Sports
Government eases restriction on football matches, spectators back
The wait is over for football fans who have waited patiently to cheer up their teams at the various league match centres
This follows a statement by the Ministry of Youth and Sports on Tuesday, January 5, that the restriction on spectators at the various stadia has been lifted.
The statement signed by Minister of Youth and Sports, Isaac Asiamah said, this was occasioned by the country’s strides in the fight against the deadly virus.
It added that the government has therefore decided to ease the restriction of playing football behind close doors to allow 25 percent on spectators into the various stadia.
The statement added that the inter-ministerial committee would continuously monitor the COVID-19 situation and appropriately advise.
Background
On Sunday, September 2020, the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during the Update 17 on the measure taken against the spread of COVID-19 said, “With respect to football, after due consultation with the Ghana Football Association, it has been decided that the Ghana Premier League and the Division One Football League will restart on Friday, October 30, with full regime test of players, technical and management staff. No Spectators will be allowed into the training centers, and, when the actual competition resumes, seating at the stadia will be limited to only 25 Percent capacity to ensure social distancing. Wearing of mask by spectators will be mandatory.”
However, this notwithstanding, there was a spike in the cases of COVID-19 before November, and as a result the Ministry issued a directive to put the earlier announcement by the on hold.
Against this backdrop, football matches have since been played behind closed doors in the country .
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Officials from the Ghana mission in the United Arab Emirates have paid a morale-boosting visit to the camp of the Black Queens.
The delegation, made up of Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto, Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai and Head of Transport Anas Shaibu, visited the team to assure them of the government’s support and commitment to their safety and welfare.
During the visit, the officials interacted with the team and offered words of encouragement, urging the team to remain focused on the tournament despite concerns surrounding unrest in parts of the UAE.
Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto emphasised that the Ghanaian government, through its diplomatic mission, is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the team’s safety throughout their stay.
“We want the team to stay calm and focus on the competition. The government and the embassy are doing everything possible to ensure your safety and well-being.” he said.
Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai also reiterated the mission’s readiness to provide any assistance required by the team during the tournament.
Leadership of the team expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating.
With the backing of Ghana’s diplomatic officials in the UAE, the Black Queens remain determined to represent the country proudly and deliver strong performances in the Pink Ladies Cup.
The Black Queens have arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the upcoming Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai. The team touched down at the Dubai International Airport via Emirates Air on Wednesday morning and were warmly received by the competition’s organising officials.
The squad will be based at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, where they will begin their final preparations for the tournament. Organised as part of the international women’s football calendar, the Pink Ladies Cup is expected to feature four national sides using the competition to assess their squads and fine-tune strategies for upcoming tournaments.
Ghana will open their campaign today with a clash against Hong Kong, while Russia and Tanzania face off in the other opening match.
The Black Queens are then scheduled to return to action on March 3, when they take on Russia in a match expected to test them against a physically strong opponent.
The final round of games will be played on March 6, with Ghana closing their campaign against Tanzania at 9:00 pm.
With three matches in eight days, the tournament promises to be a crucial phase in Ghana’s preparation, as the Black Queens aim to return to continental action sharper, stronger, and more competitive.
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