Sports
Accra 2023 LOC courts support for African Games in Takoradi
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 13th Africa Games, made a huge presence at the 2023 Westside Carnival held on Tuesday, December 26, in Takoradi.
With over 30 masquerade groups marching through the principal streets of Takoradi, the LOC was hugely represented among the groups, as participants displayed placards of the 13th African Games to be held in Accra in 2024.
This follows a collaboration between the LOC and organisers of the carnival, as the former used the opportunity to create awareness about the games and mobilise support for it.
Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, Executive Chairman of the LOC addressing the huge crowd expressed appreciation to the people of Takoradi for embracing the games.
He said plans were in place to get some of the groups to perform at the opening and closing ceremonies of the event.
He said the LOC was keen on getting the entire nation involved in the games, adding that though it would be hosted in Accra, there was the need for Ghanaians to be actively involved in the organization no matter where they live.
“The African Games is the biggest sports festival on the continent, and there is the need for Ghanaians to get themselves ready.
“The people of Ghana must be ready to host the rest of the continent. Businesses must be ready to embrace the opportunities that comes with the hosting and organization of the games,” he added.
The event was preceded by a float of masqueraders through the principal streets of Takoradi to create awareness about the games.
The masqueraders marched through town with flyers and banners of the competition before converging on the Market Circle, amidst brass band music.
The huge crowd dressed in their colourful attire displayed their unique dancing skills with arts and culture to mark the festival as well as promote the 13th edition of the African Games in Takoradi.
The continental party is scheduled for Friday March 8, 2024, to Saturday March 23, 2024.
Sports
Black Starlets arrives in Morocco on U-17 AFCON mission …FA boss charges team to make Ghana proud
The Black Starlets, the national U-17 male team, have safely arrived in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team departed Accra on Wednesday, travelling with a 35-man contingent made up of 21 players and 14 officials, all focused on delivering a strong campaign on the continental stage.
They completed a smooth five-hour flight to Morocco, where final preparations will continue before the tournament kicks off.
The technical team is expected to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion among the squad as they gear up for the competition.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, was present at the Accra International Airport to bid farewell to the team.
Speaking during a brief farewell at the Airport, the FA President urged the team to carry a ‘never say die’ spirit into the competition.
President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of mental strength and unity, particularly in difficult moments during matches. His message was inspired by the team’s recent friendly encounters against Cote d’Ivoire, where they bounced back strongly after an initial defeat.
“I’m very happy that when you lost to Cote d’Ivoire in your first game during your friendly matches, you were able to bounce back—not only to dominate but to outscore them in the second game,” he said. “I read a lot of meaning into that, and I want all of you to keep that in your heads—that, it’s not over until it’s all over,” he added.
The FA president stressed that the ability to respond positively to setbacks would be crucial in a tournament as competitive as the AFCON.
He encouraged the players to stay united and support one another when the pressure intensifies on the continental stage.
“When the chips are down, that’s when we need to hold each other together,” Okraku added. “So go out there and make Ghana proud.”
Ghana will compete in Group D alongside Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, with their opening match scheduled for Thursday, May 14.
Twenty-three (23) players have been called up for this month’s international friendly against Mexico.
The squad is composed of star players from the domestic league and European leagues who are closely monitored by Coach Carlos Queiroz, as well as U-23 players who will soon represent Ghana in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers.
Notable names include Majeed Ashimeru, Felix Afena-Gyan, Razak Simpson, and Birmingham City’s Ibrahim Osman.
Ashimeru returns to action after a long spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury that limited his appearances at both club and national level.
Also in the team is Felix Afena-Gyan, whose last appearance for Ghana was in May last year when he featured against Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup in London.
Barcelona B’s Abdul Aziz Issah, Ebenezer Annan of AS Saint-Étienne, Ibrahim Osman of Birmingham City, and Paul Reverson of Ajax FC have also been included in the squad.
Midfielder Salim Adams, one of the key players for Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC, leads the group of home-based players.
Others are Heart of Lions’ Ebenezer Abban, Ebenezer Adade of Dreams FC, and Nations FC captain Razak Simpson. Ghana will travel to Mexico for the international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026.
