Sports
Unveiling ‘AKWABA …AFCON 2023 Mascot

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The Akwaba Mascot
The Organising Committee (COCAN) in collaboration with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and CAF, unveiled the official Mascot of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 in Abidjan a couple days ago.
The official Mascot, named “AKWABA”, was introduced to the Ivorian people during a launch event in Abidjan, signifying the commencement of the 190-day countdown to the kick-off of the event. The opening match of the competition will be played on January 13, 2023.
AKWABA, a word derived from a local Ivorian language meaning welcome, encapsulates essential values that make it a powerful symbol of the competition: hospitality, friendship, generosity, and team spirit.
The Mascot offers an authentic experience of Ivorian hospitality, connects with fans, players, and nations, and celebrates the spirit of teamwork by promoting cooperation, mutual respect, and fair play.
As the official image of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, representing the Ivorian identity and draws inspiration from the country’s iconic elephant, Akwaba is now the face of the competition.
The Journey of Selecting ‘Akwaba’
Just over a year ago, an open and inclusive competition was organised to allow all talented individuals to express themselves and create the mascot for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023.
The top three winners of the competition were: KOUADIO N’Guessan Raoul Frédéric (1st place), COULIBALY Kixa Pemanh Mamadou (2nd place), and BROU Blah (3rd place).
Sports
FIFA lifts registration restrictions on Hearts of Oak after hiddink settlement
Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club has announced that FIFA has closed the matter involving former coach Rene Hiddink following the full settlement of the amount owed to him.
In an official statement issued on August 18, 2026, the club indicated that FIFA had formally communicated the closure of the case after Hiddink confirmed receipt of the payment.
As a result, FIFA has lifted all registration restrictions that had previously been imposed on Hearts of Oak in connection with the matter.
The club expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stressing that it acted in good faith throughout the process and worked towards what it described as a responsible and amicable settlement.
Hearts of Oak has therefore urged its supporters, stakeholders and the general public to remain calm, noting that the relevant process has now been concluded.
The club thanked its supporters, popularly known as Phobians, for their patience, understanding and continued support throughout the matter.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Sports
Street Academy receives 30 desks

Madam Lisa Antoinette McGee, a Philanthropist, has donated 30 desks and chairs to Street Academy, non-governmental sports and culture organisation in Accra.
The donation forms part of a broader commitment by Madam McGee and her family to support the welfare and education of vulnerable children including those around at the Art Centre, where the Street Academy was located.
Making the presentation, she said the gesture was to honour her late son, Jordan Allen, adding that Jordan was a sociable character, a 27-year-old teacher who loved children very much and believed that every child was made special.
“Jordan got sick and passed away in January. Myself and my husband, Nana Kwame Opoku Acheampong, want to do something special in memory of our beloved son for the children at the Street Academy,” Madam McGee indicated.
She said: “Prior to his passing, Jordan had already shown his dedication to Ghanaian youth by contributing $1,500 toward an orphanage project, a legacy of giving that his family now continues.”
Madam McGee added that she and her husband earlier visited the school and saw that the children sat on broken chairs, prompting their donation of 30 desks to have a nice and comfortable place to read and write.
Dr Ataa Lartey, Founder of the School, expressed their gratitude to the family, noting that the school would also name its big water tank after the late Jordan Allen.
“Lisa has promised the school that she will return to bring simple health items, such as bandages and other medical supplies to support the school nurse and help the children when they play,” he added.




