Sports
Agyapa Mercer unveils Ghana’s first Creative Arts Hall of Fame in Sekondi
In a significant event for World Tourism Day, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, unveiled the first-ever Creative Arts Hall of Fame in Sekondi.
This milestone celebration pays homage to Sekondi’s deep cultural roots as a musical hub, honoring the exceptional talents that have shaped Ghana’s creative sector.
The Hall, located at Duawusu in Asamansudu, a suburb of Sekondi, is steeped in folklore as the place where many Ghanaian music legends were discovered.
Modeled after renowned institutions around the world, the Creative Arts Hall of Fame recognizes the lifetime achievements of pioneers in the creative arts.
“These halls of fame stand as testaments to the power of creativity in shaping our world and driving economic growth,” stated Minister Egyapa Mercer during the unveiling.
Highlighting the economic importance of the sector, the Minister remarked, “The creative arts sector is not only a vital contributor to our economy but also fuels tourism, stimulates export revenues, and creates numerous job opportunities.”
“These legends, the first list of inductees have enriched our cultural heritage and elevated Ghana’s presence on the global stage,” the Minister said.
Egyapa Mercer also shared plans to integrate the Hall of Fame into the ongoing renovations at the Centre for National Culture (CNC) in Sekondi, with intentions to replicate the initiative across the country, ensuring that every region has a platform to celebrate its unique creative talents.
To keep the recognition ongoing, the Minister announced that new inductees will be added each year during the World Tourism Day celebrations, ensuring continuous acknowledgment of contributions by Ghana’s artists, musicians, filmmakers, and cultural icons.
The CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, expressed his gratitude to the various industry stakeholders who contributed to the project’s success. He also thanked the Sekondi community for their unwavering support.
“Together, let us celebrate our national heroes and continue to promote the arts and culture that make Ghana truly unique,” He said.
The event was attended by industry leaders, traditional chiefs, religious leaders, and youth groups. An official induction ceremony is set for October 22, 2024.
Sports
S-Inkoom Football Academy eyes Division Two promotion, European opportunities for young talents
Former Ghana Black Stars and FC Basel defender, Samuel Inkoom, has expressed confidence in the future of Ghanaian football as his S-Inkoom Football Academy continues to nurture young talents and create pathways to professional football both locally and abroad.
Speaking after his academy’s successful qualification for the Middle League, Inkoom praised the commitment and discipline of his players, describing their progress as a testament to hard work and dedication.
“First of all, I give thanks to God. These kids mean a lot to me. The most important thing is that they are learning and moving in the right direction,” he said.
According to him, the academy’s immediate target is to secure promotion to Division Two when the team competes in the Middle League this week.
“We are playing on Wednesday and we are hoping for the best. If they perform the same way they did today, they can qualify for Division Two,” he stated.
Inkoom revealed that the academy’s broader objective extends beyond winning matches, focusing instead on transforming the lives of talented young footballers, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds.
“Some of these boys come from families that struggle to provide even basic necessities. I tell them that money may not be there today, but if they remain focused, success will come tomorrow,” he explained.
The former Ghana international also disclosed that several academy players are attracting interest from clubs in Europe.
He said three players who recently underwent trials had been invited back to complete permanent transfers later this month, while four additional players are expected to travel abroad soon.
“When I see these opportunities for the boys, it makes me happy. It shows that we are doing something right,” he noted.
He appealed to corporate organisations and individuals to support the academy’s efforts in developing future national team players.
“If corporate bodies can come on board and support us, the door is open. This project is for Ghana. Together, we can bring out these talents and help build a stronger national team,” he said.
The academy currently has more than 80 players within its development system, providing a steady pipeline of talent to replace players who progress to opportunities abroad.
“We have about 81 players in our system. We are giving everyone a chance because football is about opportunities and timing. New talents are always emerging,” Inkoom added.
Captain Samuel Owusu also expressed confidence in the team’s readiness for the upcoming Division Two qualifiers, stating that the players had quickly shifted their focus after learning of their qualification.
“We were surprised at first, but now we are fully prepared mentally and physically for the challenge ahead,” he said.
Midfielder Elijah echoed the optimism within the camp, indicating that the squad was determined to prove itself in the next stage of competition.
The academy’s management further revealed plans to organise youth tournaments involving international scouts and representatives from leading European clubs, creating additional exposure opportunities for young Ghanaian footballers.
With preparations intensifying ahead of Wednesday’s crucial fixtures, the S-Inkoom Football Academy remains hopeful of achieving promotion while continuing its mission of producing the next generation of football stars for Ghana and beyond.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
The world over, the FA Cup is noted as a competition that produces winners whose pedigree can always be called into question.
This year in particular when many predicted an all-conquering Arsenal to win the English version of the championship, they were beaten by a struggling Manchester City side to win the trophy.
The season before, a dominant Manchester City side also surprisingly lost to Crystal Palace in a final many expected the east Manchester side to triumph.
The Ghana version of the competition is not spared of the surprises and uncertainties about the competition.
On Sunday at the University of Ghana Stadium, Nations FC walked a path that only defunct Ho Voradep treaded on 34 years ago when they suffered relegation in the 1992 edition but won the FA Cup competition.
Having faced the ignominy of relegation, Nations FC put up a strong fight to beat Dreams FC 5-4 on penalties to win the MTN FA Cup after drawing 1-1 in regulation and extra time.
Joseph Effah put Nations FC ahead in the 31st minute with a composed finish before Abdul Razak Salifu levelled for Dreams FC on the stroke of halftime.
Both sides had good chances in the second half and extra time, but all failed to find the back of the net again until the shoot-outs.
It was not just historic. It is the biggest silverware in their trophy cabinet. Though they would campaign from the lower tier of Ghana football, they would hoist Ghana’s flag in the CAF Confederations Cup competition in the next season.
It was a dramatic and memorable season, leaving huge responsibility on the tiny shoulders of Dr Kwame Kyei’s Nations FC.
The focus is now on the future for the winners considering the financial challenge that comes with participation for the continental championship others to arise regarding the acceptance of their home venue.
While commending the FA Cup committee and MTN Ghana, the headline sponsors, one hopes that corporate sectors consider that difficulty and rush to the aid of the club. Ayekoo, Nations FC.
By Andrew Nortey
