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C’wealth Games with loads of questions …why heads must roll
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Amoah – Won bronze in 200m
After nearly two weeks of friendly – yet combative exchanges, the XXII edition of the Commonwealth Games ended in Birmingham on Monday with Ghana recording a bitter-sweet event that would forever be etched on the minds of Ghanaians.
With Ghana hosting the 13th edition of the African Games in 2023, less than a year away, it is believed that useful lessons have been learned in Birmingham – and it was good to see the crème-de-la-crème of the Ghana 2023 Local Organising Committee (LOC) turn out for the biennial multi-sport showpiece.
As you may have been aware already, Ghana amassed five medals (two silver and three bronze) from the Games – a marked improvement from the previous one – four years ago in Australia where only a medal (bronze) was picked. This year’s medals took the country’s total haul at the Commonwealth Games to 62 since Ghana’s participation in the 1954 Games in Vancouver, Canada. Not inspiring enough, though.
The truth is that we could have done better in Birmingham if we had had adequate preparations and good planning ahead of the Games. To carry 13 sport disciplines to the event and only see two (boxing and athletics) pick medals is to say the least atrocious. Clearly, it means we were not ready at all.
One thing that was worth celebrating, though, was the attention and obsession Ghanaians attached to the just-ended Games. The attraction was so much that social media was swamped with thousands of comments after each Ghanaian performance. It tells you, clearly, that though football remains the numero un passion of the nation, Ghanaians also cared about the other sport disciplines.
Athletics, for instance, ‘cottoned up’ almost all the attention even though boxing demonstrated much derring-do with regard to giving the nation medals – as always.
It is the reason the nation went round the bend when our athletes were disqualified from the men’s 4X100m final race for the inanity and irresponsibility of the Ghana Athletics Association (GAA). So, just to refresh your memory; the disqualification was triggered by the GAA’s stunning failure to inform Commonwealth Games officials (Technical Information Centre) of a change in the running order.
The GAA had originally listed Joseph Paul Amoah, as a starter in the semi-final of the 4x100m. However, upon a second thought, the Ghanaian officials decided to substitute him for Abdul-Rasheed Saminu (to allow him prepare for his 200m final later in the day) – without informing the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).
A quartet of Benjamin Azamati, Sean Sarfo-Antwi, Abdul-Rasheed Saminu and Barnabas Agerh had placed third with a national record time of 39.05s in Heat 1 of the 4x100m relays; but all the feat meant nothing.
Per World Athletics Rule TR 24.11, only athletes whose names were on the final confirmation form as starters can run during the competition. Our promising relay team was, therefore, flushed out painfully – and denied a possible medal. For coaches and officials who have successfully participated in many international events over the past few years, how could this infantile mistake be made?
Clearly, this is objectionable and it would be surprising if heads do not roll for this terrible school-boy error. As someone said, if this horrendous administrative error had occurred in football, resulting in – let us say – the Black Stars’ disqualification to the World Cup, hell would have broken loose. That is incontestable. We wait to see what happens; whether the powers-that-be are going to take things as normal business.
Sadly, this is not the first time this avoidable fiasco is happening to us. Way back in the Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games in the USA, we had something similar that looks even more embarrassing.
In that instance, Athletics Coach Rose Hart (now late) – herself a former national athlete, was said to have gone shopping and forgot to register a substitute in the men 4x100m relay final. The GAA had decided to replace Eric Nkansah with Christian Nsiah, but Madam Hart did not inform the organisers. Thus, when the team made up of in-form Aziz Zakari, Christian Nsiah, Emmanuel Tuffour and Albert Agyeman lined up for the final, they were disqualified and not allowed to race. It was our strongest quartet yet.
Limpidly, our terrified athletes – who were not aware of the situation, refused to move off the tracks for the race to start, leading to a prolonged delay. It caused the nation a lot of embarrassment and the public uproar was piercing.
Indeed, we became a laughing stock. Subsequently, the GAA was disbanded and later reconstituted. Are we going to see similar action, this time around?
The Chef de Mission of Team Ghana (Frederick Acheampong) and the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) have both called for a ‘snake-pit’ inquisition into the scandal that robbed the relay team of a medal and one hopes it would be carried to the letter – and the appropriate action taken.
Of course, in the same vein, efforts must not be spared to unravel circumstances surrounding the disqualification of light heavyweight boxer, Shakul Samed, from the Commonwealth Games. The boxer was expelled by the Commonwealth Games Federation Anti-Doping and Medical Commission after testing positive for a banned substance ahead of his first fight.
He was said to have violated anti-doping rules for the 2022 Commonwealth Games as his Sample ‘A’ allegedly contained the prohibited substance (diuretic and masking agent – furosemide). Who gave him the substance? Did he smuggle it to the Games? Did he see it as a normal drug that to relieve him from pain or something?
As a nation, we must get to the bottom of the issue and ensure that necessary actions are taken for the future.
Whilst the authorities are at it, we cannot forget to gild the lily of athletes that made the nation proud at the Birmingham Games. From Joseph Amoah who broke a 48-year-old national jinx by winning bronze at the 200m to boxing’s Abraham Mensah and Joseph Commey (silver medals), Abdul Wahid Omar (bronze) to long jumper Deborah Acquah (bronze), the medalists deserve a bouquet of orchids for their eye-catching feat. However, we still have a long way to go!
PlainTalk With John Vigah
In the midst of the storm that rocked professional boxing organisation almost a year ago, a decision was taken which is unprecedented in the annals of the sport in Ghana.
Following the death of a Nigerian boxer in a Ghanaian ring, the modus operandi of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) was questioned in various quarters.
Just when the storm appeared to have settled, another disaster struck. Ernest Akushey ‘Baubali’, a famous local boxer was lost to the icy hands of death, 10 clear days after a bout. It was such an unfortunate incident. May he keep resting in peace.
Even before the cause of death comes out, the GBA administration was put on the chopping board, and became a gum in the mouth of all. Almost everyone ‘chewed’ some.
Perhaps, considering the weight and ignominy of the incident, the mighty and powerful had to step in, taking major decisions to ensure some sanity in the sport.
Among the popular decisions arising out of this intervention was the call for sweeping reforms that led to the establishment of an Interim Management Committee (IMC) which has now assumed the role of the GBA because of the failure to organize elections to handover to an elected body because of the non-availability of funds.
The second was the last minute cancelation of a promotion to be staged by former boxer, Michael Nii Ayitey Okai, aka Ayittey Powers.
There appears to be some calm over the first decision as boxing stakeholders wait patiently, hoping that the IMC does the needful in no time.
But the latter, regarding the cancelation of the bout has continued, becoming a tango between the former boxer-now-turned promoter and the Director General of the National Sports Authority, Mr Yaw Ampofo Ankrah (YAA).
The Accra Regional Police Command this week arrested the veteran boxer, after he has reported himself at the station, over an alleged threat of death made against Mr. Ankrah after a video of him talking about the issue went viral.
A police statement said ‘Dada Powers’ was arrested in connection with an alleged threat made against the NSA boss.
Sadly, the circumstances under which the decision to cancel the promotion was made and the absence of a precedent to follow, have made a solution difficult to come by, a year after.
One remembers the back and forth about the decision as to whether the fight would be staged or not.
With assurances that the fight would go on, Powers claimed to have paid so much to boxers in terms of purses and other organizational expenditures, only for the NSA boss to drop the ill-fated announcement cancelling the promotion.
Since then, Dada Powers has seen the decision as a unilateral one from the NSA boss and has constantly blamed YAA for his present predicament. What is, however not clear is the form of compensation Powers is asking for.
As of now, one is at a loss whether he is seeking a refund of his expenditure or awaiting clearance to stage the fight.
If it were to be the latter, there would be no problem with that since boxing promotion has return in full force with the IMC sanctioning close or over 10 promotions.
This problem should not have arisen in the first place if that decision had been carefully thought through. If that was done, it would have found a way out of the mess it created for both parties.
Clearly, Powers is seeking for a sort of compensation which he has failed to communicate well. Despite the guidance from well-meaning people, he decides to sometimes use some ‘ring’ tactics to express his concerns.
If Powers is not aware, he must be advised that there are laws that governs every transaction or activity so no matter how legitimate his concerns may be, he is bound by the same laws to demand for justice in the right way.
Now in the custody of the police and latest reports suggesting the matter has ended up in court, the focus now shifts from the substantive matter to his behaviour that puts him in a bad light for a certain class of people.
Instead of seeing Yaw as an ‘enemy of progress,’ he must show an interest in working closely with him and others to find an amicable solution.
Maybe by extension, the decision to cancel that bout should be subjected to a probe – to know how it came about, it merits and demerits and whether it was in the best interest for Ghana boxing.
By Andrew Nortey
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With the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season set to kick off on September 4, clubs have continued to fine-tune their squads, with a number of late additions and free-agent deals shaping up ahead of the new campaign.
From established Premier League sides such as Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak, Medeama, Aduana FC, FC Samartex and Berekum Chelsea to ambitious lower-tier clubs, there has been significant movement in the transfer market.
Here is a rundown of the notable deals involving Ghana Premier League clubs:
Medeama SC strengthen across the pitch
Medeama have been among the busiest clubs, adding depth in midfield, defence and attack. The Mauve and Yellows have brought in Etse Dogli from Heart of Lions on a three-year deal, while Emmanuel Boateng arrives from Eleven Wonders on a two-year contract. Dominic Frimpong, a free agent, has also joined to bolster the attack on a three-year deal. Other additions include Usman Safianu, Abdul Rahman Yaya, Emmanuel Annor from Nations FC, and winger Emmanuel Fobi, who arrives from Georgia’s Dila Gori on a three-year deal.
Medeama have also recruited Issah Ibrahim from Latvia, Sudanese goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid Salman, midfielder Blessing Kwabena Dwamena, Jelillu Osman from New Edubiase, Emmanuel Anokye from Sporting Club Accra, and right-back Ebenezer Adade from Dreams FC.
Port City FC add experience and attacking options
Port City have also been active, bringing in several players to strengthen their squad. Kwabena Adu Meider and Francis Gyetuah arrive as free agents, while Stephen Diyou joins from Hohoe United.
The club have also secured Gideon Waja from WAFA, Ishak Suraj from Lebanese side Al Ahly, free-agent defender Samuel Gyimah, goalkeeper Daniel Amissah on a two-year deal, and Elliot Affotey from Heart of Lions on a three-year contract. Daniel Osei Snr., a defensive midfielder from Hohoe United, completes another addition to the squad.
Hearts of Oak bring in several young talents
Hearts of Oak have invested heavily in young players, including a number of long-term deals. Abdul Aziz arrives from Swedru All Blacks on a three-year deal, while free agent Ebenezer Amoh joins on a two-year contract. The Phobians have also secured Rockson Kyeremeh and centre-back Manuel Osei Djan from PAC Academy, both on five-year contracts.
Other arrivals include Caleb Koranteng from Victory Club Warriors, Alex Banso from Namoro FC, free-agent right-back Prince Amevor, goalkeeper Vicente Anane, Ivorian forward Mamadou Kader Kourouma, and free-agent defensive midfielder Dominic Nsobila.
Swedru All Blacks continue recruitment drive
Swedru All Blacks have added a sizeable group of players. Among them are Mohammed Musah Salifu from Tamale City, David Lartey from Dreams Chasers, Prince Arthur and Kelvin Ampoful from Nations FC, and winger Samuel Osei Kofi from Nsuopun Fidelity.
Free agent Faisal Chawetey, forward Vincent Baah Jnr from Tema Faith, centre-back Michael Abrokwa from Nations FC, forward John Ahuma Ocansey, midfielder Godfred Yartey from Cheetah FC, winger Andy Koramoah from Auroras, right-back Kojo Quansah from Samartex, and defender Latif Blessing from Cheetah FC have also joined.
Samartex add four
FC Samartex have strengthened with four additions. Ebenezer Okrah and Prince Affum arrive from Sefwi All Stars, while Joshua Fuseini joins from Golden Kick. Meshack Adjetey Sowah also arrives from Vision FC on a three-year deal.
Aduana FC bolster defence and attack
Aduana FC have brought in several players, including free agent Shawkan Hunalf Mohammed, defensive midfielder Samuel Tenedu from Berekum Chelsea, and centre-back Boa-At Regain from Bechem United. They have also signed free agent Stephen Amankona, right-back Abdul Latif Mohammed from Victory Club Warriors, winger Emmanuel Abban from Bechem United, Zakaria Fuseini from Techiman Liberty Youth, and free-agent left-back Bismark Anim on a two-year deal.
AshantiGold make international additions
FC Ashantigold have recruited from both Ghana and abroad. Raphael Kodjo Etchonou arrives from ESA Academy in Togo, while Burkina Faso defender Ben Yamine Nassirou Kabore joins from Etoile Filante. The club have also signed free-agent right-back Kamal Suraje on a three-year deal and goalkeeper Kwaku Musah, also on a three-year contract.
Other additions include Fatao Seidu, Sirinu Huzaifah from Skyy FC, Saddick Ibrahim Abubakar from Skyy, Ishmael Acquah from Skyy, William Addo from Unity FC, free-agent winger Alhassan Benny, and goalkeeper Thomas Kwabena Osei from Heart of Lions.
Gold Stars add attacking firepower
Gold Stars have brought in Nicholas Amekpewu from Elmina Sharks on a three-year deal, while centre-back Claude Shooting Bortey arrives as a free agent. They have also signed Kwame Opoku, another free agent, on a two-year deal.
Heart of Lions build new-look squad
Heart of Lions have also been busy, with several free-agent signings. Francis Odoom from Hohoe United joins on a two-year deal, alongside centre-back Abdul Jalilu, goalkeeper Edmund Wireko, winger William Oduro, centre-back Pius Baffuor, winger Sena Ati, and forward Mustapha Yakubu. Stephen Afoakwa from Faith Football Academy is another addition.
Other notable movements
Berekum Chelsea have recruited forward Jamal Haruna on a three-year deal, while Diawisie Taylor, Awuah Dramani, Chyereme Shadirac, Fuseini Zakaria, goalkeeper Zulka Massawudu, and Augustine Boakye have also joined.
At Asante Kotoko SC, goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim arrives on a two-year deal, while the Porcupine Warriors have also added Emmanuel Mamah, Ivorian centre-back Koffi Marius Ange Bini, free agent Isaac Opoku Agyemang, Burkina Faso midfielder Abdoul Kader Tarnagda, Cameroonian midfielder Solomon Nsor Asaah, Moroccan goalkeeper Abdel Wadie Mourad, and Albanian defender Umar Ali from Partizani.
Karela United have signed Wisdom Jonas Manyina from RTU on a three-year deal, alongside Frank Ackom from Nsuopun Fidelity, Iddi Mahfuz, Edmund Afurapoe from Eleven Wonders, goalkeeper Kwaku Musah, Angel Ewulla, Collins Ntiful from Okwawu United, Issah Abdul Basit from Golden Warriors, forward Mohammed Alhassan Mankuyeli, Ebenezer Amegah from Hohoe United, and free-agent forward Prince Opoku Agyemang. Vision FC have also added Kwadwo Boamah from Hohoe United and Faruk Mohammed from Nations FC.
The final preparations begin
With the transfer deadline now passed and the Ghana Premier League scheduled to begin on September 4, attention will turn from recruitment to preparation.
The sheer volume of movement suggests that several clubs will enter the new campaign with significantly different squads. For coaches, the immediate challenge will be turning these new arrivals into cohesive teams before the opening whistle of the new Premier League season.
