Sports
Kotoko, Gold Stars to thrill Bibiani fans
Match day 32 games of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) will be honoured this weekend with exciting clashes across the various centres.
It started yesterday with an Accra derby involving Accra Hearts of Oak against relegation threatened, Accra Lions, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Phobians would hope to maintain their winning streak against the Accra Lions side that would need a win to boost their fight to avoid relegation.
In Bibiani, Gold Stars FC face a difficult task as they host Asante Kotoko in the weekend’s biggest fixture.
The outcome of this clash can define their status as both sides aim to stake claim to the title.
Goldstars suffered a surprise defeat two weeks ago, losing to another relegation-threatened side, Karela United, and need the win to strengthen their grip at the top.
But Kotoko would be in no mood to let the points slip through their fingers, knowing that catching up on the leaders with only two matches would be a difficult task.
It would be an exciting clash both sides would give their very best but the side with the best attack would emerge victorious.
League leaders, Nations FC, would welcome defending champions, FC Samartex 1996, to the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in a clash that could shape the final standings.
Elsewhere, Dreams FC return to the Tub Astro Turf aiming to bounce back against Berekum Chelsea, while Aduana FC take on Legon Cities at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa.
In Bechem, Premier League newcomers, Basake Holy Stars, face a stern challenge against Bechem United at the Nana Gyeabour Park. The Holy Stars are desperate for points as they fight to stay afloat in the top flight.
At the bottom of the table, Vision FC lock horns with fellow strugglers Karela United in a must-win encounter for both sides. With the season nearing its end, this match could prove pivotal in the battle for survival.
Young Apostles, still reeling from their recent loss to Vision FC, aim to return to winning ways when they welcome a resurgent Heart of Lions side to the Wenchi Stadium. A victory would provide a timely boost as they seek to consolidate their Premier League status.
By The Spectator Reporter
Sports
Armwrestling: Immigration, Prisons meet African champions
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and Ghana Prisons Service (GPS) in separate ceremonies have welcomed officers of both security institutions who recently returned from Abuja, Nigeria after participating in the 14th Africa Armwrestling Championship.
The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mr. Patience Baffoe Bonnie, and the leadership of the Service, were present to congratulate the champions, Daniel Acquah (four gold medals), Mabel Yeboah (four gold medals) and Henry Otoo (two silver, two bronze), on their impressive performances.
The champions presented their medals to the Director-General, and shared their experiences and insights with the top officials.
During the meeting, the Director-General of the GPS, Mrs Baffoe Bonnie, expressed her excitement about the potential benefits of sports for inmates.
She noted that sports could play a significant role in rehabilitation and pledged to support the development of armwrestling within the prisons service.
In a related development, the Comptroller-General of the GIS, CGI Samuel Basintale, commended his members – Edward Yamoah Asamoah (two gold medals), Blessed Abeka Nunoo (one gold, one silver, two bronze), Godwin Sackey (one gold, one silver) and referee Nii Otoo Larkyne, for the feat.
Mr Basintale promised to provide support for the development of armwrestling within the service, including training facilities, equipment, and sponsorship.
The African Armwrestling champions from the security services won a total of 20 medals out of Ghana’s 55 medal haul.
They expressed gratitude and promised to continue promoting the sport and inspiring others to take up armwrestling.
Mr Charles Osei Asibey, President for Ghana Armwrestling Federation, was thrilled by the promise and continuous collaborations and support for the development of armwrestling in Ghana by the security services.
—GNA
Sports
TTU to honour athletes at 2nd sports awards night
Takoradi Technical University (TTU) will tonight host its 2nd Sports Awards Night to honour outstanding athletes, teams, and contributors who have promoted the institution’s sporting reputation.
The event, which will take place at the Nicholas Aidoo Taylor Auditorium, will be chaired by Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, with Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, as Guest of Honour.
Other dignitaries expected include Member of Parliament for Effia, Isaac Boamah-Nyarko, and Municipal Chief Executive for Effia-Kwesimintsim, Abdul Majeed Dokurgu.
TTU said the awards will celebrate a year marked by exceptional performances, record-breaking moments, and contributions that have boosted both the competitive spirit and institutional pride of the university.
The ceremony will be held under the theme, “Recognising Excellence in Scholarship and Sportsmanship.”
The university noted that it has become a powerhouse in university sports, winning back-to-back championships at the GHATUSA Games in Tamale and Cape Coast.
It attributed the success to integrating sports into academic life, introducing sports scholarships, building the TTU Sports Complex, providing strategic funding, and offering strong logistical support.
Director of Public Affairs and Secretary to the Sports and Recreation Committee, Joseph Mensah Oti-Asirifi, said the awards go beyond recognising individual winners, adding that they are also a tribute to the discipline, resilience, and unity that define TTU’s sporting culture.
He stated that every nominee is a champion whose efforts have brought pride to the university and enhanced its reputation on both national and continental stages.
The programme will feature two segments of award presentations, with categories covering football, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, tennis, handball, badminton, athletics, scrabble, and taekwondo, for both male and female divisions.
Nominees include Jane Membong in athletics, Hajara Ibrahim in basketball, Samuel Aidoo in football, and Prince Egyir in handball, as well as Papa Kwansa Baidoo, Prince Davies, and Ahmed Anas Salis.
Special awards will also be presented to individuals whose contributions have inspired the TTU community beyond the field of competition.
Chairman of the Sports and Recreation Committee, Joseph Danso, said the planning team has worked to ensure the event captures the spirit of sportsmanship, dedication, and unity that characterise TTU sports.
The university recalled that the inaugural edition honoured Raymond French, Sarah Quansah, and Rebecca Mba, setting a high standard for sporting recognition.
By: Jacob Aggrey
