 29, 2024, before departing Ghana. This visit underscores FIFA’s commitment to supporting football development initiatives in Ghana and promoting collaboration between FIFA and national football associations.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) is set to unveil Otto Addo as the new manager of the Black Stars on March 15, 2024, according to a report by Sport Obama TV on YouTube.
Addo, a German-based trainer, is said to have been offered a long-term contract to spearhead Ghana’s new football project.
Reports from Nhyira FM suggest that Addo emerged as the top choice among all candidates interviewed for the vacant position.
If appointed, he will succeed Chris Hughton, with whom he closely collaborated during his previous stint.
Hughton initially served as a technical advisor before assuming the head coach role after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
BREAKING NEWS 📢
Otto Addo returns to Ghana as new Black Stars trainer.
The GFA is expected to announce Otto Addo as replacement of Chris Hughton as new coach latest March 15, 2024.
Addo’s inaugural task, should he assume the role, will be to lead the Black Stars in international friendlies against Uganda and Nigeria scheduled to take place in Morocco in March 2024.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has approved requests from FC Samartex and Nsoatreman FC to observe a minute of silence at two Ghana Premier League venues.
The tribute will honor fallen heroes at the Nana Nsenkyire Sports Arena in Sameraboi and the Nana Konamansah Park in Nsoatre.
FC Samartex requested to pay tribute to a deceased member during their match against Nations FC, while Nsoatreman FC sought permission to commemorate a departed individual in their match against Accra Hearts of Oak.
Both clubs expressed their desire to honor individuals who had made significant contributions to their communities.
The request from FC Samartex read:
We present to you the compliments of the Board and Management. FC Samartex 1996 request that A MINUTE SILENCE be observed in the home game, Samartex Vs Nations FC in the Match Day 19 of the Ghana Premier League on Sunday 3rd March 2024, at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena in honour of the Club’s long serving Administrative Officer, Mr. Alex Eshun who passed on in January 2024.
Nsoatreman FC:
We are sad to officially announce the death of STEPHEN ANSU FABIRI, our I.T officer whose sudden demise occurred on 20th February 2024. Kindly grant us the permission to honour him a minute of silence and the usage of black armband by our players on Sunday in our game against ACCRA HEARTS OF OAK. Counting on your usual cooperation.
Former Asante Kotoko coach, Isaac ‘Opeele’ Boateng, has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to consider appointing Black Queens coach Nora Haptle as the next manager for the Black Stars.
Boateng emphasised the importance of being forward-thinking and suggested that Ghana could make history by appointing a female coach for their senior men’s team.
In a tweet, Opeele expressed his unwavering confidence in the Swiss trainer, stating that she would be an excellent choice for the Black Stars job.
“Sometimes, I wish Ghana could live in the future to be the first to appoint a woman as their senior national team coach. The first to gain independence in Southern Sahara can be the first to do this. Nora can coach the Black Stars, trust me. Unthinkable, right?” he wrote.
The Black Stars coaching position has remained vacant since Chris Hughton’s dismissal following the 2023 African Cup of Nations.
In a recent announcement, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) revealed that the Black Stars coach search committee has concluded its evaluation process and submitted its report.
Nora Hauptle has garnered praise from Ghanaians for her accomplishments with the Black Queens. Since assuming the role of Black Queens coach in January 2023, she has overseen significant achievements, notably guiding the team to qualify for the WAFCON for the first time since 2018.
Under her leadership, the team has demonstrated remarkable performance, winning 10 out of 13 games, with two draws and one loss.
The rejuvenated Black Queens have netted 37 goals while conceding just six.
However, Nora Hauptle’s project faced a setback when the Black Queens narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games after a 4-3 aggregate loss to Zambia.
Sometimes, I wish Ghana can live in the future to be the first to appoint a woman as their senior national team coach. First to gain independence at Southern Sahara can be the first to do this. Nora can coach the Black Stars trust me. Unthinkable Right? 🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/pmPySagWP3
Head coach of Dreams FC, Abdul Karim Zito, has disclosed that he refrained from applying for the vacant Ghana coaching position due to his aversion to social media insults, especially from individuals he supports.
He expressed his belief that applying for the coaching roleunder Kurt Okraku’s presidency at the Ghana Football Association would expose him to negative comments from critics.
“If I had applied, people would say it was because Kurt Okraku is the GFA President; that is why I applied. So I decided not to apply at all,” he told Asempa FM, as monitored by footballghana.com.
“If you look at it, it’s like anything coming from Kurt; that thing is not good. Some people will go to social media; people that you can even take care of will talk trash about you and I don’t like that.”
Following the dismissal of Chris Hughton due to Ghana’s disappointing performance at the 2023 AFCON, the Ghana Football Association opened applications for interested coaches.
By the deadline, over 600 coaches had submitted their applications.
Despite the three-week period given to the search committee, no announcement has been made regarding the appointment of a new coach.
The Black Stars head coach search committee has completed its report and recommendations, which were presented to President Simeon-Okraku on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
ow, the Executive Council will review these recommendations to determine the next steps in appointing the Black Stars coach.
Following the resolution of the coaching decision, the FA plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and other key stakeholders for their support.
The Executive Council had previously tasked a five-member committee, chaired by Vice President Mark Addo, to find a new coach for the senior men’s national team after the departure of Chris Hughton.
The committee’s mandate included identifying suitable and competent coaches for consideration, even if they did not formally apply for the position.
Comprising Vice President Mark Addo, Banker Kojo Addae Mensah, Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah, Technical Director of the Ghana Football Association, Ghana Football legend Opoku Nti, and William Kartey, Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the five-man search committee worked diligently to fulfil their responsibilities.
On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, the President of theGhana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, and Mustapha Ussif, the Minister of Youth and Sports, paid a visit to the camp of the Black Queens in preparation for their upcoming match against Zambia on Friday, February 23, 2024.
The visit comes in response to public outcry regarding the ministry’s failure to pay bonuses owed to the Black Queens.
Accompanied by Gifty Oware, the chair of the Black Queens management committee, Okraku and Ussif held a meeting with the players to address their financial concerns and provide encouragement ahead of the game against Zambia.
Images shared on the official social media account of the Black Queens depict the players’ enthusiasm during the meeting as they warmly greeted the GFA president and the Sports Minister.
Players of the Black Queens who participated in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the previous rounds of the Olympic Games qualifiers are owed $7,500 each in winning bonuses.
It is understood that the Ministry had agreed to pay $2,500 per round, with the team having played four rounds so far—two in the Olympic Games qualifiers and two in the AWCON qualifiers. Payment for one round is still outstanding.
The team is currently in the final round of the Olympic Games qualifiers and is scheduled to face Zambia in the first leg in Accra on Friday, followed by the second leg in Zambia on Wednesday, February 27, 2024.
