Sports
Off they go! …as Aduana, Hearts set to explode
After nearly eight months of hiatus, the Ghana Premier League (GPL) will kick off this afternoon with an amperage of thrill.
Football came to a halt after the sporting fraternity was hit with the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, the game is on.
However, fans’ desire to see former general captain of the Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan, display for Legon Cities against Berekum Chelsea on day one of action, may be put on ice.
Gyan is said to have been ruled out today due to lack of fitness.
But a greater attention will go to Dormaa where Hearts of Oak face two-time champions Aduana Stars in what is anticipated to be full of fireworks.
The Phobians last won at Dormaa in 2014, but the previous meeting between both sides was in February 2020 during the truncated GPL when Hearts rescued a point in an intriguing stalemate.
Both sides have been busy on the transfer market to strengthen their respective sides but Aduana will seek to continue their dominance over Hearts in the clash.
AshantiGold will begin their campaign with a home game against Karela United in Obuasi as the Miners seek to dominate the Anyinase side.
The three meetings between them have seen Ashgold pick up two wins and Karela, a single win.
Accra Great Olympics have vowed to give Medeama SC a fight of their lives when they clash at the Akoon Park on Sunday.
In their struggling state, Medeama laboured and capitalised on a late goalkeeping error to snatch victory over the Wonder Club who have pledged to pay their hosts back in their own currency.
Without doubt, it will be a cracker for the local fans as a rejuvenated Olympics side aim to stun a determined and resolute Medeama outfit that will have the experienced Justice Blay in the team.
Medeama have won three over Olympics and one has resulted in a draw and will be tipped to emerge victorious from this game.
Porcupine Warriors Asante Kotoko picked up a narrow win over Techiman XI Wonders during their last meeting in 2019 and are looking forward to deepen the woes of the Techiman based-team when they clash.
Kotoko have snatched wins in three out of the four meetings, while the Wonders have only managed a draw. Kotoko have strengthened their side with a couple of signings and are considered one of the favourites for the GPL trophy.
King Faisal will attempt to kick off on a positive note when they travel to Sogakope in the Volta region to take on the West Africa Soccer Academy (WAFA) at the Red Bull Arena.
WAFA last lost a game there in 2020 when Liberty Professionals defeated the youngsters 2-1 in the GPL.
Despite a streak of poor results last season, King Faisal will hope to pick up their first win in many league matches.
The ‘Fante-derby’ will see Ebusua Dwarfs welcome Elmina Sharks to the Cape Coast Stadium.
Liberty Professionals will engage Bechem United in a dicey game.
BY LINUS SIAW NARTEY
Sports
Follow official procedures when making donations to the club – Hearts of Oak to fans
Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club has reminded its supporters and well-wishers to follow official procedures when making donations to the club.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the club said it appreciates the continuous support shown by individuals and groups toward its teams, including the Senior Boys Team, Auroras, Oak Ladies and Royal Oaks.
However, management expressed concern over unsolicited donations and public fundraising activities outside the club’s structures.
It noted that while goodwill is welcome, all forms of support must be routed through the Supporter Liaison Office at the club’s secretariat.
According to the statement, the welfare of the teams is the responsibility of management, and any attempt to bypass established protocols undermines transparency and accountability.
The club stressed that donations not channeled through the official process would not be accepted by team officials or coaching staff.
Hearts of Oak assured supporters that it remains committed to building a united club culture based on professionalism, discipline and respect.
It also encouraged stakeholders to work with management to uphold the dignity of the club.
The club urged the public to contact the Supporter Liaison Office through the secretariat for inquiries and support,
By: Jacob Aggey
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
