Sports
Karate-Do Federation prez elected onto GOC Board
President of the Ghana Karate-Do Federation, Mr. Nathaniel Johnson, has been elected as a board member of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) for the next four years.
This marks a new chapter in Johnson’s sports administration career, and he is eager to make a lasting impact.
Mr. Johnson polled 38 votes, to secured one of the three co-opted member slots on the board, demonstrating the confidence and trust that his peers have in his leadership abilities.
In a chat with Spectator Sports, the head of the Karate-Do Federation stated that he brings a wealth of experience in business administration, management, and digitalization which will come in handy for the GOC board.
He said, “I plans to leverage these expertises to drive innovation and progress in Ghanaian sports. One of my primary objectives is to promote grassroots sports development, providing opportunities for young athletes to excel, while aiming to enhance the GOC’s digital presence, engaging fans and stakeholders more effectively.”
As one who is committed to supporting athletes and coaches, Mr. Johnson expressed his desire to collaborate with other board members to introduce initiatives that provide resources and training opportunities to help athletes improve their performance across the various sporting sector.
According to him, “I intend to work closely with other board members, sports federations, and stakeholders to advance the GOC’s vision and goals, by building strong relationships and partnerships, to secure more funding and resources for sports development programmes, ultimately benefiting Ghanaian athletes and the sports community.”
He added that he is passionate about the development and promotion of sports excellence in Ghana, and sees His election to the GOC board as a testament to his dedication and commitment to Ghanaian sports.
“With my leadership skills and experience, I believe I am well-positioned to make a positive impact on the board and inspire others to strive for excellence,” he concluded
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
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.
