Sports
NSA to invite ex bosses to answer audit queries
The National Sports Authority (NSA) will extend invitations to some of its retired officials to answer questions on questions raised in the Auditor-Generals report with regard to misappropriation of funds of the authority.
Information gathered by the GNA Sports reveals that, the decision to invite the retired officials who served as Director Generals or in acting capacities was to get them to respond to some of the issues that happened under their terms.
According to the AG’s report, the misappropriation of funds was captured in the period between 2012 and 2017.
In view of this, the invitations will be extended to Messrs Worlanyo Agra, Joe Kpenge, Robert Oduro Sarfo and Madam Alice Attipoe, who also played an acting role during her tenure.
The GNA Sports, however, gathered the NSA was not happy with the conduct of the A-G since they were not given the benefit of response on the report.
A deep throat source said, the NSA has not even seen a copy of the report let alone respond to it.
“We have not yet received the report but it is being discussed in the media. Under normal circumstances we should be given the opportunity to read and respond before it was made public.
“We are going to issue an official response to the report in due course,” the source told the GNA Sports.
It would be noted that the AG reports made a number of findings against the NSA among which includes failure to use monies meant for renovation for the organization of the National Sports Festival (NSA).
The NSA is expected to refund GH¢180, 494 to the state. –GNA
The world over, the FA Cup is noted as a competition that produces winners whose pedigree can always be called into question.
This year in particular when many predicted an all-conquering Arsenal to win the English version of the championship, they were beaten by a struggling Manchester City side to win the trophy.
The season before, a dominant Manchester City side also surprisingly lost to Crystal Palace in a final many expected the east Manchester side to triumph.
The Ghana version of the competition is not spared of the surprises and uncertainties about the competition.
On Sunday at the University of Ghana Stadium, Nations FC walked a path that only defunct Ho Voradep treaded on 34 years ago when they suffered relegation in the 1992 edition but won the FA Cup competition.
Having faced the ignominy of relegation, Nations FC put up a strong fight to beat Dreams FC 5-4 on penalties to win the MTN FA Cup after drawing 1-1 in regulation and extra time.
Joseph Effah put Nations FC ahead in the 31st minute with a composed finish before Abdul Razak Salifu levelled for Dreams FC on the stroke of halftime.
Both sides had good chances in the second half and extra time, but all failed to find the back of the net again until the shoot-outs.
It was not just historic. It is the biggest silverware in their trophy cabinet. Though they would campaign from the lower tier of Ghana football, they would hoist Ghana’s flag in the CAF Confederations Cup competition in the next season.
It was a dramatic and memorable season, leaving huge responsibility on the tiny shoulders of Dr Kwame Kyei’s Nations FC.
The focus is now on the future for the winners considering the financial challenge that comes with participation for the continental championship others to arise regarding the acceptance of their home venue.
While commending the FA Cup committee and MTN Ghana, the headline sponsors, one hopes that corporate sectors consider that difficulty and rush to the aid of the club. Ayekoo, Nations FC.
By Andrew Nortey
Sports
National Teams Ambassador, Asamoah Gyan visits Black Queens training, rallies team ahead of WAFCON
National Teams Ambassador, Asamoah Gyan, paid a visit to the Black Queens during training on Wednesday.
The former Black Stars striker offered words of encouragement as the team continued preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
He congratulated the players and technical team for securing qualification to the continental showpiece and urged the team to remain focused, give their best whenever they step onto the pitch and to continue working hard.
The visit marked one of Gyan’s first engagements with a national team since his appointment as Ambassador for Ghana’s national teams.
He also assured the players of his commitment to supporting and motivating the team as they build towards WAFCON.
Gyan’s presence was warmly received by the players and technical staff, with the football icon sharing his experience and inspiring the squad as well.
The Black Queens are currently in camp in Accra as the team continue preparations under coach Kim Lars Björkegren.
