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Black Stars, a team in crisis (Part 1)
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The Black Stars squad for AFCON 2023 IN Cote d’Ivoire
Gradually, the mention of the Black Stars, referencing the senior national male football team, is becoming a nuisance in the ears of Ghanaian fans and non-fans.
It used to be a team that brought joy to Ghanaians despite winning nothing.
That notwithstanding, the fans chose to adore the team; not purposefully for the result they produce but the sight of some of the great players that put the nation on the map as a football powerhouse.
But it has become very difficult to write about this team and lump all the generations together.
It is easier when one separates the trophy-winning generations without recognisable reward packages from the overly-pampered, over-hyped and paid generation that has added nothing to what their predecessors won or achieved.
Perhaps, it is the reason Ghana’s Black Stars trophy cabinet still has only four trophies – all AFCON, with the last in 1982 regardless of the huge expenditure that goes into bonuses, accommodation, preparation for games, logistics and many others.
The excuse has always been about the evolution of the game and the fact that more countries have developed or improved.
Others also held the view of the game becoming more competitive and has moved from the era where only four countries took part in the AFCON.
But from Ghana’s performance in the last two AFCONs, especially Cote d’Ivoire 2023, one can easily argue that Chris Hughton’s Black Stars would not have qualified to the final in that four-nation AFCON.
The team has won the AFCON four times (1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982), and finished as runners-up on five occasions (1968, 1970, 1992, 2010, and 2015).
That clearly explains the quality and seriousness of the generations.
For over 40 years, there is no credible achievement to be attributed to the team; be it AFCON or World Cup.
When the Black Stars secured Ghana’s first World Cup qualification for Germany 2006 that was equated to about two AFCON trophies by a few overzealous and excited fans; but they can be pardoned because the ecstasy and elation that followed was overwhelming.
After four editions, a quarterfinal berth became the highest feat and Africa country chalked until Morocco did the unthinkable – a semifinal berth.
In spite of Ghana’s form, a few brave-hearted fans trusted the Black Stars to deliver at the ongoing AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.
Interestingly, the campaign crashed painfully in a repeat of the 2021 edition and manner that should even make every member of the team resign from whatever role assigned to him or her.
The Cameroun AFCON marked a sad end with an ego-battering 3-2 defeat to Comoros at the Roumdjé Adjia Stadium in Garoua.
That was after the Black Stars had managed to pick just a point in their first two matches.
It left them with a huge task of winning at all cost after losing their Group C opener 1-0 to Morocco and surrendered a lead to Gabon in the second game.
When it got to the crunch against the Islanders from Comoros, the Black Stars conceded late to complete a shambolic show at what was expected to be the biggest platform for African countries to show the world what they were made of.
The ‘Director’ for that ‘play’ in Cameroun was returnee Serbian trainer Milovan Rajevac.
It appears Hughton was presented with the same script but altered a few scene to make the play his own.
He met sharks from another Island – Cape Verde in a Group B opener and lost as Ghana’s struggles against Islanders continued.
By Andrew Nortey
The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.
In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.
The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.
According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.
UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.
The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.
It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.
UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.
The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.
The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.
Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all aspirants campaigning in the Greater Accra Region to suspend their campaign activities on August 5 and 6 and instead mobilise supporters for the party’s planned “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration.
The directive was issued by the party’s National Steering Committee in a statement signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of efforts to ensure a strong turnout for the demonstration, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026.
The party said the protest would begin at 5:00 a.m., with participants expected to gather at the Supreme Court in Accra.
It further directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilise members and supporters for the event.
“The National Steering Committee is calling on all aspirants currently campaigning across the Greater Accra Region to temporarily suspend their campaign activities on the 5th and 6th of August and join in mobilising support for the upcoming demonstration,” the statement noted.
The NPP appealed to party members and supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and orderly throughout the protest.
The demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance and the justice system.
The NPP leadership expressed confidence that party members would cooperate fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.
By: Jacob Aggrey
