Sports
GFA boss commends DOL clubs
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr Kurt Simeon-Okraku commended all the 48 teams on the successful conclusion of the 2024-25 Access Bank Division One League (DOL).
He also extended a heartfelt congratulations to the three clubs that earned promotion to the Ghana Premier League (GPL) – Swedru All Blacks, Techiman Eleven Wonders and Hohoe United.
“Your dedication, resilience, and quality on the pitch have paid off, and you now take your well-deserved place at the top tier of Ghanaian football. We welcome you and urge you to remain true ambassadors of discipline, professionalism, and fair play,” a statement signed by Mr Okraku said.
“Equally, we acknowledge the clubs that will be exiting the DOL. While this outcome is never easy, relegation is not an end, it is an invitation to rebuild, to reflect, and to return stronger.”
According to the statement, there was an improvement in the overall quality of play, match day organization and officiating, adding that “through intensified technical support, enhanced referee development, and greater collaboration with club administrators, we have made important strides in making the DOL hugely competitive.”
Central to this progress, he said has been the unwavering partnership of the title sponsor, Access Bank.
“Their continued commitment to Ghanaian football has been a catalyst for growth and transformation in the DOL. Together, we have been able to invest in club capacity building, grassroots scouting, and marketing initiatives that are elevating the standard of the game,” the statement said.
It commended the regional football associations, technical teams, match commissioners and all other stakeholders whose tireless efforts ensured a smooth and successful season across all three zones.
The statement affirmed the FA’s commitment to expanding opportunities, deepening investment, and introducing innovative reforms to make the League stronger and commercially viable.
Sports
Black Starlets arrives in Morocco on U-17 AFCON mission …FA boss charges team to make Ghana proud
The Black Starlets, the national U-17 male team, have safely arrived in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team departed Accra on Wednesday, travelling with a 35-man contingent made up of 21 players and 14 officials, all focused on delivering a strong campaign on the continental stage.
They completed a smooth five-hour flight to Morocco, where final preparations will continue before the tournament kicks off.
The technical team is expected to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion among the squad as they gear up for the competition.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, was present at the Accra International Airport to bid farewell to the team.
Speaking during a brief farewell at the Airport, the FA President urged the team to carry a ‘never say die’ spirit into the competition.
President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of mental strength and unity, particularly in difficult moments during matches. His message was inspired by the team’s recent friendly encounters against Cote d’Ivoire, where they bounced back strongly after an initial defeat.
“I’m very happy that when you lost to Cote d’Ivoire in your first game during your friendly matches, you were able to bounce back—not only to dominate but to outscore them in the second game,” he said. “I read a lot of meaning into that, and I want all of you to keep that in your heads—that, it’s not over until it’s all over,” he added.
The FA president stressed that the ability to respond positively to setbacks would be crucial in a tournament as competitive as the AFCON.
He encouraged the players to stay united and support one another when the pressure intensifies on the continental stage.
“When the chips are down, that’s when we need to hold each other together,” Okraku added. “So go out there and make Ghana proud.”
Ghana will compete in Group D alongside Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, with their opening match scheduled for Thursday, May 14.
Twenty-three (23) players have been called up for this month’s international friendly against Mexico.
The squad is composed of star players from the domestic league and European leagues who are closely monitored by Coach Carlos Queiroz, as well as U-23 players who will soon represent Ghana in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers.
Notable names include Majeed Ashimeru, Felix Afena-Gyan, Razak Simpson, and Birmingham City’s Ibrahim Osman.
Ashimeru returns to action after a long spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury that limited his appearances at both club and national level.
Also in the team is Felix Afena-Gyan, whose last appearance for Ghana was in May last year when he featured against Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup in London.
Barcelona B’s Abdul Aziz Issah, Ebenezer Annan of AS Saint-Étienne, Ibrahim Osman of Birmingham City, and Paul Reverson of Ajax FC have also been included in the squad.
Midfielder Salim Adams, one of the key players for Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC, leads the group of home-based players.
Others are Heart of Lions’ Ebenezer Abban, Ebenezer Adade of Dreams FC, and Nations FC captain Razak Simpson. Ghana will travel to Mexico for the international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026.
