Sports
Numekevor’s dismissal …more questions than answers
Dodzie Numekevor
Sacking a person for obvious non-performance is an action that can be applauded by majority of people, maybe except members of the victim’s immediate family, dependents, beneficiaries and other close allies.
If it is obvious that the person is non-performing, why keep him/her there?
An example is when every opposition party in this country called for the immediate sack of then Finance Minister, Mr Ken Ofori Atta. So intense was this call that every negative thing was associated to him. Ghanaians were made to believe that his dismissal will return the country to the right path.
Government was lambasted on a daily basis until he was removed from office. But if one should ask what has changed, those that clamoured for his removal would not tell you much; his removal has come as some relief for them.
It however, becomes a bitter pill to swallow when circumstances around the sack is unclear like the case of the new Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr Dodzie Numekevor, whose dismissal on Tuesday came with more questions than answers.
His termination letter from the Office of the President left the sports publics confused because it was silent on reasons for the decision.
Well, in cases when reasons for dismissals are obvious, letters terminating such appointments often assign those reasons as personal.
However, that scheme also leaves doors and windows open for all manner of beliefs or assertions for such an action.
Within a period when the state of football infrastructure in Ghana has dominated the media space following comments by visiting coaches that played in Ghana recently, plus anger by CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, over the absence of at least one football facility to host international football, alluding the decision to the above mentioned problems, becomes an easy thing.
It can be right or otherwise.
Having occupied this office for just six months but becomes a sacrificial lamb for some years of decay supervised by his predecessors is just unfortunate for Dr Numekevor.
Even if he was expected to fix the major infrastructural challenges facing Ghana, he could not have done that within the stipulated time he had.
He inherited Accra, Cape Coast, Tamale and to some extent the Kumasi facility which were in terrible shapes and could do nothing much about them without funding.
It presupposes that the reasons for his sack may be more than Ghana not having one good facility to host a CAF Category 3 matches under his tenure.
Views like his supervision of the hiring of the Baba Yara Stadium – then the only ground with a CAF approval to host matches – for 10 days or so for a church programme have also been expressed and believed to be one of the reasons for his dismissal.
If it was so, then it was a grievous fault and grievously did Numekevor answered it, as captured in Mark Antony’s speech in the book Julius Caesar.
Sadly, Numekevor has suffered this fate for the inefficiencies of his predecessors who stayed in office for longer periods but did nothing worthy of note to avoid the problem we face as a nation.
And as a country, this should be the time to make a policy about the direction to go regarding playing surfaces which always become topical issues when the Black Stars are assembled and pushed back after that assignment.
By Andrew Nortey
Sports
Mercy Tagoe’s tapestry of triumph: Weaving dreams in red, gold, green
Mercy Tagoe’s ultimate goal is to use her influence to propel women’s football into the global spotlight.
And, why not? The Ghanaian football legend has what it takes, having gathered enviable experience throughout a distinguished career in the game.
Her story as a celebrated coach is one of unwavering commitment to elevate women’s football not only in Ghana but across the continent.
And it all began on the pitch.
“During my time, it was African Women’s Championship. I remember when we first qualified to Abeokuta, for the maiden edition. Seeing myself in the red, gold, green, black star was a delight for me,” Tagoe recalled of her playing days.
“It was a memorable day because growing up, it was my prayer that one day, I would don the colors of Ghana. It didn’t matter where exactly I would find myself – just donning the colors was something I was seriously looked up to. And when you start wearing the red, gold, green, you become an ambassador for the nation,” she continued.
The realisation of responsibility didn’t come until she stood among her teammates in national colours.
“Honestly, before I entered into the national team, I mistakenly saw it to be ordinary until I got there. I realised that you have such a big responsibility on your shoulders. Until you get in there, you will never know.”
Though Ghana has come close to the title on several occasions in the Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Tagoe admits the failure to win the title still stings.
“Winning the trophy is the ultimate. So, if you are not able to win the trophy, trust me, it hurts a lot. It’s like your ambition has been defeated. But gradually, I believe that with good preparation and time, we’ll get there.”
Beyond the field, Tagoe’s trajectory has opened doors and transformed her life. Her status as a national icon has given her access to high echelon environments, which has enabled her join an elite community.
“As a legend, the positive aspect is that you enter places without difficulties. People know you, greet you, and give you that much respect because of what you’ve done for your country,” she says.
“It has earned me CAF assignments; numerous ones in fact. I travel without paying tickets. I live in luxurious hotels without paying a dime. I meet people in high places, make friends with people I wouldn’t have ordinarily been friends with. So, in a nutshell, it has molded my life. You need to be disciplined. You need to know how to relate to people.”
These privileges, she admits, have empowered her voice and enriched her understanding of the world.
“I’ve learned different cultures and values here and there, and I’ve added them to mine. It has shaped my life. Football has really advanced, especially women’s football, which has empowered us. Now women can talk; women can stand in front of people and express themselves, no matter where they find themselves.”
Having worn the Black Queens jersey as a player and later led the team from the touchline, Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo knows better than most what it takes to build a winning national side. With Ghana’s qualification for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, she’s more than just hopeful she’s confident.
“I’m very positive. Like I said, now we know every player in the Black Queens is a professional. And when you are a professional in your teams in Europe, and you are playing every now and then, it keeps you in shape. And whenever they come to Ghana to play, you see the professionalism in them. I believe that as we’ve qualified to Morocco 2025, we are going there to make an impact. I will not take anything away from them. Going in there, I will not be surprised if they bring the Cup.
What they are doing is positive. And I thank God that we’ve gotten to that level. Every Ghanaian wants to see Black Queens winning the Cup. I’m a Ghanaian. I wish we won the Cup. And I believe in these girls that we have assembled. Thank God, almost every player on the field is being tapped by me. I mean, I selected them, and they’ve added a few professional players to them. And I believe what they are doing, trust me, they would make Ghana proud very soon.”
Tagoe is especially proud of the strides women’s football is making at FIFA, CAF, and national federation levels.
“Women’s football has really come of age and I thank God that FIFA is really pushing hard. CAF is also pushing very hard. All the MAs (Member Associations) are also pushing very hard,” she indicated. “Look at what [the Ghana Football Association] is doing for women’s football it’s unprecedented.”
“And, given what South Africa did at the World Cup, and where Morocco and Nigeria got to; just a little push from our various MAs and CAF and I believe the World Cup will come to Africa very soon.”
In recent years, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has undergone a remarkable transformation, one that’s winning praise not only from fans and players, but also from those working behind the scenes.
For someone who has been deeply involved in the technical development of the game across the continent, this evolution is both refreshing and inspiring.
“I think I’ll give CAF thumbs up and kudos. They are really doing something positive. CAF wasn’t like this. And looking at what CAF is doing, trust me, the sky is our limit. I’ll continue to urge my department, headed by Raul Chipenda and Meskerem Goshime.
“They are doing something very positive and I’ll encourage them to do more. Tournament upon tournament, I’m a member of technical study group.
“And nurturing me and others, including big ones like Jackie Shipanga, Clementine Toure, Shilene Booysen, and Madam Fran Hilton-Smith. I believe CAF is doing something positive. And I’ll urge them to continue. We will get there. We will beat the world and CAF will be applauded,” Mercy Tagoe said.
Mercy Tagoe’s legacy continues to echo far beyond Ghana’s borders. Her journey is not just about past achievements; it’s a living blueprint for the future of African women’s football.-CAF
Sports
Decathlon Ghana partners Akwapim South MP to host soccer tournament in Aburi
In a bid to help unearth budding soccer talents in her constituency, the Akwapim South Member of Parliament, Madam Lawrencia Dziwornu, has organised a two-day soccer talent hunt among eight youth clubs in Aburi.
Dubbed the “Hon. Lawrencia Dziwornu Showcase Tournament 2025,” the tournament was held in collaboration with global sports retail giant Decathlon Ghana had 8 carefully selected youth teams, including Banabas Aburi FC, Warriors FC, Courage Sporting Club, and Deportivo FC, drawn in Group A, while Group B consisted of Pokrom United, Okuapeman Sporting Club, Shaka Foundation, and Agape Football Club.
After some grueling group-stage battles, Banabas Aburi FC defeated Pokrom United 1-0 in the semi-finals, while Shaka Foundation triumphed over Agape FC 3-2 on penalties to secure a spot in the final.
Following a pulsating goalless draw in the finals, Banabas FC managed a 6-5 victory on penalties against Shaka Foundation to lift the trophy, while Pokrom United beat Agape FC 4-3 on penalties to secure third place.
As their reward, Banabas Aburi FC took home a glittering trophy and medals, while Shaka Foundation and Pokrom United received medals for their efforts.
All eight teams received football gear from Decathlon Ghana for their participation.
The tournament attracted dignitaries, including the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Mr. Kofi Adams; Member of Parliament for Afram Plains, Mr. Kpeli Worlase; Member of Parliament for Upper West Akim, Mr. Emmanuel Drah; and Member of Parliament for Lower West Akim, Mr. Frimpong Kwame Owen.
Also present to lend their support and help identify talents for further assistance were former Black Stars players Maxwell Konadu, Laryea Kingston, Jerry Akaminko, Afriyie Acquah, and Dan Quaye.
Special guest of honor Mr. Kofi Adams praised Madam Dziwornu for organizing the talent hunt and her focus on grassroots development.
He said, “I am glad to see the Member of Parliament take up this cause, which aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s call to pay attention to grassroots sports as it is the bedrock on which a bright future can be built.”
“The Sports Ministry will lend its support and technical expertise to such great initiatives and ensure the youth receive a firm foundation to make the best out of their talents,” he added.
In her remarks, Madam Dziwornu thanked the various community leaders for their support in making the tournament a success. She noted that her vision for the youth in the constituency is to use sports, particularly football, as a vehicle for change to help improve their lives.
According to her, “Indeed, football is a sport loved by all; however, combining it with education creates a channel to develop and empower young people. They must believe that no matter what their aspirations are, with hard work and determination, they can become a reality.”
“My vision is to see our people across key roles in all walks of life within sports and businesses in general,” she added.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
