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Chris Hughton, the chosen man! AT long last, Ghana has a new ‘sweat merchant.’ It was long predicted.
• Hughton – Can he fly the Stars back to glory?
On Sunday night, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced the appointment of Chris Hughton as chief coach of the Black Stars with majority of Ghanaians applauding the decision.
The FA insisted that Hughton’s engagement was in line with its vision to continue with the project of building a formidable squad that started with Otto Addo (his predecessor) in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament.
It was only wise dashing for someone who has been with the team and understands the system better.
That many Ghanaians – both home and abroad, actively took to social media to welcome the 64-year-old coach to the hot seat, copiously proved the backing for him.
On the reverse, others think Hughton – who until his appointment, was the Technical Advisor of the Black Stars, could be used by the leadership of the FA for their own ‘selfish’ interests. This assertion has also been contested vigorously by a section of the public, insisting that the former Birmingham City, Norwich City and Brighton and Hove Albion handler can be his own man.
It must be hammered home that Hughton has been with the Stars for the past 12 months and was with the team when it crashed out in the group stage of the Qatar tournament. Remarkably, though, the newly-appointed handler would be assisted by former Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Holland midfielder George Boateng as well as Mas-Ud Didi Dramani – both of whom the FA has decided to maintain. The three coaches were part of the technical team for the World Cup in Qatar.
Hughton’s immediate task is to lead the Stars to face Angola in a March double-header in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifications in Cape Coast and Luanda respectively. The Stars share top spot of Group E with Angola on four points from two games, three above the Central African Republic and Madagascar.
Having had the opportunity of being with the Black Stars briefly, Houghton should have an unmistakably fair impression about the intricacies in building a formidably winsome national team.
He had maintained in various interviews that the Ghana team was loaded with a stream talents which could be harnessed to bring a lot of glory to the country.
We have heard in many areas some of his brilliant pieces of advice were not taken by his predecessor. Well, today, he is now in charge and Ghanaians would be thrilled to see the ‘special’ thing he is bringing on board.
As many have stated, he has to be his own man and be prepared to take the bold decision of resigning at a point, if he thinks he is being used and tossed like a puppeteer on a string.
Truth is that Hughton, son of an Irish mum and Ghanaian dad, has such impressive credentials and experience at the highest level of club football, and people would be eager to see how best he translates that rich reservoir of experience into the national team.
One thing is sure: many people would not have the patience to wait. For them, he must hit the ground running and deliver immediately when the Stars take on Angola in their first game at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium in March.
The immediate task, doubtless, is qualifying Ghana for the AFCON next year in Cote d’Ivoire and clinching it in grand style, after 41 years in the doldrums.
What we ought to do now is offer Hughton all the needed backing. He needs it now. If we have to criticise him, why not; but it must be done constructively.
By John Vigah
The Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited (GTD) in collaboration with the Department of Organisation and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has marked the 2026 World Safety Day Celebration in Accra.
The event held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the Cedi Conference Centre, Legon was under the theme “Good Psychosocial Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organizations.”
The day is observed globally to promote safe and healthy working conditions and to raise awareness about both physical and psychological risks at the workplace.
The event formed part of efforts by stakeholders to deepen national conversations on workplace safety, particularly the growing concern about psychosocial well being.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo stressed that workers must not be treated as machines but as human beings with dignity, rights and families.
He explained that unsafe work environments marked by fear, harassment, intimidation and excessive pressure reduce productivity and weaken organisations.
He noted that although physical hazards such as faulty equipment and unsafe buildings remain a concern, psychological risks including excessive workload, bullying, job insecurity and toxic communication are equally dangerous and must be addressed.
According to him, psychological hazards are real, measurable and preventable, and should be treated with the same urgency as physical risks.
He maintained that safe and healthy working conditions are not a luxury but a fundamental right that supports productivity and social justice.
Dr Pelpuo further stated that the government remains committed to strengthening occupational safety and health systems, adding that worker wellbeing is a core responsibility of leadership and not a public relations issue.
He urged employers to create environments where dignity is protected, and workers are empowered to speak without fear.
The Dean of University of Ghana Business School, Prof Ernest Y Tweneboah Koduah noted that the school is committed to shaping a better world of work that is equitable, productive and sustainable.
He announced that the school has secured accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to introduce a programme in organisational health and safety.
He explained that gaps in workplace safety in Ghana are linked to weak enforcement, underreporting and limited professional training.
He added that the new programme will equip graduates with the skills to prioritise employee wellbeing as a key organisational responsibility.
Prof Tweneboah Koduah urged organisations to assess psychosocial risks, invest in human resource capacity and create environments where workers can openly discuss mental health concerns.
He emphasised that collaboration between academia and industry is essential to addressing workplace safety challenges.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Emelia Naa Kwantsua Agyei Mensah described the event as historic, noting that it is the first time the university is marking the global observance.
She explained that the focus on psychosocial wellbeing reflects current realities in the world of work.
She stated that employee health, including mental and emotional wellbeing, directly affects productivity, morale and institutional performance.
Mrs Agyei Mensah added that the university is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and students, beyond minimum legal requirements.
She called on leaders to reflect on the kind of workplaces they create and to prioritise the wellbeing of employees.
CEO of the GTDC, Prof Kobby on his part noted that its participation aligns with its commitment under the Riyadh Declaration, which calls on member states to improve infrastructure and public safety, as well as enhance services, transport, connectivity and accessibility.
He indicated that the company intends to use the platform to highlight Ghana’s readiness to implement the declaration, with a strong focus on worker safety and wellbeing as a foundation for sustainable tourism development.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry players and students to discuss strategies for improving workplace safety and promoting healthier work environments across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Armed Forces has confirmed that an escort convoy protecting civilians was attacked in Binduri in the Upper East Region, leaving three people dead.
In a press release issued on April 27, 2026, the military said the convoy, which was escorting about 140 civilians from Bawku to Bolgatanga, came under gunfire from unknown attackers.
It said the attackers shot at the convoy several times, killing three of the civilians being escorted and injuring one other person.
According to the statement, soldiers returned fire and were able to repel the attack. In the process, seven of the assailants were killed.
The military added that during a follow-up operation, weapons and ammunition were retrieved from a suspect who had taken refuge in a mosque.
The items included a G3 rifle, two loaded magazines, and additional rounds of ammunition.
It said ten other suspects have been arrested and are assisting with investigations.
The Ghana Armed Forces cautioned the public against engaging the military or any security agency during operations.
It extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured person a speedy recovery.
By: Jacob Aggrey
