Hot!
African Games: We’ll rely on our strength against Senegal- U-20 Head coach
The Black Satellites have shifted focus to the crunch semi-final match against Senegal which will be played at the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow, Tuesday March 19, 2024 at 8pm.
Ghana made it to the semis after finishing on top of Group A and will face the runners up from Group B for a place in the grand final of the 13th African Games Men’s Football Competition.
Though Coach Desmond Sakyi Ofei admits Senegal will be tough opponents, the Ghana U20 Head Coach insists that his side will rely on their strengths and will be up to the task on Tuesday evening.
The Ghana trainer made these remarks when he attended the pre-match press conference with player Aaron Essel ahead of the game against Senegal.
He said, “We have learnt, we are coming from a very long way and we are building something special for this national team. We are diligent and we know what we are doing.”
According to Desmond Sakyi Ofei, “We are looking ahead to the future with open arms, we are ready for whoever comes. It’s going to be a very difficult game against a very good side.”
“For us once again, it’s against a very tough opponent. Senegal is a good team and they did well last year in the U17 and U20 tournaments. They went to the World Cup and got one loss and two draws,” he added.
The coach said they are rebuilding, adding that his players have rested well and are prepared for the semis.
He believes there is no luck in the semis. For him, to reach the semi-finals means you did something right.
“We have to stay true to ourselves and what we did in the past to replicate and multiply it. We have to be tactically aware and be sharp on the duels. We need to be well organised and control the ball well. That’s what we stand for, and I think we are improving game by game. We need to be focused on the game at hand against Senegal,” he said.
He noted that “We started camping in October and we touched on every aspect of the game, physically and mentally. We will try and finish the game in the regular playing time. If it goes into penalties, I am sure the boys will be prepared. Luckily, we have Nii Odartey Lamptey who is preparing the boys when it comes to penalties.”
“If you see our games, with the ball we play with a three-back and when we are defending we play with four-back. Defensively, we will be very solid and sharp because they have really good players. That’s what makes football very special because you get to play the best and it’s going to be a good game and we are going to enjoy,” he revealed.
He said that one thing about Ghanaian fans is that they are very honest, adding that they need that honesty and will not disappoint them because they are playing for the love of the nation.
One of the players, Aaron Essel also said, “I have been in almost all male national teams and I think it’s because of my confidence and the hardwork I put in when given the opportunity. Even if I get a Black Stars I believe I will have the confidence to play.”
“We respect every opponent and I have lots of trust in my teammates that irrespective of the opponent, we will emerge victorious,” he added.
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
Hot!
Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
