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Good to have the team back!
News that the Technical Team which superbly navigated Ghana’s path to the Qatar 2022 World Cup tournament, will still be in charge of the forthcoming Mundial, is worth celebrating.
It is one that disciples of Ghana football will hail for many days to come.
Spearheaded by Otto Addo and a formidable backroom staff made up of George Boateng, Mas-udDidiDramani, the team masterminded Black Stars’ triumph over their age-long rivals – Nigeria’s Super Eagles, via the away goal rule.
The game’s crucial first leg play-off at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi had ended in a heart-pumping goalless stalemate – an upshot that sent tongues wagging in blissful discord.
Indeed, many had thrown hands up in dispair, predicting doom for the Stars in the return encounter in the capital Abuja, especially when the game was going to be held at a stadium that takes more than 80,000 fans, double the size of the Baba Yara Stadium.
The stadium was filled to the brim. It was already known it was going to be so. Not surprising at all.
To cut a known long story short, tactical shrewdness from Ghana’s Technical Team blew off Nigeria’s overzealous, embarrassingly rich armada.
Though they dominated exchanges, it had to take Nigeria a contentious spot-kick to efface Thomas Partey’s 12th minute strike, finishing the gut-wrenching evening 1-1.
Nigeria mourned! The fans gnashed their teeth in rage. And, the players wept uncontrollably back in their dressing room.
A different story lit up the nation as many cartwheeled in celebration at the final signal from the Tunisian referee. Ghanaians, especially, the ‘Doubting Thomases’ remained shocked.
But one thing that everybody did was to praise the tactical depth of the Otto Addo-led team, believing they have something spectacular up their sleeve to turn the fortunes of the Black Stars around in the November 2022 World Cup.
And, suddenly, everyone is calling for the Technical Team to be retained.
You remember how they (technical team) doggedly refused to ‘unmask’ their squad ahead of the cracker in Kumasi? Those who criticised that unpopular decision would later gild their lily.
The good thing is that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has elicited a positive response from Bundesliga side Dortmund, employers of Otto Addo – the Germany team agreeing to release their Scout and Assistant Coach for the World Cup and other engagements.
Otto Addo, it was agreed, would be on the touchline when the Black Stars host Madagascar in a 2023 Nations Cup qualifier in June (next month) at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.
The GFA is also in talks with the other backroom staff and their employers to get them aboard – and from all indications, the coast is almost clear for an encore.
What the Technical Team and the players need now is the consummate backing from Ghanaians. It is important.
However, we shall not sit aloof if they get it wrong, especially with new call-ups into the national team. Every player must be worth their weight in gold.
By John Vigah
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
