Sports
FA refutes false media reports about Sports Minister and urges support for Black Queens
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has refuted false media reports attributed to the Sports Minister, Kofi Adams.
According to the FA, the Minister did not call the bluff of the Queens.
They added in a press statement that at no point in the meeting did the Minister dared the players to boycott the return league and leave camp.
The Football Association further urged the media and the general public to rally behind the Black Queens by turning up in their numbers at the Accra Sports Stadium on today to cheer them up.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Read the statement below
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has taken notice of widespread media reports alleging that the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, “called off the bluff” of the Black Queens during a meeting and dared them to boycott the return leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt on Tuesday.
The GFA wishes to categorically deny and clarify these reports as false and misleading. The facts are as follows:
- A meeting was held involving the Minister of Sports and Recreation, the GFA President and the leadership of the Black Queens to discuss outstanding financial matters and preparations for the second- leg fixture following the team’s impressive 3-0 victory in the first leg against Egypt.
- During the meeting, the Minister appealed to the conscience of the players to remain focused and to honour the return-leg fixture, while assuring them that the Government is taking immediate steps to resolve the financial impasse.
- At no point did the Minister “call off the bluff” of the players or instruct them to boycott the upcoming match. Such reports are entirely inaccurate and do not reflect the spirit or content of the discussions that took place.
- The GFA continues to work closely and harmoniously with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to address the concerns of the players and ensure that the Black Queens receive the necessary support to excel.
The Ghana Football Association urges the media and the public to disregard the misleading reports and to rely on official communications from the GFA and the Ministry regarding matters of national football importance.
The GFA remains committed to fostering transparency, unity and collaboration among all stakeholders as the Black Queens continue their quest for qualification to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Football Association urges the media and the general public to rally behind the Black Queens by turning up in their numbers at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday to cheer the team on to victory. The unwavering support of Ghanaians will serve as a strong motivation for the players as they seek to complete their qualification campaign in style and make the nation proud.
After 16 years of not hosting this fixture, the Swedru Stadium will come alive today as Swedru All Blacks welcome Hearts of Oak in a Ghana Premier League (GPL) Match Day 10 clash.
Both sides enter the game on the back of 1-0 defeats in their previous outings, setting the stage for an intense encounter as they aim to bounce back.
While Hearts fans are backing their coach, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, to secure his fourth away win of the season, the Swedru faithful, known as the “Ozii Ozaa,” have issued a stern warning to their head coach, Egyptian tactician Ahmed Ibrahim Fathi: “Win the game or risk losing your job.”
On paper, it is a challenging task given the visitors’ recent form. Nonetheless, Coach Fathi remains confident that the three points will stay in Swedru, having prepared his side to meet supporters’ expectations.
Meanwhile, tomorrow at the Baba Yara Stadium, Asante Kotoko will rekindle their rivalry with league leaders Aduana FC in a GPL blockbuster. The Fabulous Lads, the only unbeaten team in the league, aim to maintain their perfect record, while Aduana FC coach Cioaba Aristica believes his side can stretch their lead at the top of the table.
Other fixtures this weekend include:
- Medeama SC vs. Eleven Wonders – University of Ghana Sports Stadium, Legon
- Bechem United vs. Samartex FC – Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, Bechem
- Berekum Chelsea vs. Nations FC – Golden City Park
- Basake Holy Stars vs. Vision FC – Ampain AAK II Sports Arena
- Heart of Lions FC vs. Young Apostles FC – Kpando Stadium
- Bibiani Gold Stars vs. Karela United – Bibiani Dun’s Park
Fans can expect exciting football and crucial points on the line as teams fight for league supremacy and to turn around recent fortunes.
By Raymond Ackumey
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Call it a night of celebration, where sports and music converge on one stage. The 50th edition of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards will take place tonight at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), promising an evening of glamour, recognition, and entertainment.
The Golden Jubilee edition commemorates 50 years of excellence since the awards’ inception in 1975, honoring Ghana’s best sporting heroes and heroines. The event will not only celebrate the present generation of athletes but also veterans who excelled over the past five decades.
High-profile guests include President John Dramani Mahama, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, and AIPS President Gianni Merlo.
SWAG has prepared an impressive entertainment lineup, headlined by Afropop star Stonebwoy, with appearances expected from Fameye.
Golden Jubilee Ambassadors
Personalities to be decorated as 50th Anniversary Ambassadors include:
- Margaret Simpson – Athletics
- Azumah Nelson – Boxing
- Abedi Ayew Pele – Football
- Michael Essien – Football
- Kwadwo Asamoah – Football
- Stephen Appiah – Football
- Samuel Osei Kuffour – Football
- Adwoa Bayor – Football
- Alberta Sackey – Football
Awards Highlights for 2024
Coach of the Year: Frimpong Manso (Gold Stars) vs. James Kwesi Appiah (Sudan)
Referee/Umpire of the Year: Daniel Laryea (Football), Francis Yeboah (Badminton), Clement Smith (Athletics)
National Team of the Year:
- Black Queens
- National Badminton Doubles Team
- Golden Arms (Armwrestling)
- Black Cranes (Weightlifting)
Club of the Year: Police Ladies, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Faith Ladies, Bibiani Gold Stars
Top 5 Federations: Ghana Athletics, Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF), Ghana Badminton, Ghana Weightlifting Federation (GWF), Ghana Cricket Association (GCA), Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU)
Other Awards:
- Athlete of the Year: Abdul Rasheed Saminu
- Boxer of the Year: Gideon Pappoe, George Dowuona, Mathias Ashittey
- Weightlifter of the Year: Emmanuel Amo Boateng
- Footballer of the Year – Male (Foreign Based): Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Kudus Mohammed
- Footballer of the Year – Female (Foreign Based): Grace Asantewaa, Chantelle Boye Hlorkah
- Footballer of the Year – Male (Home Based): Stephen Amankona, Benjamin Asare, Razak Simpson
- Footballer of the Year – Female (Local Based): Comfort Yeboah
- Student Athlete of the Year: Phillip Tetteh Odjer (Male, Athletics), Moslina Adu (Female, Badminton)
- Discovery of the Year: Yayra Akos Agozi (Female, Weightlifting), Michael Agyapong Mensah (Male, Table Tennis)
- Swimmer of the Year: Josel Mensah
- Badminton Player of the Year: Obaponba Adu Minta
- Puller of the Year: Mabel Yeboah
- Para-Athlete of the Year: Zainabu Issah
- Meritorious Awards: Moses Adu (Badminton), Husseini Akueteh Addy (Armwrestling)
- Dedication and Valour: Portia Boakye (Football), Yaw Agyeman (Athletics)
- SWAG Lifetime Achievement Award: Brestford Amui (Horse Racing/Administrator), Asamoah Gyan (Football), Andre Dede Ayew (Football), Anthony Yeboah (Football)
- Sports Administrator of the Year: Evans Kojo Yeboah (Badminton)
- Table Tennis Player of the Year: Emmanuel Commey / James Marfo
- SWAG President’s Award: Henry Arko
This year’s awards promise glitter, excitement, and recognition of Ghana’s finest in sports, both past and present, making it a night to remember.
By Andrew Nortey
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