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Grace Adjoa Bayor: From scoring goals to dressing Ghana’s Black Queens
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At the heart of the Ghana squad that competed in the just ended TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 in Morocco is the understanding that the current generation stands on the shoulders of giants.
The Ghanaians are one of the most recognisable nations at the helm of African Football.
As far back as the 1990s, Ghana was vying for a place on the global stage when FIFA introduced the Women’s World Cup. A generation of strong-willed women across Ghana came together to wear the famous red, yellow and green and start the chronicles of the Black Queens.
Memories from the 90s
This section of history cannot be written without documenting the tale of one of Ghana’s finest footballers to ever wear national colours – Grace Adjoa Bayor. A name that exudes excellence, longevity and overall success in Ghana, Africa and across the world.
“When I was younger, I used to play football with men and then someone saw me and encouraged me to join Ghana Telecom. This was in 1990,” Adjoa reminscences in an exclusive interview with CAFOnline. “At Ghana Telecom, we enjoyed playing small-sided games from around 1pm in the afternoon at the iconic Mamprobi Indafa Park at Mamprobi, Accra.
This was together with some eventual Ghanaian greats in the skin of Genevieve Clottey, Lydia Ankrah and Sheilla Okine. “These games helped to improve our skills. This organized football surprised me in a good way and excited me. Honestly, I was happy to be playing football. I was very small, very little. I was around 11 years at the time.”
Bayor’s quick growth ensured that she competed in the inter-regional gala competition whilst featuring for Greater Accra. This was organized by the Ghana Football Association and it involved teams from across the country like Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, Takoradi to mention but a few. It is from this competition that the first Black Queens side was formed.
Of WAFCON and World Cup feats
Bayor was on the first ever Ghana squad that featured at the first edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in 1998 hosted in Nigeria.
Ghana opened their WAFCON book with a 4-0 victory over South Africa and went on to reach the final losing to Nigeria 0-2. Bayor remembers coming off the bench to score for the Black Queens at the continental competition that brought together Africa’s top eight teams.
The tournament was also a qualifier for the now iconic FIFA Women’s World Cup 1999 in the USA. The Black Queens came up against Australia, China and Sweden in Group D.
“I was happy to be there, especially with that group of players. Singing the national anthem at the world stage was fulfilling considering where we come from and how far we had come to get to that level,” she reminisced.
Playing at the World Cup in 1999 opened up opportunities for Bayor and her teammates. She went on to play in North Virginia, Rochester, Germany, China while continuing to shine in national team colours. Her exploits saw her named as the African Player of the Year in 2003 and was in contention for the 2004 and 2006 awards.
At the 2007 World Cup, she captained Ghana and wearing the armband meant everything to her, her family, friends and the entire country. It was a display of confidence in her abilities on and off the pitch. For the young girl who grew up in Accra, it was a wild dream come true.
Decades later
Bayor retired from playing the beautiful game in 2011 but has remained at the core of the Black Queens – this time behind the scenes and as an Equipment Manager. Her role entails making sure that the team has everything that they need from an equipment point of view.
“I make sure that everything from official match jerseys, training kits, cones…everything is ready and good to go at training as well as on match day. Planning is very important in this kind of job and there is no room for error whatsoever,” Bayor told CAFOnline.
On training days, Bayor is seen setting up the necessary equipment onto the field of play exquisitely with grace – like her name. She lets her work speak for itself – a woman of very few words. Those who know her, know that her shy personality transforms into a commitment to deliver whenever she gets the call up to be part of the national team.
She locks in, gets her checklist going and ensures that there is nothing that has been forgotten. In fact, within the Black Queens setup, there are heavy fines for anyone that forgets something or comes late for that matter.
Black Queens now
For Bayor who has been part of the team for decades, donning the national team colours at the just ended TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 is an absolute honour – yet again even though in a different role.
She reflects on the journey to this tournament and current generation; “We opened the way for them. We crawled so that they can run. They have everything that they need to perform at this level. The WAFCON has grown in leaps and bounds from what it was in 1998 on and off the pitch. It has been incredible to experience the growth.”
“There is a big difference from an organization point of view as well as financing. The prize money is now up to $1m. That is massive from CAF,” Bayor added with a smile.
Ghana was in Group C with the reigning champions South Africa whom they lost to 0-2 in their opening fixture, Mali and Tanzania.
In the midst of the storm that rocked professional boxing organisation almost a year ago, a decision was taken which is unprecedented in the annals of the sport in Ghana.
Following the death of a Nigerian boxer in a Ghanaian ring, the modus operandi of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) was questioned in various quarters.
Just when the storm appeared to have settled, another disaster struck. Ernest Akushey ‘Baubali’, a famous local boxer was lost to the icy hands of death, 10 clear days after a bout. It was such an unfortunate incident. May he keep resting in peace.
Even before the cause of death comes out, the GBA administration was put on the chopping board, and became a gum in the mouth of all. Almost everyone ‘chewed’ some.
Perhaps, considering the weight and ignominy of the incident, the mighty and powerful had to step in, taking major decisions to ensure some sanity in the sport.
Among the popular decisions arising out of this intervention was the call for sweeping reforms that led to the establishment of an Interim Management Committee (IMC) which has now assumed the role of the GBA because of the failure to organize elections to handover to an elected body because of the non-availability of funds.
The second was the last minute cancelation of a promotion to be staged by former boxer, Michael Nii Ayitey Okai, aka Ayittey Powers.
There appears to be some calm over the first decision as boxing stakeholders wait patiently, hoping that the IMC does the needful in no time.
But the latter, regarding the cancelation of the bout has continued, becoming a tango between the former boxer-now-turned promoter and the Director General of the National Sports Authority, Mr Yaw Ampofo Ankrah (YAA).
The Accra Regional Police Command this week arrested the veteran boxer, after he has reported himself at the station, over an alleged threat of death made against Mr. Ankrah after a video of him talking about the issue went viral.
A police statement said ‘Dada Powers’ was arrested in connection with an alleged threat made against the NSA boss.
Sadly, the circumstances under which the decision to cancel the promotion was made and the absence of a precedent to follow, have made a solution difficult to come by, a year after.
One remembers the back and forth about the decision as to whether the fight would be staged or not.
With assurances that the fight would go on, Powers claimed to have paid so much to boxers in terms of purses and other organizational expenditures, only for the NSA boss to drop the ill-fated announcement cancelling the promotion.
Since then, Dada Powers has seen the decision as a unilateral one from the NSA boss and has constantly blamed YAA for his present predicament. What is, however not clear is the form of compensation Powers is asking for.
As of now, one is at a loss whether he is seeking a refund of his expenditure or awaiting clearance to stage the fight.
If it were to be the latter, there would be no problem with that since boxing promotion has return in full force with the IMC sanctioning close or over 10 promotions.
This problem should not have arisen in the first place if that decision had been carefully thought through. If that was done, it would have found a way out of the mess it created for both parties.
Clearly, Powers is seeking for a sort of compensation which he has failed to communicate well. Despite the guidance from well-meaning people, he decides to sometimes use some ‘ring’ tactics to express his concerns.
If Powers is not aware, he must be advised that there are laws that governs every transaction or activity so no matter how legitimate his concerns may be, he is bound by the same laws to demand for justice in the right way.
Now in the custody of the police and latest reports suggesting the matter has ended up in court, the focus now shifts from the substantive matter to his behaviour that puts him in a bad light for a certain class of people.
Instead of seeing Yaw as an ‘enemy of progress,’ he must show an interest in working closely with him and others to find an amicable solution.
Maybe by extension, the decision to cancel that bout should be subjected to a probe – to know how it came about, it merits and demerits and whether it was in the best interest for Ghana boxing.
By Andrew Nortey
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With the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season set to kick off on September 4, clubs have continued to fine-tune their squads, with a number of late additions and free-agent deals shaping up ahead of the new campaign.
From established Premier League sides such as Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak, Medeama, Aduana FC, FC Samartex and Berekum Chelsea to ambitious lower-tier clubs, there has been significant movement in the transfer market.
Here is a rundown of the notable deals involving Ghana Premier League clubs:
Medeama SC strengthen across the pitch
Medeama have been among the busiest clubs, adding depth in midfield, defence and attack. The Mauve and Yellows have brought in Etse Dogli from Heart of Lions on a three-year deal, while Emmanuel Boateng arrives from Eleven Wonders on a two-year contract. Dominic Frimpong, a free agent, has also joined to bolster the attack on a three-year deal. Other additions include Usman Safianu, Abdul Rahman Yaya, Emmanuel Annor from Nations FC, and winger Emmanuel Fobi, who arrives from Georgia’s Dila Gori on a three-year deal.
Medeama have also recruited Issah Ibrahim from Latvia, Sudanese goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid Salman, midfielder Blessing Kwabena Dwamena, Jelillu Osman from New Edubiase, Emmanuel Anokye from Sporting Club Accra, and right-back Ebenezer Adade from Dreams FC.
Port City FC add experience and attacking options
Port City have also been active, bringing in several players to strengthen their squad. Kwabena Adu Meider and Francis Gyetuah arrive as free agents, while Stephen Diyou joins from Hohoe United.
The club have also secured Gideon Waja from WAFA, Ishak Suraj from Lebanese side Al Ahly, free-agent defender Samuel Gyimah, goalkeeper Daniel Amissah on a two-year deal, and Elliot Affotey from Heart of Lions on a three-year contract. Daniel Osei Snr., a defensive midfielder from Hohoe United, completes another addition to the squad.
Hearts of Oak bring in several young talents
Hearts of Oak have invested heavily in young players, including a number of long-term deals. Abdul Aziz arrives from Swedru All Blacks on a three-year deal, while free agent Ebenezer Amoh joins on a two-year contract. The Phobians have also secured Rockson Kyeremeh and centre-back Manuel Osei Djan from PAC Academy, both on five-year contracts.
Other arrivals include Caleb Koranteng from Victory Club Warriors, Alex Banso from Namoro FC, free-agent right-back Prince Amevor, goalkeeper Vicente Anane, Ivorian forward Mamadou Kader Kourouma, and free-agent defensive midfielder Dominic Nsobila.
Swedru All Blacks continue recruitment drive
Swedru All Blacks have added a sizeable group of players. Among them are Mohammed Musah Salifu from Tamale City, David Lartey from Dreams Chasers, Prince Arthur and Kelvin Ampoful from Nations FC, and winger Samuel Osei Kofi from Nsuopun Fidelity.
Free agent Faisal Chawetey, forward Vincent Baah Jnr from Tema Faith, centre-back Michael Abrokwa from Nations FC, forward John Ahuma Ocansey, midfielder Godfred Yartey from Cheetah FC, winger Andy Koramoah from Auroras, right-back Kojo Quansah from Samartex, and defender Latif Blessing from Cheetah FC have also joined.
Samartex add four
FC Samartex have strengthened with four additions. Ebenezer Okrah and Prince Affum arrive from Sefwi All Stars, while Joshua Fuseini joins from Golden Kick. Meshack Adjetey Sowah also arrives from Vision FC on a three-year deal.
Aduana FC bolster defence and attack
Aduana FC have brought in several players, including free agent Shawkan Hunalf Mohammed, defensive midfielder Samuel Tenedu from Berekum Chelsea, and centre-back Boa-At Regain from Bechem United. They have also signed free agent Stephen Amankona, right-back Abdul Latif Mohammed from Victory Club Warriors, winger Emmanuel Abban from Bechem United, Zakaria Fuseini from Techiman Liberty Youth, and free-agent left-back Bismark Anim on a two-year deal.
AshantiGold make international additions
FC Ashantigold have recruited from both Ghana and abroad. Raphael Kodjo Etchonou arrives from ESA Academy in Togo, while Burkina Faso defender Ben Yamine Nassirou Kabore joins from Etoile Filante. The club have also signed free-agent right-back Kamal Suraje on a three-year deal and goalkeeper Kwaku Musah, also on a three-year contract.
Other additions include Fatao Seidu, Sirinu Huzaifah from Skyy FC, Saddick Ibrahim Abubakar from Skyy, Ishmael Acquah from Skyy, William Addo from Unity FC, free-agent winger Alhassan Benny, and goalkeeper Thomas Kwabena Osei from Heart of Lions.
Gold Stars add attacking firepower
Gold Stars have brought in Nicholas Amekpewu from Elmina Sharks on a three-year deal, while centre-back Claude Shooting Bortey arrives as a free agent. They have also signed Kwame Opoku, another free agent, on a two-year deal.
Heart of Lions build new-look squad
Heart of Lions have also been busy, with several free-agent signings. Francis Odoom from Hohoe United joins on a two-year deal, alongside centre-back Abdul Jalilu, goalkeeper Edmund Wireko, winger William Oduro, centre-back Pius Baffuor, winger Sena Ati, and forward Mustapha Yakubu. Stephen Afoakwa from Faith Football Academy is another addition.
Other notable movements
Berekum Chelsea have recruited forward Jamal Haruna on a three-year deal, while Diawisie Taylor, Awuah Dramani, Chyereme Shadirac, Fuseini Zakaria, goalkeeper Zulka Massawudu, and Augustine Boakye have also joined.
At Asante Kotoko SC, goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim arrives on a two-year deal, while the Porcupine Warriors have also added Emmanuel Mamah, Ivorian centre-back Koffi Marius Ange Bini, free agent Isaac Opoku Agyemang, Burkina Faso midfielder Abdoul Kader Tarnagda, Cameroonian midfielder Solomon Nsor Asaah, Moroccan goalkeeper Abdel Wadie Mourad, and Albanian defender Umar Ali from Partizani.
Karela United have signed Wisdom Jonas Manyina from RTU on a three-year deal, alongside Frank Ackom from Nsuopun Fidelity, Iddi Mahfuz, Edmund Afurapoe from Eleven Wonders, goalkeeper Kwaku Musah, Angel Ewulla, Collins Ntiful from Okwawu United, Issah Abdul Basit from Golden Warriors, forward Mohammed Alhassan Mankuyeli, Ebenezer Amegah from Hohoe United, and free-agent forward Prince Opoku Agyemang. Vision FC have also added Kwadwo Boamah from Hohoe United and Faruk Mohammed from Nations FC.
The final preparations begin
With the transfer deadline now passed and the Ghana Premier League scheduled to begin on September 4, attention will turn from recruitment to preparation.
The sheer volume of movement suggests that several clubs will enter the new campaign with significantly different squads. For coaches, the immediate challenge will be turning these new arrivals into cohesive teams before the opening whistle of the new Premier League season.
