Sports
GFA partners Ayensuano District for Basic Schools Sports Festival to empower young girls
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.
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.
