Sports
Premier League: Kotoko back to winning ways; Vision stun Gold Stars; Karela United and Legon Cities in relegation trouble
Asante Kotoko closed the gap at the top of the Ghana Premier League to just three points after edging past Aduana FC 1-0 in an entertaining encounter at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
Kwame Poku’s 26th-minute strike proved decisive as the Porcupine Warriors secured a hard-fought victory. Despite remaining in fourth place, Kotoko have reignited their title ambitions, now trailing leaders Gold Stars by only three points with five matches left in the season. Aduana FC, meanwhile, sit 11th with 38 points after 29 games.
At the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex, league leaders Gold Stars suffered a major setback, falling 2-0 to Vision FC. Edward Agyemang (55’) and Edmond Asante (86’) scored to secure a vital win for the hosts, lifting Vision FC to 14th — four points clear of the relegation zone. Gold Stars, however, remain atop the standings with 53 points.
Second-placed Nations FC missed an opportunity to capitalize, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat at Berekum Chelsea. Stephen Amankona’s 29th-minute penalty was enough for Chelsea, who now move up to 8th, while Nations FC stay just two points behind the summit.
Defending champions FC Samartex 1996 maintained their strong finish to the season with a commanding 3-0 home victory over Basake Holy Stars. An early goal from Baba Musah Hamadu and a brace from Emmanuel Mammah sealed the win at the Nsenkyire Arena. Samartex sit 5th with 45 points, while Holy Stars continue to struggle in 12th position, hovering dangerously close to the relegation scrap.
Legon Cities’ survival hopes took another blow after a 1-0 home defeat to title-chasing Heart of Lions. Christian Agyenim Boateng’s first-half strike consigned Cities to their 18th loss of the season. With just 25 points, Cities are firmly rooted in the bottom three and staring relegation in the face. Lions, meanwhile, are tied on points with Kotoko in third and remain firmly in the title race, only three points off the top.
Karela United’s woes deepened with a 2-1 home loss to Dreams FC at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium. First-half goals from Abdul Razak Salifu and Joseph Esso gave Dreams a comfortable cushion before Malik Abubakar pulled one back for Karela. However, the hosts couldn’t find an equalizer and remain mired in the relegation zone, while Dreams solidify their mid-table position
With only five games remaining, the race for the title and the battle for survival are both set for a thrilling climax.
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
