Sports
Accra Hearts of Oak appoints Julius Ben Emunah as managing director
Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club PLC has appointed Julius Ben Emunah as its new managing director, with effect from February 2, 2026.
The appointment was announced by the Board of Directors of the club in a press release issued in Accra on Tuesday.
Mr Emunah takes over from Dr Delali Anku Adiamah, who has stepped down from the position.
According to the board, the new managing director brings close to ten years of experience in football administration, governance, sports broadcasting and sports management at both national and continental levels.
Before his appointment, Mr Emunah worked as Head of Competitions at the Ghana Football Association.
He previously served as Regional Administrator at the Western Regional Football Association, National Safety and Security Officer, and Club Licensing Manager at the GFA.
The board noted that throughout his career, he has shown strong leadership in competition management, club licensing, event organisation, media relations, regulatory work and engagement with stakeholders.
It added that he has also played key roles in major competitions such as CAF interclub finals, AFCON qualifiers, CHAN and the African Games.
On his academic background, the club stated that Mr Emunah holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from the University of Cape Coast and a Global Masters in Sports Management and Legal Skills with FC Barcelona at ISDE Law Business School in Spain.
The Board of Directors expressed confidence in his ability to lead Hearts of Oak into a new phase of professionalism, transparency and competitiveness in line with international standards.
As managing director, he will be in charge of the club’s administrative, commercial and sporting activities.
He is expected to work closely with the technical team, players, supporters, sponsors and other stakeholders to promote growth and long term success.
Accra Hearts of Oak assured supporters and partners of its continued commitment to excellence on and off the field as the club begins this new chapter under Mr Emunah’s leadership.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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.
