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 Queens Set to Face England Lionesses in International Friendly
The Black Queens will face the Lionesses of England in a high-profile international friendly on December 2,2025 per agreement between the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the England Football Association.
After reaching the semi-finals at the 2024 WAFCON, the Black Queens are determined to build on that performance and establish themselves among the elite teams on the continent.
This match comes off as part of Ghana’s preparations for all international assignments, including the 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The fixture against England, one of the world’s top-ranked sides and reigning European champions, is expected to provide the Queens with a tough test that will sharpen the squad.
Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren will also seize the golden opportunity to measure the team’s progress, expose the players to world-class opposition, and correct areas that need improvement.
The Black Queens will head into the encounter motivated to put up a strong performance, not only to test their readiness but also to showcase the strides Ghana continues to make in women’s football on the international stage.
Sports
Ghana Premier League Returns with Fresh Signings, New Coaches and High Expectations
The Ghana Premier League (GPL) is back for the 2025/26 season, promising one of the most competitive campaigns yet. Clubs across the country have strengthened their technical teams and recruited a blend of youth and experience as they aim to improve their squads and challenge for honours.
Our GPL Statistician, Shaban Mohammed provides a rundown of how clubs have shaped up in the preseason ahead of Friday’s kickoff.
Defending Champions Gold Stars Ready for Title Defence
Gold Stars, reigning league champions, have reinforced their squad in all departments. Backup goalkeeper Kwadwo Osei Bonsu joins to compete with Emmanuel Kobi, while the attack has been bolstered with Sampson Eduku, Prince Opoku Agyemang, Emmanuel Agyenim Boateng, and Burkinabé international Sanou Razack. Midfield stalwarts Francis Twene, Emmanuel Fosu Kyei, Emmanuel Kontor, Emmanuel Agyei, and Emmanuel Kojo Addy are expected to be pivotal. The champions head into the season on a high after lifting the Ghalca Top Four trophy.
Kotoko, Hearts and Lions Eye the Crown
Asante Kotoko also have their sights firmly set on the league title. Under coach Abdul Karim Zito, the Porcupine Warriors won the President’s Cup against Hearts of Oak, the Toyota Cup against Kaizer Chiefs, and the Champion of Champions match over Gold Stars. Key arrivals include goalkeeper Dari Aziz Haruna from Bechem United, Walid Fuseini, Sahyibu Abubakari, Musah Hamzata, Joseph Amoah, and Guinean striker Morifing Donzo.
Hearts of Oak are undergoing a resurgence under new head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani. After winning the Homowo and Democracy Cups and finishing joint-top of the GHALCA Top Four, the Phobians have strengthened their side with goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi, forward Prince Kwabena Owusu, Ali Mohammed, Paaku George, Rocky Dwamena, Abdul Karim, Frank Abora Duku, Baba Adamu, and Henry Kwaku Boateng.
Heart of Lions are also in the mix for the title after a strong pre-season. They have added Dennis Korsah, Chauncy Freeman, Michael Noumon, Yaw Polo, Emmanuel Anokye, and Faisal James to their squad.
Aduana FC, Karela United Lead Transfer Rush
Aduana FC were among the most active in the transfer window, signing experienced goalkeeper Obeng Sekyere Gregory from Berekum Chelsea, forward Mizack Afriyie, and striker Remember Adomako from Accra Lions. Former club captain Bright Adjei also returns, alongside Patrick Mensah, Riise Opoku Mensah, Dominic Frimpong, and Abdul Aziz Nurudeen.
Karela United, who have narrowly avoided relegation in the past two seasons, have rebuilt their squad with Evans Osei Wusu (a league winner with Samartex), Bless Ege (2024 MTN FA Cup finalist), goalkeepers Daniel Afadzwu and Kelvin Kofi Saaba, and foreign signings Oliver Adom from Ivory Coast and Cameroonian forward Franky Aoudou.
Key Signings Across the League
· Asante Kotoko: Lord Hilary Adaboi (Samartex), Dari Aziz Haruna (Bechem United), Walid Fuseini.
· Hearts of Oak: Solomon Agbasi (Free Agent), Abdul Karim (Nations FC), Prince Kwabena Owusu (Gold Stars).
· Medeama SC: Rich Sackey (Aduana FC), Fuzy Taylor (Accra Lions).
· Berekum Chelsea: Augustine Agyapong, Michael Awuah Mensah, Samuel Amofa.
· Vision FC: Dickson Afoakwa (Rainmasters), Kwame Aziz (Legon Cities).
· Nations FC: Faruk Mohammed (Hohoe United), Lawrence Ansah.
· Swedru All Blacks: John Andoh (Soccer Intellectuals), Junior Yeboah (Pac Academy), Benjamin York.
· Hohoe United: Michael Yeboah (Great Olympics), Alhassan Adamu (Karela), Maxwell Agyemang.
· Eleven Wonders: Daniel Lomotey (formerly WAFA, Medeama, Young Apostles).
Coaching Carousel: Continuity and Change
Only two of the 18 GPL clubs have appointed foreign coaches: Swedru All Blacks hired Egyptian Ahmed Fati, while Aduana FC retained Romanian Cioba Arista. Ten clubs maintained their coaches, including Abdul Karim Zito (Asante Kotoko), Frimpong Manso (Gold Stars), Nurudeen Amadu (Karela United), Nana Agyemang (Vision FC), Ibrahim Tanko (Medeama SC), Samuel Boadu (Berekum Chelsea), Christopher Ennin (Samartex), Bashir Hayford (Heart of Lions), and Kasim Mingle Ocansey (Nations FC).
Hearts of Oak, Eleven Wonders, Basake Holy Stars, Swedru All Blacks, Hohoe United, Dreams FC, Bechem United, and Young Apostles have all appointed new coaches as they seek to refresh their technical directions.
With major signings, tactical shake-ups, and heightened ambitions across the board, the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling campaigns in recent times’ memory.
