Sports
Achimota Golf Club honours Ishmael Yamson with Emeritus Award
The Achimota Golf Club last week conferred its prestigious Emeritus Award on Mr Ishmael Yamson, a golf enthusiast and Board Chairman of MTN, for his years of support and dedication to the club and sport.
The gesture was in recognition of Mr Yamson’s outstanding service, remarkable contributions and unwavering commitment to the club over the past 40 years.
Mr Frank Adu, President of the club who presented a citation to the golf veteran explained that the award comes with a few courtesies to be placed at his disposal.
“By this, Mr Yamson is now exempted from paying membership dues or fees at the club. From this day forward, he can walk in at any time to play golf without any charges, and he is permanently excused from paying any dues,” Mr Adu stated.
Mr Adu highlighted Mr Yamson’s instrumental role in the establishment of the ‘Half House’ on the golf course, a facility where golfers can take a break for refreshment and continuing their game.
Mr Yamson expressed gratitude to the club for acknowledging his contributions and encouraged loyalty among members by honouring their obligations to the club.
The presentation was the climax of the first in the series of MTN Invitational Golf Championships held at the Achimota Golf Club that saw Fred Semenu Duvour and Vastie Amoafo-Yeboah emerge the best in the male and female divisions.
Fred Duvour showed his class in the Men’s Group A class, producing a handicap 12 and 40 points result to beat Justin B. C Butah in second with 10 handicap and 38 points and Solomon Allotey in third place with a 10 handicap and 37 points.
Vastie Amoafo-Yeboah triumphed in the Ladies Group A, scoring 44 points with a 14 handicap. Catherine Fabbi took the runner-up position with a commendable performance.
Simron Oberoi topped in the Men’s Group B event with a 19 handicap and 43 points, followed by Walid Zoobi and Kevin Amedoh in second and third positions, respectively.
Sheryl Afia Afari emerged victorious in the Ladies Group B, scoring 45 points with a 28 handicap.
In the seniors’ division, Hajia Zenabu Sulemana and Chris Apau-Opong shared honours.
Simron Oberoi won the Longest Drive for the men on Hole 15, while Floria Hurtubise took the prize for the ladies. Closest to the Pin on Hole 18 was won by Philip Paekes for the men, and Letitia Amponsah-Mensah for the women.
In a short address, MTN’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Ms Adwoa Wiafe, commended the participants and highlighted the company’s delight in hosting the event which she emphasised equals golf and the world of business, stressing the importance of strategy, skill, and camaraderie, which are essential in both fields.
“The tournament wasn’t just about the competition; it also served as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between MTN and the Achimota Golf Club,” she added.
By Spectator Reporter
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.
