The position of head coach for theGhanaBlack Stars has been vacant for a week after the dismissal of Irish manager Chris Hughton.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is now accepting applications, and reports suggest that among the applicants is former German footballer Jurgen Kholer.
Jurgen Kholer is seen as a leading candidate to succeed Chris Hughton as the Black Stars’ head coach. Kholer had an illustrious playing career, featuring for top European clubs Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Juventus.
He notably played a key role in Germany’s 1990 World Cup victory, contributing to their defense.
After retiring as a player in 2002, Kholer transitioned to coaching. Starting with the Germany U-21 national team, he has accumulated 17 years of coaching experience.
Despite his successful playing career, his coaching journey has included managing clubs like MSV Duisburg, Aalen, Bonner, EGC Wirges, Hauenstein, Alfter, Viktoria Koln U-19, and Viktoria Koln (caretaker).
While Ivory Coast expressed interest in hiring him in 2006, Kholer declined the offer.
Despite his coaching experience, he has not securedany trophies and has been without a coaching position since 2019.
A team of sports journalists, including Songo and Obama, has received permission from the police toorganise a protest addressing the challenges currently faced by Ghanaian football.
Saddick Obama, a member of the group, informed the media on January 31, 2024, that they were content with the support received from the police following a meeting at the regional command earlier that day.
“The police wish they could join because we all love football; we don’t have a fight with anyone or hatred towards anyone. The agreed timelines and conditions are favourable.
“It is a simple march to present a petition to the authorities; this is about a common passion that we want to protect,” he explained.
Per reports, other journalists participating in the march include Countryman Songo, Veronica Commey, and Charles Osei Assibey.
The march follows the disappointing performance of the Black Stars at the 2023 African Cup of Nations, where they exited in the first round with only two points in a group that included Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) has faced criticism for forming a committee to select the next Black Stars coach after firing Chris Hughton.
Journalists have urged the government to intervene and stop the GFA’s decision, emphasising the need for comprehensive reforms to address fundamental issues in football administration in the country.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) has issued a public apology to the Ghanaian people regarding the lackluster performance of the Black Stars during the ongoing 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
Failing to progress beyond the group stage, the national team endured a campaign without a single victory, suffering a defeat to Cape Verde and securing draws against Egypt and Mozambique.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, January 30, the GFA acknowledged the palpable frustration and disappointment felt by the passionate football-loving nation. They took full responsibility for falling short of the expectations placed on the team and expressed their regret for not meeting the standards anticipated by the Ghanaian supporters.
“The Ghana Football Association extends our sincerest apologies to the good people of Ghana and all stakeholders for the recent disappointing performance of the senior national team, the Black Stars at the Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023,” the statement read in part.
In the aftermath of the Black Stars’ elimination from the 2023 African Cup of Nations, head coach Chris Hughton has been relieved of his duties, and the entire technical team has been disbanded.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has taken decisive action by initiating a search for a new head coach. To oversee this process, a five-member committee, led by Vice President Mark Addo, has been appointed.
In addition to the coaching change, the GFA has announced a comprehensive review of various aspects of the national team. This examination will encompass strategies, training methodologies, compensation structures, and the overall team framework.
The Association has underscored its unwavering commitment to the revitalization of Ghanaian football. The objective is to not only rebuild but also elevate the standards, with the ultimate goal of reinstating pride and success to the Black Stars.
“We value the unwavering support of our stakeholders, and we commit to working tirelessly with you to ensure a stronger and more competitive team. Your loyalty and passion are the driving forces behind our efforts to rebuild and elevate the standard of Ghanaian football,” the GFA assured in its statement.
Football Association (FA) has come under intense scrutiny in the aftermath of the Black Stars’ dismal showing at the AFCON, with some critics levying accusations of gross incompetence against the association.
Before the FA issued its official statement, a faction of critics had vociferously called for an apology, holding the association accountable for its perceived role in the team’s subpar performance. Concurrently, there were calls from another segment of critics urging the dissolution of the FA.
In the midst of this controversy, numerous members of the Black Stars team have taken to their individual social media platforms to extend apologies for the team’s underwhelming performance at the AFCON.
The Ghana Football Association has extended its apologies to Ghanaians and all stakeholders for the recent disappointing performance of the senior national team, the Black Stars at the Africa Cup of Nations Cote D’Ivoire 2023.
The GFA on January 30 admitted that Ghana’s performance fell short of the high expectations “we all share, and we take full responsibility for the disappointment.”
Following a meeting of the Executive Council of the Association and Chairmen of the RFAs on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, the GFA assured all stakeholders that the requisite steps are being taken to address the issues at hand, and a thorough review of the team’s strategies, training, compensation, and overall structure is underway.
“We value the unwavering support of our stakeholders, and we commit to working tirelessly with you to ensure a stronger and more competitive team. Your loyalty and passion are the driving forces behind our efforts to rebuild and elevate the standard of Ghanaian football.
“We appreciate your understanding during this challenging time and remain dedicated to restoring the pride and success we all desire for the Ghana Black Stars. Together, we will emerge stronger and more resilient,” the GFA added.
Ghana failed to progress from the group stage of the ongoing tournament in Ivory Coast. Following this, many stakeholders called on the GFA to render an unqualified apology to Ghanaians for the bad performance. The GFA has finally done so, a week after Black Stars’ exit.
GFA’s long-awaited apology comes at a time when it is facing public scrutiny for budgeting an amount of $8.5million for the senior national team without Parliamentary approval.
Dede Ayew apologizes to Ghanaians for Black Stars' performance at 2023 AFCON
North Tongu’s Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has intensified his criticism of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) over the bloated budget prepared for the senior national team during its time at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In an interview on Peace FM, Mr Ablakwa, described the GFA as a disrespectful institution for trying to play a smart one on Parliament and the Ghanaian public by withholding details of how much it planned to spend on the Black Stars at AFCON.
He noted that prior to the commencement of the tournament in Ivory Coast, Parliament requested the budget prepared for the Black Stars but the GFA claimed that it was yet to be finalised.
For him, this does not bid well for Ghana’s democratic process as the Legislature is not a rubber stamp to be used anytime and anyhow.
But after his own investigations, Mr Ablakwa has discovered the extravagant expenditure the GFA had plan to undertake.
“It is our responsibility to keep the Executive on its toes. To be able to do the job well, you need evidence. If you have an Executive that doesn’t want to be transparent, accountable. If you can remember, going into this tournament, we asked in Parliament, time without number, that where is the budget. They told us it was not finalized so they can’t disclose it, which is not best practice.
“Zambia, weeks before the tournament, presented their budget to the Zambian Parliament. There was transparency. Ivory Coast and South Africa did same. Nigeria too. Why can’t Ghana do same? After the calamitous performance, instead of you to apologize to us, which you haven’t done.
“Parliament is not a rubber stamp. In the constitution, we are the custodians of the purse. Parliament is where you are to present your budget and we then scrutinize it. So we can protect the public purse and get value for money.
“Now you are back. Now you are trying to bring us more bills. You haven’t accounted for the previous one. You have rather set a committee and sending us an invoice. You just have no respect for the Ghanaian people. This is not democracy. This cannot be democracy. That is why we have decided to intercept all the documents,” he said.
In his recent disclosure, Mr. Ablakwa highlighted that the government allocated a substantial sum of US$8,506,450 for the Black Stars’ involvement in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
Should Ghana not have been prematurely kicked out of the AFCON tournament and won this year’s trophy, the Black Stars would have earned $7 million.
For Mr Ablakwa, it is beyond reasoning that the government would plan to spend more that it would generate from the tournament. He is also peeved by the fact that Zambia approved a total budget of only US$2.1million for its national team.
“This hefty US$8.5million translates into a colossal GHS105million at current exchange. Note that the GHS105 million is entirely separate from the GHS27.9million spent on the qualifiers. What this means is that even if the Black Stars had won the trophy, the public officials who put this budget together were determined to ensure that Ghana made losses in excess of US$1.5million,” the North Tongu legislator wrote.
Mr Ablakwa referenced an intercepted letter from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, dated 2nd January, 2024 which was addressed to the Minister of Finance requesting part payment of US$5,071,840.36 from the total Black Stars budget of US$8,506,450.00.
The request letter in issue was signed by the Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. William Kartey, on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, he added.
“A painful addition to the scandalous GHS105million budget is that it did not guarantee success on the pitch either. It would be interesting to know what thought processes went into a scary US$8.5million budget for a bankrupt country which has defaulted on its loans and is desperately seeking an IMF bailout,” Mr Ablakwa added.
THE SECRET IS OUT; THE WAIT IS OVER — GOVT & GFA AGREED ON A BLACK STARS AFCON BUDGET OF AN ASTONISHING US$8.5MILLION (GHS105MILLION)
I promised in my publication last week on the staggering GHS27.9million taxpayers spent on the Black Stars between 2022 and 2023, that I shall… pic.twitter.com/4005pvDngk
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced a 40% increase in the prize money for the winner of the AFCON 2023, from $5 million to $7 million. The runner-up will receive $4 million, while the losing semifinalists will get $2.5 million each. The quarterfinalists will pocket $1.3 million each, and the third-placed team will earn $2 million.
Unfortunately, Ghana could not earn any of the aforementioned amounts as it failed to even progress beyond the group stages. Ghana lost to Cape Verde in its opener, drew with Egypt and Mauritania.
Subsequently, Chris Hughton, who led the Black Stars to the 2023 AFCON tournament quit his job, and now Ghana is in search of a new head coach for the senior national team.
Chief Executive of Databank, Kojo Addae-Mensah, has taken over from Ace Ankomah on the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) special five-member search committee responsible for selecting the new head coach for the Black Stars.
The committee, led by GFA Vice President Mark Addo, includes Professor Joseph Mintah, Sports Ministry Chief Director William Caesar Kartey, and Ghanaian football legend Opoku Nti.
GFA has given the search committee a three-week timeframe to recommend the next Black Stars coach to the Executive Council for approval.
The quest for a new head coach began following the immediate dismissal of Chris Hughton, who was unable to guide the Black Stars beyond the group stages at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a prior statement, the Ghana Football Association announced a deadline of February 2, 2024, for prospective applicants to apply for the vacant coaching role.
The GFA has outlined five criteria that the new head coach must meet, including having at least 15 years of coaching experience. These criteria will be essential for the individual selected to lead the Black Stars.
North Tongu member of Parliament, Okudzeto Ablakwa’s expose ofthe Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) ‘oversized’ budget appears to have fallen on the wrong side of the association.
Mr Ablakwa took to his social media on January 29, 2024, with purported documents from the Ministry of Youth and Sports containing what was believed to be an agreed-upon budget of $8.5 million (about GH¢105 million) for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by government and
He claimed that he had intercepted documents that showed that the government and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) had agreed on a whooping budget of $8.5 million (about GH¢105 million) for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and this budget, he said, was separate from the GH¢27.9 million that was spent on the qualifiers.
In response to this, an Executive Council member of the GFA, Nana Oduro Sarfo, during an interview on Asempa FM, accused Ablakwa of being a detractor whose goal is to” influence public discourse and deflect our focus from important issues” because he “did not like the fact that the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary primaries were peaceful, free and fair.”
He further went on to caution Mr Ablakwa to stop playing politics with football and focus on his mandate in Parliament.
“He should concentrate on his job of passing bills in Parliament and stop engaging in small, small cheap politics in football. It is not the best” he fumed.
The GFA also issued a statement,cautioning Ablakwa to stop the cheap politics and focus on policies. They said that the budget was not final and that it was subject to review and approval by the relevant authorities
Ghana Football Association (GFA) has issued a caution to Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, urging him to refrain from politicising football matters.
Nana Oduro Sarfo, an Executive Council member of the GFA, emphasised in an interview on Asempa FM that Mr. Ablakwa should redirect his focus from playing politics with football and concentrate on his parliamentary responsibilities.
Oduro Sarfo’s comments were prompted by Mr. Okudzeto Ablakwa’s public disclosure of the budget for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The NDC MP shared an official government document on social media, revealing that over $8.5 million had been allocated for the tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports show, Oduro Sarfo criticised Mr. Ablakwa, stating that making the budget public was a diversionary tactic.
The GFA official urged the MP to avoid using football for political purposes and focus on the substantive issues within his parliamentary role.
“He may have published the details to influence public discourse and deflect our focus from important issues. Maybe he did not like the fact that the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary primaries were peaceful, free and fair,” he said.
Oduro Sarfo emphasised that Okudzeto Ablakwa should concentrate on his duties as a Member of Parliament.
“He should concentrate on his job of passing bills in Parliament and stop engaging in small, small cheap politics in football. It is not the best” he fumed.
Host of Adom TV’s Fire-for-Fire, Patrick Osei-Agyemang, popularly known as Countryman Songo, is gearing up to lead a significant demonstration against the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Scheduled for Valentine’s Day on February 14, the protest aims to express dissatisfaction with the performance of the Kurt Okraku-led administration.
This decision stems from the disappointing exit of the Black Stars from the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Ivory Coast.
Despite high hopes of ending the country’s 42-year trophy drought, the team exited the group phase with just two points.
The Black Stars faced draws against Egypt and Mozambique, along with a defeat to Cape Verde in their opening match. This early departure marks the first consecutive group-phase exit for the team in AFCON history.
Award-winning broadcaster Osei-Agyemang squarely places the blame on the GFA, criticising them for spending taxpayer money without producing satisfactory results.
His call for accountability, especially regarding the AFCON budget, has prompted him to lead the demonstration.
Adding to the fallout from the team’s poor performance, head coach Chris Hughton has been sacked.
The GFA has unveiled a roadmap for the appointment of a new coach in the aftermath of the 34th edition of the AFCON.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called for a Parliamentary probe into Ghana’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) budget.
The call comes after the MP released documents suggesting that the government allocated a substantial sum of US$8,506,450 for the Black Stars’ involvement in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
Per the leaked document, the Black Stars would have earned US$7 million if the team had won the AFCON.
For Mr Ablakwa, it is beyond reasoning that the government would plan to spend more that it would generate from the tournament. He is also peeved by the fact that Zambia approved a total budget of only US$2.1million for its national team.
It is in view of this that he has charged Parliament to probe the said budget and the expenditure of the players at the tournament.
THE SECRET IS OUT; THE WAIT IS OVER — GOVT & GFA AGREED ON A BLACK STARS AFCON BUDGET OF AN ASTONISHING US$8.5MILLION (GHS105MILLION)
I promised in my publication last week on the staggering GHS27.9million taxpayers spent on the Black Stars between 2022 and 2023, that I shall… pic.twitter.com/4005pvDngk
Mr Ablakwa in a tweet said: “It would be interesting to know what thought processes went into a scary US$8.5million budget for a bankrupt country which has defaulted on its loans and is desperately seeking an IMF bailout.”
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has provided information that once again proves government’s penchant for exorbitant expenditure despite being in debt distress, as announced by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In his recent exposé, Mr Ablakwa indicated that the government budgeted a colossal amount of US$8,506,450 for the Black Stars’ participation in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
“This hefty US$8.5million translates into a colossal GHS105million at current exchange. Note that the GHS105 million is entirely separate from the GHS27.9million spent on the qualifiers,” the North Tongu legislator wrote.
Mr Ablakwa referenced an intercepted letter from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, dated 2nd January, 2024 which was addressed to the Minister of Finance requesting part payment of US$5,071,840.36 from the total Black Stars budget of US$8,506,450.00.
The request letter in issue was signed by the Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. William Kartey, on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, he added.
Should Ghana not have been prematurely kicked out of the AFCON tournament and won this year’s trophy, the Black Stars would have earned $7 million.
For Mr Ablakwa, it is beyond reasoning that the government would plan to spend more that it would generate from the tournament. He is also peeved by the fact that Zambia approved a total budget of only US$2.1million for its national team.
“What this means is that even if the Black Stars had won the trophy, the public officials who put this budget together were determined to ensure that Ghana made losses in excess of US$1.5million.
“I have been wondering how government and FA officials in a country like Zambia can approve a total budget of only US$2.1million for the same AFCON competition and be fine, but Ghana has to live large and ostentatious — a bankrupt country undergoing debt restructuring and unable to construct resettlement homes for victims of VRA’s catastrophic spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams.
“A painful addition to the scandalous GHS105million budget is that it did not guarantee success on the pitch either. It would be interesting to know what thought processes went into a scary US$8.5million budget for a bankrupt country which has defaulted on its loans and is desperately seeking an IMF bailout,” he added.
THE SECRET IS OUT; THE WAIT IS OVER — GOVT & GFA AGREED ON A BLACK STARS AFCON BUDGET OF AN ASTONISHING US$8.5MILLION (GHS105MILLION)
I promised in my publication last week on the staggering GHS27.9million taxpayers spent on the Black Stars between 2022 and 2023, that I shall… pic.twitter.com/4005pvDngk
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced a 40% increase in the prize money for the winner of the AFCON 2023, from $5 million to $7 million. The runner-up will receive $4 million, while the losing semifinalists will get $2.5 million each. The quarterfinalists will pocket $1.3 million each, and the third-placed team will earn $2 million.
Unfortunately, Ghana could not earn any of the aforementioned amounts as it failed to even progress beyond the group stages. Ghana lost to Cape Verde in its opener, drew with Egypt and Mauritania.
Subsequently, Chris Hughton, who led Black Stars to the 2023 AFCON tournament quit his job and now Ghana is in search of a new head coach for the senior national team.
Controversial sports journalist Patrick Osei Agyemang, popularly known as Countryman Songo, has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to intervene and prevent theGhana Football Association (GFA) from proceeding with the search for the next Black Stars coach.
Following the dismissal of coach Chris Hughton after Ghana’s exit from the 2023 AFCON, the GFA established a 5-member committee, led by vice president Mark Addo, to find the next Black Stars coach.
Countryman Songo contends that the GFA has overseen the appointment of four coaches since 2019, resulting in unsatisfactory outcomes. He suggests that the GFA aims to select a coach they can easily manipulate and influence in terms of player selection.
“The government of Ghana should dissolve the committee because it’s a waste of time and taxpayers’ resources. No one should sit down and allow them to proceed with this. These are the same people who brought in Milovan, Otto Addo and now Chris Hughton, Songo stated.
He added, “They should rather be apologising to Ghanaians so we see the next way forward. They have destroyed the Black Stars and our football…”
“They want to bring their coach so that they can use him to enrich themselves with taxpayers’ monies. Akufo-Addo and Bawumia should not allow these so-called football people to search for our next coach,” Songo said on Adom TV.
Host of “Good Evening Ghana,” Paul Adom-Otchere, has raised questions about the integrity of investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
In a recent episode of his show, Adom-Otchere passionately expressed his grievances against Anas, renowned for his undercover investigative work that has exposed corruption and wrongdoing across various sectors.
Adom-Otchere accused Anas of harboring excessive greed and questioned the journalist’s motivations behind some of his high-profile investigations.
His disapproval extended to Anas’s methods and approach in conducting undercover investigations, with Adom-Otchere alleging that the journalist prioritizes financial gains over ethical journalism practices.
Furthermore, Adom-Otchere leveled similar accusations at the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, claiming that both Kissi Agyebeng and Anas are “wolves in sheep’s clothing” and “wicked people.”
He suggested that the day Mr Agyebeng was appointed as Special Prosecutor should have been a moment for collective introspection and repentance for the nation’s sins.
Adom-Otchere remarked, “That day that Kissi Agyebeng was made special prosecutor, we should all have atoned for our sins and begged God for mercy on Ghana, praying that such wicked people no longer hold positions of influence. Wolves in sheep’s clothing, wicked people—they don’t inspire anything; they are just greedy. May the Lord forgive them.”
He added that the duo, Kissi Agyebeng and Anas, are working together to fabricate lies and tarnish the image of individuals for financial gains.
He specifically called on the Special Prosecutor to clear the name of the former president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi.
Mr Nyantakyi was removed from his position following allegations of fraud and corruption, as documented in Anas’s investigative exposé known as “Number 12.”
The documentary purportedly reveals Nyantakyi accepting cash and gifts, as well as engaging in influence peddling.
In one segment, Mr Nyantakyi was heard stating, “I have the president [Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo] in my pocket” during discussions about a potentially lucrative deal with individuals posing as ‘fake Arabs’ in Dubai.
Subsequent to the documentary’s release, the president ordered Mr Nyantakyi’s arrest to facilitate an investigation into the actions captured on tape.
FIFA World Cup winner and German football legend Jurgen Kholer has expressed interest in the vacant coaching position for the Black Stars.
Following the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) decision to dismiss Chris Hughton as the head coach of the national men’s team after their exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, the Black Stars are currently without a coach.
Ghana failed to progress from Group B, which included Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique, leading to Hughton’s dismissal.
The GFA is seeking a coach with 15 years of coaching experience in either national team or club football, emphasising a proven track record of success.
Kholer, according to sources in Germany, has officially applied for the position and submitted his curriculum vitae for consideration.
At 58, Kholer is currently unattached after leaving his last role as FC Viktoria Köln manager. He holds a UEFA Pro Licence certificate and began his coaching career in 2003 after retiring from professional football in 2002.
Throughout his coaching career, Kholer has managed the German U21 team, served as the Director of Football for Bayern Leverkusen, managed MSV Duisburg, and held positions at vfR Aalen, among other clubs.
As a player, Kholer had an illustrious career, playing for renowned clubs like Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayern Munich.
With over 15 years of coaching experience, he fits the criteria set by the Ghana Football Association, bringing a proven track record in team reconstruction, talent development, and discipline.
Kholer earned the nickname “Football God” due to his qualities as a center-back during his playing days. He was a member of the German 1990 FIFA World Cup-winning team and played a pivotal role in the team’s success.
Lawyer Ace Ankomah (Esq.) has reportedly withdrawn from the five-member committee responsible for finding the next coach for the Black Stars.
Initially appointed as the vice chairman of the committee, with GFA Vice President Mark Addo as the chairperson, Ace Ankomah (Esq.) decided to step back from his role.
The committee comprises the Director of Coaching Education at the GFA, Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah, Ghana football legend Opoku Nti, and William Caesar Kartey, Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The establishment of this committee followed the dismissal of Chris Hughton as the Black Stars coach on January 23, 2024.
BREAK: I’m informed that Lawyer Ace Ankomah has declined to serve on the Committee to search for a new Black Stars coach.
I have personally called on the President of Ghana to dissolve that Committee, halt the search and instruct his minister and the GFA to first, render and… pic.twitter.com/wdVIC8tnvl
As per sports journalist Saddick Adams, the law lecturer has declined the invitation to serve on the committee. In a post on X, Adams stated, “I’m informed that Lawyer Ace Ankomah has declined to serve on the committee to search for a new Black Stars coach.”
“I have personally called on the President of Ghana to dissolve that committee, halt the search and instruct his minister and the GFA to first render an apology to the people of Ghana.
“Submit technical and management reports and their budget and investigate the causes of the disaster in Abidjan.
“Good that Lawyer Ace has been honourable enough to decline. The other members must decline their interest.
“The chairman of that committee himself is not fit for purpose. Aluta Continua.”
Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially announced the deadline for applicants interested in the vacant coaching position for the Black Stars.
As per the recent FA statement, candidates looking to be considered for the role have until 11:59 PM on February 2, 2024, to submit their applications.
Following the dismissal of Chris Hughton after the Black Stars’ early exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the GFA Executive Committee has formed a five-member panel. This panel is responsible for recommending a new coach within a three-week timeframe.
The Committee is not restricting its search to only those who apply; it has the authority to actively explore and consider suitable coaches, even those who haven’t formally applied.
Prospective coaches interested in taking on the responsibility of leading the Black Stars are encouraged to submit their applications. This includes a curriculum vitae or resume and a mission statement, which should be sent to the Search Committee via email at recruitment@ghanafa.org before the specified deadline.
JOB DESCRIPTION – HEAD COACH
The appointed Head Coach will have the overarching responsibility for managing the Senior Men’s National Team. This includes tasks such as player selection, tactical planning for both training sessions and games, and overseeing the overall performance of the Black Stars.
In addition to the day-to-day management, the Head Coach will play a crucial role in providing general technical direction and supervision for the Black Stars. A key aspect of the role involves enhancing the capabilities of the Technical Team associated with the national squad.
The Head Coach is expected to stay abreast of the latest developments and innovations in football tactics and development. Keeping up with the evolving landscape of the sport is essential for effective leadership.
Having a football philosophy that aligns with or complements the GFA’s DNA is a prerequisite for the Head Coach. This ensures a cohesive approach and shared values within the coaching staff.
Collaboration with the Technical Directorate is imperative, specifically in identifying and nurturing young talents for national teams. The Head Coach should actively contribute to the development of emerging players.
Scouting new talent for the national team is a crucial aspect of the role, requiring the ability to travel, both domestically and internationally, to assess player performances.
Beyond on-field responsibilities, the Head Coach is expected to engage with the media. This includes activities such as squad announcements and participating in pre-match and post-match interviews. Effective communication with the media is essential for transparency and public relations.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate for the Head Coach position should have a demonstrated history of success in coaching premier Men’s National Teams or at the Club level.
Qualifications include holding the highest football license globally and possessing a minimum of 15 years of extensive experience in football.
A proven track record in successfully rebuilding teams, along with expertise in organizing and developing young talents, is a crucial requirement for the role.
Former Ghanaian footballer Prince Tagoe has expressed concerns about the strained relationship between President Kurt Okraku and Wilfred Palmer, emphasising that it should not negatively impact Joseph Paintsil.
Tagoe believes that conflicts between the GFA President and certain football administrators are affecting players managed by those administrators.
Using Joseph Paintsil, under the guidance of Osei Kwaku Palmer, as an example, Tagoe points to Paintsil’s frustration, particularly during the Black Stars’ match against Mozambique, where he was substituted despite being a key player.
Tagoe suggests that Paintsil’s discomfort is a result of the ongoing issues between Palmer and Kurt Okraku.
“Those at the FA have decided to make some players feel uncomfortable at the national team just because they have problems with other management members who have players in the team,” he told Asempa FM, as monitored by FootballGhana.com.
“One example I can clearly make is Joseph Paintsil; which intelligent coach will take him off after he won the penalty? Kurt, if you have problems with Palmer, solve your issues and allow the player to play football.”
In their last Group B match, Ghana required avictory against Mozambique. However, they conceded two goals in injury time, leading to a 2-2 draw and their exit from the tournament.
Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, contends that the calls for dissolving the Ghana Football Association (GFA) following Ghana’s disappointing performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations are misguided.
Baako expressed this viewpoint during a panel discussion on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo program through a text message, stating that the dissolution of the GFA is “wrongheaded.”
There has been widespread demand for the government to take action against the GFA by disbanding the association and implementing measures for a complete overhaul of Ghanaian football.
Advocates of this proposal argue that the Black Stars’ dismal performance in Ivory Coast is indicative of the severe deterioration of Ghanaian football and necessitates more radical interventions.
These proponents reject the idea that Chris Hughton was solely responsible for the Black Stars’ poor showing and insist on a shake-up at the FA.
The Black Stars exited the tournament without a win, managing two draws and suffering a defeat in Group B. Their group-stage elimination from AFCON 2023 mirrors a similar fate in the 2021 edition.
Following the disastrous performance in Ivory Coast, the Ghana Football Association dismissed Chris Hughton, and a five-member committee was subsequently announced to search for the new Black Stars coach.
On January 25, 2024, the GFA unveiled the roadmap for appointing a new coach, with Vice President Mark Addo leading the search committee.
Legal practitioner and law lecturerAce Ankomah (Esq.) will serve as Vice Chairman, joined by Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah, Opoku Nti, and William Caesar Kartey as committee members.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) has outlined a plan to appoint a new coach for the Black Stars and has formed a five-member search committee for this purpose.
The decision comes in the aftermath of Chris Hughton’s dismissal from the position on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, following Ghana’s disappointing performance at AFCON 2023.
The search committee, led by Vice President of the Ghana Football Association, Mark Addo, includes Legal Practitioner and former Ghana School of Law lecturer Ace Ankomah (Esq.) as Vice Chairman.
Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah, Director of Coaching Education at the GFA; Ghana football legend Opoku Nti, and William Caesar Kartey, Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, also serve as members.
The GFA has assigned the search committee a three-week timeline to assess and recommend the next Black Stars coach to the Executive Council for approval.
Additionally, the GFA plans to publish a detailed job description for the head coach position of the Black Stars in the near future.
“However, an abbreviated version of the criteria for the selection of the next head coach are as follows:
The potential Head Coach should be a proven winner in coaching Top Men’s National Team or Club Football
Must have a football philosophy that aligns with or compliments our DNA
Must hold the highest football licence in the world with over 15 years of coaching experience
Proven track record in team reconstruction, organisation and development of young talent
Proven disciplinarian, tactician and leader skills.”
Sports Ministry to announce plan and roadmap for revival of Black Stars In a related development, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has bemoaned the Black Stars’ poor performance at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.
In the statement, the Sports Ministry expressed massive disappointment over the Black Stars’ failure to progress from the group stage for the second consecutive AFCON edition.
The Black Stars lost 1-2 to Cape Verde and drew 2-2 with Egypt and Mozambique, respectively, ranking third in Group B with two points.
Following back-to-back exits from the AFCON, the Sports Ministry said there was a need to restructure Ghana’s football system, stating, “This points to the urgent need for a comprehensive diagnosis and restructuring of Ghana football.”
It thus assured that: “In the coming days, the Ministry, in consultation with national team stakeholders, will announce a strategic plan to identify the causes and the road map towards the revival of the Black Stars.
“We recognise the urgent necessity to address the underlying issues and are poised to embrace a holistic approach towards rebuilding and reviving our football. This is crucial and pertinent, not only for the Black Stars and the followers of Ghana football but also for every aspiring young Ghanaian footballer.”
Ace Ghanaian journalist, Collins Atta Poku, has claimed that theGhana Football Association (GFA) almost sacked Chris Hughton after the Black Stars’ defeat to Cape Verde at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
According to Atta Poku, who travelled with the team to Ivory Coast, the GFA officials allegedly held a long-hour meeting after the defeat and decided to axe the manager but had strong opposition from the government.
Giving an account of Sompa FM, he said the Irish manager was recommended by the government and thus the FA struggled to show him the exit door despite poor results.
“The Black Stars coach was sacked right after the game against Cape Verde. They held a meeting on Sunday night that entered into Monday. When it was communicated to government officials, they weren’t happy so they stopped it.
“Some radical GFA officials alleged that Gabby Otchere-Darko recommended the manager so they can’t sack him.”
Chris Hughton has eventually been sacked after steering the team to an embarrassing exit from the 2023 AFCON.
The Ghana Football Association officially announced the sacking of Chris Hughton and the entire technical team on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
Ghana suffered yet another group-stage exit from the AFCON after failing to record a win, losing one and drawing two of their three games.
The judgment against former Black Stars Captain Asamoah Gyan, accused of malicious prosecution, is set to be displayed at various locations, including Gyan’s residence, the Ghana Football Association office, and the Law Court complex.
On December 8, 2023, the High Court in Accra, presided over by Justice Ernest Owusu-Dapaa, ruled in favor of journalist Osafo Anthony, who had been prosecuted by Gyan, awarding damages exceeding GHc1 million.
Efforts to inform Gyan about the judgment faced challenges, prompting the plaintiff’s legal team to seek substituted service, which was granted on January 23, 2024.
Justice Owusu-Dapaa approved the posting of copies of the judgment at the High Court Complex, Gyan’s residence, and the Ghana Football Association notice board, with a 14-day display period.
In a related development, Gyan and his manager, deemed the judgment debtors, have expressed their intent to appeal the decision despite the court’s ruling.
The judgment, delivered on December 8, 2023, included damages of GHc900,000 and an additional GHc111,000 for 111 months of lost job income awarded to the plaintiff. Gyan and his manager now face a total liability of GHc1,071,000, which includes a GHc60,000 cost.
Background: In 2019, four individuals were acquitted of charges related to extorting money from Gyan to prevent the publication of a rape and sodomy story. Subsequently, the plaintiff, Osarfo Anthony, initiated a lawsuit against Gyan for malicious prosecution, leading to the recent court judgment.
This decision follows Ghana’s failure to secure a victory in their final group game against Mozambique, resulting in a 2-2 draw and an early exit from the tournament.
Hughton, who took on the role of head coach in February 2023, achieved a win-loss-draw ratio of 30.77%, 30.77%, and 38.46% in all competitions during his nearly one-year tenure.
Under his leadership, the team scored 13 goals, averaging one goal per match, while conceding 16 times.
Assistant coaches George Boateng and Didi Dramani, along with goalkeepers’ coach Richard Kingston and other members of the technical team, are also departing from their positions.
The GFA has indicated that it will outline a roadmap for the future direction of the Black Stars in the coming days.
Ghana’s lacklustre performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has generated criticism and raised concerns about the team’s competitiveness on the international stage.
The GFA’s decision to dissolve the technical team is seen as a strategic move to address these issues and restore the team’s credibility.
The Black Stars have faced challenges in recent years, falling short of replicating past successes. The early exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has prompted calls for change and a renewed focus on nurturing young talent.
The GFA is anticipated to name a new head coach and technical team in the near future, with speculation already circulating about potential candidates. Fans and stakeholders eagerly await the association’s roadmap for the Black Stars, hoping it signals a fresh start and a return to glory.
Outspoken media personality, Nana Yaa Brefo, has launched a scathing attack on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in the wake of the dismissal of Black Stars’ head coach, Chris Hughton, due to the team’s disappointing performance at the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Expressing her discontent, Nana Yaa Brefo blamed Kurt Okraku, the GFA boss, for what she perceives as a dismal tenure in office, particularly citing the unsatisfactory results of various national teams in competitions that have left many Ghanaians frustrated.
During an Instagram live session monitored by GhanaWeb, Nana Yaa Brefo asserted that the decision to sack Chris Hughton wasn’t unexpected, claiming that such an action was contemplated before the commencement of AFCON.
She criticized Kurt Okraku, emphasizing his lack of a commendable track record during his tenure as the GFA boss.
“Let’s exercise our body for us to get the energy to support some nonsense team and players. We are saying bring back the love, I heard Chris Hughton has been sacked by the GFA. Is this news that everybody is talking about? They’ve sacked him and so what? The FA wanted to sack him before the AFCON so this is nothing new.
“What is the FA doing about the whole situation? I have been speaking about the FA boss [Kurt Okraku] who has no better record to show in his tenure in office apart from Women’s football of which they are not even paying them. At least you should do better than your predecessor but this is different,” she fumed.
On its official website, the GFA declared that Chris Hughton had been removed from his position as head coach of the Black Stars and that the entire technical staff had also been dissolved.
This comes after the Ghanaian Black Stars, who finished third in Group C with two points, were unable to advance past the group stage of the AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast.
Following the disappointment, Ghanaians are now filled with rage and fury due to the team’s appalling performance.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has denied allegations that Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton was physically assaulted by an upset fan after Ghana’s loss to Cape Verde in its opening AFCON game.
Following Ghana’s 2-1 defeat, reports on social media suggested that Hughton had been physically assaulted and that it took the intervention of diplomats to defuse the situation.
However, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) clarified that the alleged incident was exaggerated and blown out of proportion.
“The fan only expressed his displeasure over the outcome of the result and told the coach or leave the job. There was no physical confrontation and certainly no arrest was made,” Citinews wrote.
Ghana’s Black Stars currently find themselves at the bottom of Group B with no points after the opening round of matches in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Their next match is against Egypt on Thursday, January 18, 2024, as they aim to bounce back and improve their standing in the tournament.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) has prohibited the streaming and broadcasting of Ghana’s friendly match against Namibia, ensuring it will not be available on television and social media.
Scheduled as the final preparatory match ahead of the 2023 AFCON, the Black Stars are set to face Namibia on Monday, January 8, 2024, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
This match is seen as crucial preparation for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Ivory Coast.
Despite expressions of interest from some local media houses to broadcast the match on TV, investigations by GhanaWeb Sports reveal that the GFA has denied them access to do so.
There is a high probability that the Ghana vs Nambia match will not be on TV.
During the Black Stars squad announcement for the 2023 AFCON on January 1, 2024, coach Chris Hughton, through the GFA communications director, informed the public that the match won’t be televised, although it is open to spectators at the stadium.
“Like the coach mentioned earlier, the friendly against Namibia will be opened to the public so at least we shall have the opportunity to wish the team well before the players depart for Ivory Coast.
Prominent officials from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) paid their respects at the funeral of the late former Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Enoch Teye Mensah, on Friday, January 5.
The State House hosted a state burial service to honour the Ghanaian statesman.
The former Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Council of State member was laid to rest following the state burial service.
Notable figures from the Ghana FA, including Executive Council member Nana Oduro Sarfo, joined the mourning alongside Executive Council members Eugene Nobel Noel and Samuel Aboabire, as well as GFA General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo.
E.T Mensah, instrumental in establishing the Ghana Football Association Technical Centre at Prampram, passed away in South Africa in October 2023 after a period of ill health.
He served as a Member of Parliament forNingo Prampram from January 1997 to January 2017 and held the position of Minister of Education at one point.
Media personality and influencer Nana Aba Anamoah criticised theGhana Football Association (GFA) amid reports of the senior national team struggling to secure a standard pitch for their pre-African Cup of Nations (AFCON) camp.
“The FA should be ashamed that they do not own a training facility befitting our national teams,” she tweeted on January 3, 2023.
Social media users widely supported her stance.
Earlier in the day, Ghanasoccernet.com reported that Ghana coach Chris Hughton and his backroom staff expressed frustration and anger over the poor camping facilities in the country.
The players were also dissatisfied with the state of the training pitch and overall conditions in the camp, just 11 days before the start of the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.
The team had initially planned to train at the Baba Yara Stadium but changed to the privately owned Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex due to the unsuitability of the national facility upon inspection by the technical team.
Despite the setback, the Black Stars remain dedicated to their goal of preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The challenges posed by the suboptimal pitch conditions have, however, heightened the technical team’s disappointment, emphasising the importance of suitable training environments for optimal performance in the upcoming tournament.
Henry Asante Twum, the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), disclosed that over the past three years, the GFA has allocated $300,000 from the total $8.6 million received through FIFA Forward funding (spanning from 2016 to 2022) for the purchase of footballs to support clubs in the country.
Asante Twum shared this information during an interview with Asaase Radio, highlighting the GFA’s ongoing efforts to invest in football development and infrastructure using the resources provided by FIFA Forward.
”We announced some time ago that about $100,000 will go into purchasing of footballs for all our Regional Football Associations because our clubs in Division Two, Division Three and then Colts leagues lacked the needed basic amenities to help them develop players at the grassroots level,” Henry said on TeamTalk.
“So it’s something we’ve been doing for the past three years. Every season, we invest $100,000 to purchase footballs for all the RFAs and then it is supplied to the clubs,” he added.
Additionally, Henry Asante Twum disclosed that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has made significant investments in various areas to support clubs and women’s divisions.
These investments include allocations for IT equipment, capacity building initiatives, administrative structures, and the supply of essential necessities to strengthen the foundational aspects of football development in the country.
“Administratively we also decided to invest in IT, we bought internet and then administrative computers and communication gadgets for all the 18 Premier League clubs to be used at their Secretariat, all the 48 Premier League clubs also benefited from it.
”The 20 Women’s Premier League clubs also benefited, not only the Premier League clubs but all the 10 regional football associations also benefited from the IT initiative that we announced as part of the benefits we received from the FIFA forward 1.0.
“So, it has gone into various areas of administration. But, football is such that once it doesn’t show on the pitch, everybody seems to forget what you have done in terms of investments,” he added.
The FIFA Forward initiative is tailor-made support for football development that the organisation provides for all its 211 member associations (MAs) and six confederations.
The reduction in Ghana’s 2022 World Cup prize money from $9 million to $7.9 million was reportedly due to outstanding debts owed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to FIFA.
The debt, totaling over $800,000, includes expenses related to the travel and accommodation of officials, as well as the participation of Ghana’s U-17 and U-20 Women’s national teams in FIFA tournaments.
Additionally, cautions incurred by Ghana contributed to the overall debt. The GFA confirmed the debt and its impact on the prize money, acknowledging the need to settle outstanding obligations to FIFA.
“The GFA was entitled to $9m for placing between 17 and 32 in the FIFA World Cup [in Qatar], subject to the deduction of all outstanding debts on the account of the association at FIFA,” Henry read a portion of a letter he said the FA wrote to the Sports Ministry on June 14, 2023.
He explained that every member association of FIFA has a specific account designated at FIFA for payment of money due it.
“…the association also received $25,000 credit relating to 2018. This was money FIFA owed the GFA as far back as 2018 and FIFA added it to our World Cup prize money for participating in the 2022 World Cup and this was fully contained in the letter we sent to the Minister.
“FIFA has deducted the outstanding debts in the sum of $800,131.23 from 2016 to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, including fees for cautions, flights, accommodation, charges.
“This leaves us with an amount of $8,224, 868.77. We wish you to remind of you the payment of $300,000 we took from the bank to pay the three Black Stars coaches on behalf of the Ministry for qualifying Ghana to the World Cup against Nigeria per their contract.
“So after all the deductions and what not, the net balance is $7,899,868.77 which is currently to our credit at the bank,” he added.
Henry, however, did not clarify if the loan the FA took to pay the coaches as their performances bonus was deducted by FIFA or GFA deducted it and paid to the bank.
He concluded by saying that, the GFA will publish the details.
Ranking Member of the Youth, Sports, and Culture Committee of Parliament, Wisdom Kobena Woyome, has asserted that the Ministry of Youth and Sports will be required to provide an account for the missing amount from Ghana’s World Cup prize money.
Earlier reports indicated that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) received $7.9 million from FIFA for the Black Stars’ participation in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, falling short of the expected $9 million.
Mr Woyome emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the utilization of the funds, stating that the Ministry of Youth and Sports should explain the discrepancy and clarify how the funds were disbursed.
The unaccounted $1.1 million has raised concerns, and it is expected that further inquiries and investigations will be carried out to address the issue.
“We are that some transfers have happened in terms of the prize money from FIFA. It was a matter we raised at the committee,” he said in Parliament.
“The Minister has assured us that we will be forthcoming with the details of it in terms of liaising with the FA so that we will see what actually came.
“The report in the media can be put to proper perspective There will be the need for us to understand how much money was transferred, how much is coming to the ministry and how the ministry intends spending it.”
The Black Stars participated in three matches during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. They won one match against South Korea and lost the other two against Portugal and Uruguay.
Black Stars coach Chris Hughton has reportedly submitted a provisional 50-man squad list to the Ghana Football Association for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
According to reports from Angel TV, Hughton’s submission aligns with tournament rules, which require countries to present their provisional lists by December 14.
While the provisional list includes 50 players, the final and official 23-man squad for the AFCON must be announced by January 3, 2024.
In anticipation of the squad announcement, certain names have gained widespread attention in the media, with the call for the inclusion of specific players intensifying.
After an impressive performance in the Super Clash on Sunday, December 10, 2023, Asante Kotoko midfielder Richmond Lamptey has been highlighted as a player deserving a place in the squad.
Former Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko midfielder Charles Taylor has voiced his support for the inclusion of Richmond Lamptey and Hearts’ Salifu Ibrahim, emphasising their demonstrated quality.
Taylor believes that these two players should be added to the Ghana squad for the AFCON based on their impressive performances.
“If we don’t see these two [Salifu and Lamptey] in the Black Stars squad, then we need to question Chris Hughton. The two players have shown talent and quality and deserve a place on our national team, he said.
The Black Stars,a four-time African champion, are poised to encounter strong competition in Group B during the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted in Cote d’Ivoire.
“In a formidable draw, the West African powerhouse will face off against Egypt, with an impressive seven-time championship record, along with Cape Verde and Mozambique.
The eagerly awaited tournament is slated to commence on January 13, 2024, with the final match scheduled for February 11, 2024. The challenging group stage promises intense clashes as these football powerhouses vie for supremacy in one of Africa’s premier football competitions.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially notified Premier League, Division One League, and Women’s Premier League clubs that the second registration window for the 2023–24 football season will commence on Monday, December 18, 2023, at 00:01 GMT.
In an effort to facilitate player transfers and ensure accurate registration, clubs are strongly encouraged to take full advantage of this registration window.
The GFA emphasises that the registration window will conclude on Monday, January 15, 2024, at 23:59 GMT.
All clubs are expected to adhere strictly to these dates and complete the necessary registration processes within the designated timeframe.
It’s important to note that there will be no extensions beyond the specified closing date.
This announcement serves as a timely reminder for clubs to prepare for the upcoming Registration Window, ensuring a smooth and punctual registration process for the 2023–24 football season.
Betting company betPawa has revealed a new agreement with theGhana Football Association (GFA) aimed at enhancing ‘Locker Room’ bonuses.
Contrary to rumours suggesting the termination of its primary sponsorship deal with the Ghana Premier League, the company clarified in a statement released on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, that it maintains an ongoing partnership with the FA.
betPawa emphasised that its revised collaboration with the GFA is designed to directly benefit players. Consequently, it has elevated both players’ and the technical team’s winning bonuses from GH₵150 to GH₵400.
“BetPawa and GFA have agreed to shift our partnership focus to direct benefits to players, which entails an increase in our locker room Bonus by 167%.
“Per our new partnership, we will be revising the betPawa Locker Room Bonus payment to the players from GH₵150 to GH₵400 for every match their team wins. Under the current arrangement, we will also complete the first phase of BetPawa Park,” the statement read.
“We want to assure the sporting community that betPawa and GFA will continue to work together to develop and improve football standards in the country. We thank the GFA for their continued partnership with us as we proceed to roll out a higher Locker Room Bonus for our footballers.”
The concept of ‘Locker-room Bonuses’ was one of the terms established in their original three-year contract, which was mutually agreed upon in 2022.
As outlined in the agreement, players and the technical team of a victorious team in a match are entitled to receive winning bonuses from betPawa.
Reports suggest that betPawa, the headline sponsor of theGhana Premier League (GPL), has allegedly terminated its contract with the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The termination has reportedly been communicated to all GPL clubs.
However, there has been no official confirmation from either the GFA or BetPawa regarding this supposed contract termination.
BetPawa officially became the headline sponsor of the GPL, signing a three-year deal worth $6 million.
The agreement, signed on August 3, 2022, committed $2 million per season for the promotion of the Ghana Premier League.
The sponsorship also included the introduction of ‘Locker-room Bonuses,’ offering winning bonuses to players and the technical teams of victorious clubs in the GPL.
Additionally, part of the sponsorship was earmarked for the construction of an astroturf at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre in Prampram, set to be named the BetPawa pitch, with construction anticipated to begin in October 2022.
Former Black Stars management committee member Alhaji Grusah asserts that the current poor form of the Black Stars is a consequence of the alleged greediness of Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku.
According to Grusah, Okraku has isolated individuals in the football community and has chosen to rely solely on his close associates to manage the association.
Grusah alleges that Kurt terminated the services of the previous Black Stars management committee members without providing them with official dismissal letters.
“They said they had dissolved the national team, and they didn’t give us letters because (sic) they appointed us,” he said in an audio aired on Sompa FM.
While venting his grievances, the King Faisal bankroller said God is serving his punishment on Kurt in the most embarrassing way.
“He claimed he could do it all by himself; it’s God who is punishing him. Where you least expect to be embarrassed that where you get embarrassed for cheating on people. We are supposed to be one family in football but you want to do it alone along with your family…,” he added.
Regarding Ghana’s 1-0 loss to Comoros, Grusah said the loss means the Black Stars will face an uphill task at the soon-to-start 2023 AFCON.
“The youth are hoping the Black Stars will qualify for the World Cup so they can travel and start a new life. We thank God we won 1-0 we won (against Madagascar) in Kumasi. But for the Black Stars to fail to score in 90 minutes after conceding (against Comoros), it means we will have a problem in Ivory Coast.”
The Black Stars suffered their second defeat in the2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Comoros on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, marking three losses in their last four games.
Throughout this period, the team managed one victory, securing a 1-0 win against Madagascar in Kumasi during their World Cup qualifier opener.
General Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Professor Peter Twumasi, has advised the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to construct and oversee the management of their own stadiums.
He emphasized that the revenue generated from Ghana’s involvement in the World Cup could serve as a funding source for such a project.
In an interview with Graphic Sports, he expressed that it is high time for the GFA to take the initiative in owning and operating their stadiums.
“I think it’s high time the GFA built their own stadium,” Prof. Twumasi told Graphic Sports.
“For example, the World Cup money that we get should be used for some of these things, — building a stadium. We can use the World Cup money to design a stadium purposely for football matters and the federation (GFA) will handle that.”
He further advised Ghana Premier League clubs to follow suit and own their venues.
On the clubs, he added, “Not only the GFA, but all the clubs playing in the Premiership must own stadiums or venues good enough to host a match.”
He suggested that clubs that lack funds should apply for loans from banks.
“If I have my way, every club that plays in the Premier League must demonstrate that they have their own stadium. If they don’t have the money, they can team up with the banks for loans to be deducted from their gate proceeds for a number of years.”
The National Sports Authority (NSA) has faced criticism for its inadequate management of national stadiums.
Only the Baba Yara Stadium has received approval from CAF as a standard venue for hosting international matches, out of the four national stadiums.
The Baba Yara Stadium is slated to be the venue for Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Madagascar on Friday, November 17, 2023.
Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Professor Peter Twumasi, has advocated for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Ghana Premier League clubs to take the initiative in constructing and managing their own stadiums.
Twumasi emphasized that owning dedicated stadiums would alleviate the heavy reliance on state-owned facilities, currently accommodating a wide array of sporting events.
In a proactive suggestion, Twumasi proposed the utilization of Ghana’s funds from the 2022 FIFA World Cup to establish a football-centric stadium, exclusively for the sport’s activities.
These recommendations follow the recent ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) deeming the Cape Coast Stadium unsuitable for hosting Medeama Sporting Club’s Champions League matches.
The repercussions extend beyond Medeama’s inability to utilize the stadium, as the venue has been barred from hosting any international games due to its failure to meet the necessary requirements.
“I think it’s high time the GFA built their own stadium,” Prof Twumasi told Graphic Sports.
“For example, the World Cup money that we get should be used for some of these things — building a stadium.
“We can use the World Cup money to design a stadium purposely for football matters and the federation (GFA) will handle that.”
On the clubs, he added, “Not only the GFA, but all the clubs playing in the Premiership must own stadiums or venues good enough to host a match.
“If I have my way, every club that plays in the Premier League must demonstrate that they have their own stadium. If they don’t have the money they can team up with the banks for loans to be deducted from their gate proceeds for a number of years.”
Following the rejection of the Cape Coast Stadium, Medeama will relocate their CAF Champions League matches to the Baba Yara Stadium.
Reports reaching Happy Sports suggest that theGhana Football Association (GFA)is close to imposing sanctions on Asante Kotoko football club due to allegations of assaulting a referee during their week 9 betPawa GPL fixture.
The match was filled with drama as Dreams FC secured a dramatic victory, thanks to Abdul Aziz Issah’s first-half strike.
However, it was marred by controversy, and concerns about the safety of the match officials almost led to its abandonment.
At halftime, a shocking incident occurred when referee Robert Musey and his officiating team were attacked.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, casting a shadow over Ghanaian football and raising questions about security and sportsmanship.
In the second half, unidentified individuals stormed the dressing room, causing further disruption and escalating security concerns.
This prompted officials to consider abandoning the match to prioritise the safety of everyone involved.
This incident comes at a challenging time for Asante Kotoko, with four consecutive winless matches, fan unrest, and doubts about the future of Coach Prosper Ogum in his second term.
The club is grappling with on-field struggles and off-field issues, adding to the existing tension.
As investigations into the referee assault continue, the GFA is expected to take decisive action to ensure the safety and integrity of football matches and participants.
The football community, fans, and stakeholders are closely monitoringthe GFA’s response to this alarming incident, hoping it upholds the principles of fair play, sportsmanship, and security in football.
FIFA Coaching Instructor Bernhard Lippert has stepped down from his position as the Technical Director of theGhana Football Association (GFA).
As per reports from Angel FM, Bernhard Lippert has resigned from his role as the Technical Director of the Ghana FA.
His exit comes after serving in the position for three years, having been appointed by the leadership of the Ghana FA, with President Kurt Okraku at the helm.
“FIFA Coaching Instructor Bernhard Lippert has been appointed as Technical Director of the Ghana Football Association for a period of two years,” an official statement from the GFA said at the time.
The statement continued, “As Technical Director of the Ghana FA, he will head the Technical Directorate and formulate guidelines, strategies and policies for the training and technical development of coaches of Ghana football, to provide advice to the Executive Council on coaching and technical development matters in general and the supervision of national football team coaches, to which the Technical Director may be assigned by the Association.
“Bernhard Lippert will be responsible for the strategy, development and technical direction of the Technical Directorate and the preparation and implementation of technical programmes at the grassroots, juvenile, and National Teams thereby preparing football coaches and footballers for the future.”
Having spent three years in the role and overseeing several initiatives, it is now apparent that Bernhard Lippert has vacated his position.
TheGhana FA has not issued an official statement regarding the reported departure.
Former Ghanaian national team player, Joe Addo, has responded to the President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, following Okraku’s criticism of Addo’s comments on former Black Stars coach Otto Addo.
Okraku had labeled Addo’s remarks as negative.
Joe Addo clarified that his intention was not to tarnish the image of the FA but rather to contribute to the improvement of the sport. He emphasized that the timing of these discussions is vital for the game’s development.
In an interview with Dan Kwaku Yeboah TV, the former Hearts of Oak player also recalled that there was a time when Kurt Okraku paid to watch him play, highlighting the cyclical nature of their roles in football.
He said it is time and now it is his time as FA President. For us during our time, he used to pay money to watch us play. I don’t hold any grudges for anything. I’m a senior than him and I won’t have a back and forth confrontation with him.
“There is something on my mind which will be useful to the development of our game and I spilled it out. If maybe I did not say it right, there is a way to respond to it. I don’t disrespect him in anyway”, he told Dan Kwaku Yeboah.
“But for him to go that far and even mention my name in the presence of my colleagues wasn’t the best to have done from him. I have a child who has completed University and this is not the time for me to go to the gutters to exchange words.
“I know Kurt very well and he expected me to call him but it was a TV program and honestly, I said what was right, and not to condemn Otto Addo”, he added.
Addo played for Ghana at the1996 Summer Olympics for the senior team where he played 44 times for Ghana and scored two goals.
Ghanaian sports administrator Dr. Randy Abbey has voiced his disappointment regarding the condition of the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale.
The stadium, which underwent renovations in 2017 and was subsequently renamed in honour of the late former Vice President of Ghana, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, has now deteriorated significantly.
Randy Abbey, who was in Tamale for the Ghana Football Association’s elections, expressed his dismay at the stadium’s frontage, which he characterised as “extremely dirty.”
“I saw something and it really was an eyesore,” Randy Abbey said on his Good Morning Ghana show.
“Driving on the Aliu Mahama Stadium Road, I saw the frontage; it looks so extremely dirty. For an edifice like that cited on the main road, just use white paint to make the thing look good, even if the interiors are bad.
“Driving past the place it should occur to somebody that at least the frontage of the stadium should look good. What I saw was terrible,” Randy Abbey who won his re-election as a GFA ExCo member said.
Constructed in 2007, the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium is one of the venues that accommodated the 2008 AFCON and serves as the home ground for Ghana Premier League clubs Tamale City and Real Tamale United.
During theGFA elections conducted on October 5, 2023, Dr. Randy Abbey successfully secured his position on the Executive Council, amassing 12 votes, which was the highest count among the Premier League candidates.
Kwesi Appiah will not resign from his role as an Executive Council member of theGhana Football Association (GFA), according to Joy Sports.
The 64-year-old was elected as a member of the Premier League representatives on the Executive Council during the 2023 Elective Congress in Tamale, a few days before his appointment as head coach of the Sudan national team.
Despite his role as an ExCO member and the head coach of Sudan, Appiah is also the Technical Director and a member of Asante Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee, constituted by the Asantehene.
Last week, reports emerged that the former Ghana coach would resign from his role but sources speaking to Joy Sports described the reports as “false and mischievous.
“The story is completely false because coach Kwasi Appiah is not resigning from the exco. It is a very mischievous story.
“The Sudan deal was on the table before he contested and won a seat on the GFA Executive Council, so why should he resign after he won the confidence of those who voted for him?
“Disregard all these false reports.Kwasi Appiah campaigned to football stakeholders and they were convinced by his plans to contribute to Ghana football in an administrative capacity after his contributions on the field as a player and a coach,” sources noted.
Appiah was unveiled as Sudan’s coach early this week and he’s hoping to lead the country to compete at the highest level of continental and global football.
He will be assisted by former Medeama SC and Dreams FC coaches, Ignatius Osei-Fosu and Fatau Dauda, as goalkeeper’s trainers.
Sudan failed to qualify for the African Nations Cup in Ivory Coast next year, and Appiah, renowned for building new teams from scratch, is expected to bring his experience to bear and build a new Sudanese team for the next international assignments.
He is expected to operate from Saudi Arabia anytime the Sudanese team has to be in camp for international assignments.
Kwesi Appiah will play his first game against Togo and DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on November 13 and 20 respectively.
In between, Coach Kwesi Appiah will be in Ghana to play his roles as a member of theGFA Executive Council as well as a leading figure of Asante Kotoko’s IMC, having received the blessing of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to take up the Sudanese coaching job.
In a legal battle between the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and AshantiGold SC, the GFA has emerged as the victor, as determined by the Human Rights Court in Accra.
AshantiGold, a former Ghanaian champion, had challenged their relegation to Division Two following their involvement in match manipulation, as ruled by the Disciplinary Committee.
Seeking to reverse their demotion and ensure a fair hearing from the GFA, the club from Obuasi had turned to the court system, marking a prolonged and determined pursuit of justice.
However, in a ruling issued on October 11, 2023, the Human Rights Court in Accra upheld the GFA’s decision, thereby affirming that AshantiGold will remain suspended from all football-related activities.
This verdict marks the end of a protracted chapter in Ghanaian football, impacting the club’s standing and its involvement in the sport.
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor commended Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), for his accomplishments and effective leadership during his initial term.
Following Kurt’s successful re-election, former President Kufuor expressed his full confidence in Kurt’s capabilities.
Kurt was re-elected for another four-year term after securing an impressive 97.5% of the votes during the elective congress held in Tamale on Thursday, October 5, 2023.
During a visit to his Peduase residence to extend condolences for the loss of his wife, Theresa Kufuor, the Executive Council, led by President Simeon-Okraku, received commendation from former President Kufuor.
He recognized the dynamic energy that Kurt had infused into Ghanaian football and encouraged him to persist in making positive contributions to the sport during his second term.
The former president stated, “You have done exceedingly well in your first term and I expect you to do more in your second term to elevate the game to a very high standard.”
Kurt Okraku’s re-election came afterGeorge Afriyie was disqualified by the elections committee, leaving Kurt to run unopposed.
Football administrator Mark Addo will remain in his role as Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) during President Kurt Okraku’s second term.
The Ghana FA made this announcement following Mark Addo’s unanimous approval by the Executive Council.
“Mark Addo has been elected as Vice President of the Ghana Football Association for another term after receiving a unanimous approval from the Executive Council.
“The Koforidua Semper FI Director was nominated by Dr. Ransford Abbey and seconded by Frederick Acheampong while the other Members of the Council unanimously voted for him to retain his position as Vice President,” parts of a GFA Communique said on Monday, October 9.
The re-election of Mark Addo is in conformity with Article 37(3) of theGFA Statutes 2019 which provides that ”The Vice President of the Executive Council shall be elected from amongst the Members of the Executive Council at its maiden sitting.
President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has committed to involving formerGFA Vice President George Afriyie in his renewed administration.
Following his successful re-election, Okraku stressed the significance of inclusivity within the football community as a fundamental factor in its growth and prosperity.
He emphasised the importance of engaging all stakeholders, including George Afriyie.
Okraku further disclosed that he has initiated contact with George Afriyie and has plans to arrange a meeting to discuss ways of persuading him to return to a role within the GFA.
“Two days ago, I had a meeting with my brother, George Afriyie. I have just one message for him: We can only build the Ghanaian game if we stay together.
The football game is a very big one, and everyone, including George, has a role to play,” Kurt Okraku stated.
He added, “I will reach out to George and bring him back home. So, George, wherever you are, we are one.”
Kurt Okraku, the incumbent president, received a resounding 117 votes out of 119 to secure his second term in office.
This followed the resignation of Kwesi Nyantakyi, who had a lengthy tenure marked by allegations of corruption exposed in an investigative exposé by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
Samuel Anim Addo has gracefully expressed his appreciation despite not securing a seat on the Ghana Football Association’s Executive Council during the2023 GFA Elections.
In his quest for re-election to the Ghana Football Association’s Executive Council as one of the three representatives for the Division One League (DOL), Addo faced defeat.
He garnered 13 votes out of the 48 total votes cast by the Division One League clubs.
Anim Addo, who serves as the manager of Asamoah Gyan, was among five contestants vying for the three available slots, and unfortunately, he finished last in the race.
In a statement on social media, Anim Addo said, “The Lord Has Spoken Thank you, Jesus, am still grateful. Yes, this was another victory for me in your eyes. Thank you, Jesus Christ.”
GFA vice president Mark Addo was successfully re-elected alongside Gideon Fosu and Eugen Nobel Nii Amon Noel.
The newly-elected three representatives of the Division One League will join five other Executive Committee members from the Ghana Premier League and Women’s Premier League to form the new GFA ExCo.
Incumbentpresident Kurt Okraku also recorded a resounding victory as he was re-elected as the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The Ghana Football Associationheld a successful election in Tamale to elect leaders to lead the country’s football for the next four years. add date
In the Extraordinary Congress held in the Nothern Region, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku was re-elected as the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The incumbent president, who ran unopposed in the election, recorded a resounding 117 votes out of 119 to be re-elected into his second term in office.
A new seven-member Executive Council was also voted into power. Notable names who were elected included former Black Stars manager, James Kwasi Appiah, former GFA spokesperson Randy Abbey, and former president of Berekum Chelsea, Nana Oduro Sarfo.
Division One League (DOL) representatives on the Exco were also voted on, where the shock occurred.
The owner of Division One Young Apostles and a previous member of the Exco, Samuel Addo Anim could not retain his spot.
The newly-elected GFA administration will serve a four-year term, expiring in 2027.
FIFA observers, including Gelson Fernandes, Director of Member Associations for Africa;Silmara Sousa, FIFA Development Program Coordinator; and Mr. Ahmed Harraz, FIFA Member Associations Africa representative, are expected to attend the event in Tamale.
Full list of winners is as follows
GFA President
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, GFA President, polled 117 of 120 votes. 1 abstained and two voted NO.
Executive Council Representatives- Ghana Premier League
Kurt Okraku has been re-elected as the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for his second term. The election, which took place on October 5, 2023, at the Global Dream Hotel in Tamale, Northern Region, was a one-sided affair. Okraku secured a resounding victory with an overwhelming 117 YES votes, while only two votes were against him, and one person abstained from voting.
Notably, Okraku faced no opposition in the GFA elections because his competitor, George Afriyie, had been disqualified by both the Elections Committee and the Appeals Committee following a thorough review process.
Kurt Okraku, who previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Dreams FC, first assumed the presidency on October 25, 2019.
Despite the looming threat of an injunction notice, the GFA executives decided to proceed with the electoral process.
The GFA had originally set its Congress date for September 27, 2023, in Tamale. However, King Faisal filed for an injunction, resulting in the postponement of the assembly to early October.
King Faisal’s argument centred on the notion that a valid Congress cannot proceed to elect the President until new Executive Council (Exco) representatives are properly elected.
The club contended that initiating nominations for the GFA President’s election prior to conducting Exco elections is both inappropriate and unlawful.
Furthermore, King Faisal, based in Kumasi, sought a declaration that any resolutions made by the current Exco regarding the GFA President’s election before the selection of Exco representatives would constitute a breach of trust, confidence, and loyalty.
There are indications from sources within Citi Sports that George Afriyie was discreetly advised to halt his legal actions and instead seek a restraining order against the elections.
However, it remains uncertain whether the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially received the injunction or if George Afriyie’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has yielded any results.
According to reports circulating in various media outlets, Amaju Pinnick, the former president of the Nigeria Football Federation, engaged in discussions withGeorge Afriyie and other parties involved, aiming to resolve the dispute.
Pinnick reportedly offered the aggrieved party a position on the Black Stars World Cup qualifiers committee as a potential solution. Nevertheless, this proposal was promptly declined.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) came off today in Tamale, where its Election Congress appointed new executives.
The incumbent president, Kurt Okraku, went unopposed for the presidential seat.
Gifty Oware-Mensah is also set to be elected as an Executive Council Member representing Women’s football.
The election happened amid applications for an injunction on the Congress by disqualified presidential candidate George Afriyie, and King Faisal.
George Afriyie’s application for the interlocutory injunction was secured on Friday at the Accra High Court and will be moved by his lawyer on Thursday, October 12.
Mr Afriyie, who is former GFA Veep was disqualified from contesting the presidential elections after the Elections Committee found out that his nomination form did not meet the needed requirements.
Ahead of this, FIFA appointed a strong delegation for the 2023 Elective Congress.
The FIFA Delegation is made up of Gelson Fernandes, Director, FIFA Member Associations Africa, Silmara Sousa, Development Program Coordinator, FIFA Member Associations Africa and Ahmed Harraz, Senior MA Governance Services Manager, FIFA MA Governance.
