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
The Black Queens will on Wednesday, April 29, learn their opponents for the African qualifying phase of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games Women’s Football Tournament.
The draw, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), will take place at CAF headquarters in Cairo and will be streamed live on CAF TV from 15:00 local time (12:00 GMT).
Ghana is among 35 national teams participating in the qualification campaign, which will determine the two African representatives for the women’s football tournament at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, scheduled for July 11 to 29, 2028.
The qualification series will be played over five rounds, with each nation aiming to secure one of the two available slots for Africa at the global event in Los Angeles.
Having recently climbed to 59th in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings and currently ranked third in Africa, the draw marks the beginning of another major international mission, the quest to seek a return to Olympic football.
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially awarded the nation the rights to host the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.
CAF covered the decision in a letter addressed to the General Secretary, Lawyer Prosper Harrison Addo, Esq.
The decision underscores CAF’s strong confidence in the Ghana Football Association’s ability to organize and deliver a tournament that meets the highest standards of youth football on the continent.
Ghana last hosted the competition in 1999 – when the Black Satellites lifted the trophy on home soil amid scenes of national celebration.
Coincidentally, 2027 will mark the 70th Independence anniversary and the competition could be a great part of the celebrations.
CAF says it will work closely with the Football Association and a soon-to-be-established Local Organising Committee (LOC) to ensure the successful planning and execution of the tournament.
This collaboration is expected to focus on infrastructure readiness, logistics, security, and overall fan experience, all aimed at delivering a world-class event worthy of Africa’s growing football stature.
Beyond the excitement of hosting, the tournament represents a broader endorsement of Ghana’s reputation as one of Africa’s premier football hubs.
Over the years, the country has consistently demonstrated its capability to stage high-profile competitions, backed by passionate supporters, improving facilities and a rich football culture.
The CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations holds particular importance in the global football ecosystem. Widely regarded as a breeding ground for future stars, the competition has historically served as a launching pad for some of Africa’s most celebrated players. Many participants have gone on to achieve remarkable success at top European clubs and on the international stage, making the tournament a key showcase of emerging talent.
With history, passion and proven capability on its side, Ghana now stands poised to deliver a memorable and impactful U-20 AFCON tournament, one that could shape the future of African football once again.
