Sports
DAF, MAIF support fight against COVID-19
Head of Mission of the Diaspora African Forum (DAF), Ambassador Erieka Bennett and Nadia Murabet, President of Miracle Africa International Foundation (MAIF) may have become popular for their support for the youth through sports – and to an extent education.
However, this time, the two institutions have joined forces in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, after donating hundreds of masks and protective face shields to communities and establishments in the country.
At the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, MAIF and DAF donated masks and protective face shields to the Kumasi Children’s Home and to an elderly care-home in Gambibgo, outside Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region – thanks to the assistance of Dr Nadia Adongo Musah, President of the Ntuune Pogyua Foundation.
“A special thank you to DAF and MAIF for the support of face masks and shields. We believe in taking care of our elderly,” Dr Nadia Adongo Musah said.
Masks and shields were also donated to the Family Child and Associates Medical Centre which focuses on adult care and family health and infectious disease prevention and treatment.
The items were locally produced by Sixteen47 Ghana Limited, a garment factory based in Accra, under the direction and support of owner and CEO, Nura Archer.
DAF Ambassador Dr Erieka Bennett, said: “We are delighted to continue our long-lasting relationship with the MAIF through this much-needed example of caring and sharing. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted our efforts at the beginning of March, but our continuing collaboration inspired us to find new energy to protect those most at risk and restore hope and optimism for a better future.”
“The opportunity to ensure good health and safety for local communities, in addition to the importance of social distancing, personal hygiene and education lies at the heart of all our efforts to defeat this global pandemic,” said Ms Murabet.
“We are proud to collaborate with DAF and the donation of these masks and shields in such a troubled moment for global populations is a sign of solidarity and support during these difficult times.”
A joint statement issued at the weekend by DAF and the Geneva-based MAIF said that “as the world slowly regains its strength from the COVID-19 pandemic and countries begin to count the cost on human and social life, while at the same time plan ways to rebuild communities with new roles and responsibilities, the time for proactive participation in support of the unprecedented health crisis is more important than at any time in recent memory.”
MAIF, however, noted that they were working hard to provide a better quality of life for Africans by initiating and implementing projects and programmes that target sustainable development, stability and global peace for positive world transformation.
“The need to provide concrete actions and material support is one of the reasons why MAIF and DAF, have joined forces with the Diaspora office of the President in Ghana to safeguard the health of children and elderly citizens,” the statement added.
DAF is the first and only diplomatic mission in the world, devoted to the recognition and re-integration of the African Diaspora, based in Ghana and accredited by the African Union. DAF has helped ensure ground-breaking policy changes on the continent for African Diaspora to live, work, visit and invest in Africa, aside its support for sports.
MAIF, on the other hand, uses arts, culture, music and sports events to promote initiatives, create awareness campaigns and build bridges of peace and understanding through education.
DAF and MAIF were on the verge of starting a project “Education through Sports” in Accra with a football festival slated for the El Wak Sports Stadium in March, but was stalled by the COVID-19 pandemic.
BY TIMES SPORTS REPORTER
The Black Starlets will intensify preparations for the upcoming 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a double-header of friendly matches against FC Samartex 1996 at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, Samraboi.
The national U-17 side will first take on the youth team of Samartex on Saturday at4pm, as the technical team continues to assess player combinations and sharpen match readiness ahead of the continental tournament.
The following day, Sunday, March 15, the Starlets will return to the same venue to face the senior side of Samartex in another crucial preparatory fixture, also scheduled for 4pm.
These matches form part of a series of build-up games designed to test the squad’s depth, tactical discipline and competitive edge as they prepare for the AFCON challenge.
The Starlets have already played several friendly matches during their training programme, including encounters against True Democracy FC, Port City FC, Attram De Visser Academy, Semper Fi FC and Golden Kick FC.
The upcoming double-header is expected to provide another valuable opportunity for the technical team to fine-tune strategies and evaluate players as Ghana’s young talents continue their preparations for the 2026 U-17 AFCON.
The Football Association, in partnership with the Ghana Education Service in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region, is supporting the Ayensuano District Basic Schools Sports Festival, a three-day sporting event aimed at nurturing young talent and empowering students through sports and education.
The festival, scheduled to take place from March 9 to March 13, 2026, at Kofipare, will be held under the theme “Strengthening the Reset: Unleashing the Champion in You.”
The event is being organized in honour of Rev. Alexander Narh Amanya, the District Director of Education for Ayensuano, in recognition of his contribution to educational and youth development in the district.
The Women’s Football Development Unit of the GFA’s Technical Directorate views the festival as a significant platform to implement the Education Pillar of the GFA Women’s Football Strategy, which seeks to promote awareness, participation, and development opportunities for girls in football.
As part of the initiative, the GFA will engage female students through educational and empowerment sessions designed to introduce them to pathways in women’s football and encourage greater participation in the sport.
The Football Association will be represented by key officials who will provide mentorship and educational guidance to the participants.
Jennifer Amankwaa Sarpong, GFA Women’s Football Development Manager, will educate the girls on the Women’s Football Development Pathways, highlighting opportunities within the sport and potential career prospects.
Bernice Bempah, GFA Women’s Safeguarding Officer, will lead discussions on the GFA Safeguarding Code of Ethics, focusing on creating safe sporting environments and educating the girls on recognizing inappropriate behaviour, setting boundaries and confidently reporting concerns.
Patience Boadu, a public health practitioner and nurse, will facilitate sessions on girls’ health and football, covering important topics such as healthy lifestyles, hydration, menstruation, and personal hygiene.
The Ayensuano District Basic Schools Sports Festival is expected to combine sport, education and mentorship, creating an enabling environment for young girls to discover their potential both on and off the field while aligning with the broader vision of the Ghana FA to grow women’s football across the country.
