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Shout of approval for Wollacott
Goalkeeping is one of the most crucial departments of football.
It is said that a team can play without any position in football, but cannot play without a goalkeeper.
Decades back, it was said that players with zero outfield ability – those lacking in technical finesse, athleticism (pace, power, endurance), football intelligence and competitiveness were those who were thrown in to guard the post.
That assertion has been rubbished long ago as there is now a burgeoning respect for goalkeepers’ abilities and unflinching willingness to throw their body on the line for the team.
Without them, you are doomed as a team.
Even when all hope seems lost and the opposition has breached defensive lines, seemingly set to put the game out of reach, a quality goalkeeper can pull off miracles and keep his side in it – saving the team’s blushes. So, it is not just about a goalkeeper but a quality one at that.
Number without count, we have seen how Manchester United’s dependable goalkeeper David de Gea has made himself big to save the ‘Red Devils’ from very tricky situations.
Sadly, Ghana’s senior national team (Black Stars) has not been lucky enough to have anybody in the ilk of the legend Richard ‘Olele’ Kingston since he hung his gloves.
Olele retired in 2017 at the age of 39, having last featured for Ghana during the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers – after making 90 appearances for the Stars.
Today, the famed shot-stopper is the goalkeeper’s trainer for the Black Stars and would be excited molding someone to properly take over from him.
Truth is that the Stars have not really had a very top-notch goal-tender since Kingston’s exit as the team has played the ‘lottery’ with the likes of Razak Brimah, Adam Kwarasey, Fatawu Dauda, Richard Ofori, George ‘Kigali’ Owu and Lawrence Ati-Zigi, among others – in no particular order – getting between the sticks.
The latest to make the ‘numero un’ cut is Joseph Luke Wollacott, who mans the post for English fourth-tier side Swindon Town.
Indeed, tongues went wagging when returnee Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac, boldly handed him the first-choice spot ahead of Hearts of Oak’s venerated goalkeeper Richard Attah in Ghana’s double-header against Zimbabwe in a Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifier.
The concern of fans was that Wollacott, who was carving his debut, lacked the requisite experience to man the post efficiently. Genuine concerns, though.
However, the Ghanaian goal-tender scored full marks in the afternoon’s 3-1 opening game win against Zimbabwe at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium, producing a point-blank save four minutes after the hour mark. In the return fixture in Harare, though Wollacott was a bit nervy, he later got into his groove – his general performance quite impressive – though his confidence needs to be bolstered.
With more games, he will be better, is the general observation.
The 25-year-old England-based goalkeeper has so far received rave reviews from Coach Rajevac, the Ghanaian football fans and the media for his technical qualities and calm demeanour in post.
“First of all, it was good scouting and after arriving he proved himself at the training sessions. He really did a great job and deserves his chance.
“Today, he was at the top of his game and I’m satisfied with his performances and I don’t want to praise goalkeepers too much but he really did a good job,” Rajevac lauded his trusted shot-stopper, who was said to have been recommended by Kingston himself.
With two games remaining to decide the Group G winner, the Stars have nine points from four games, trailing leaders South Africa by just a point.
Many, though, believe Wollacott has not yet been truly tested to see how sharp his reflexes are. But former Ghana goalkeeping great Abukari Damba, see something grand in him after the Cape Coast affair.
“He was absolutely great; it was his first time playing in an environment he was not used to. He played with new and different players. His adjustment and adaptation was great, thumbs up to him. There is a great future for him so far as the Black Stars are concerned.”
Whilst we encourage Wollacott to remain mentally focused and strong-minded, he must also endeavour to master the art of being a team player.
Goalkeepers who want to play at the highest level must understand that it takes more than just blocking shots and kicking long balls to target strikers.
We believe he would come good and very reliable too, with time. Good luck to him.
by John Vigah
The Africa Investment Network has entered a new partnership with 17 Asset Management to expand investment opportunities for Africans in the diaspora.
The two organisations will work together to open more pathways for diaspora investors, provide better data on markets, and connect investors to viable projects across the continent.
The partnership will focus on mapping investment opportunities across countries and sectors, building a Diaspora Pathways Program to guide new investors, and creating a shared research platform that provides market insights, returns benchmarks, regulatory updates and sector outlooks.
The two groups will also develop a trade and deal catalogue to help match businesses with partners.
As part of the collaboration, both institutions will host investment roadshows through the Global Africa Summit series, starting with GAS Accra from December 11 to 12 at the Alisa Hotel.
The event will showcase deals, hold sector briefings and connect investors with government and private sector actors.
Africa Investment Network founder and Chief Executive Jane Reindorf Osei noted that diaspora capital remains one of Africa’s strongest advantages because it is patient, purpose driven and closely linked to local development outcomes.
She explained that the partnership will help direct more diaspora investment into areas where it can make the most impact.
Chairman of 17 Asset Management, John Morris, highlighted that the joint effort will blend strong investment design with Africa Investment Network’s networks and convening power.
He stressed that improved research and compliant market access will give diaspora investors more confidence across different markets.
The two institutions will open their diaspora investment platform in the second quarter of 2026, followed by the launch of a co investment window.
Investment roadshows will also be held in North America, the Caribbean and key African centres next year.
Africa Investment Network and 17 Asset Management invited governments, development finance institutions, family offices, asset managers and other partners to support deal creation, risk sharing and market building initiatives aimed at boosting diaspora participation.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu insists that neither President Mahama nor the National Democratic Congress has filed any petition seeking the removal of the Electoral Commission Chairperson and her two deputies.
In a one on one Interview with GHone, he explained that the President only forwarded petitions he received, as required by law, and has not initiated any action against the EC leadership.
According to him, the identities and motives of the petitioners remain unknown to government, and the Presidency is not involved in that part of the process.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu stressed that while the NDC has openly disagreed with some actions of the Electoral Commission in the past, the party has not submitted any petition asking for the removal of the EC Chair or her deputies.
He noted that comments by the NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, questioning the EC’s competence, do not amount to a formal petition.
He added that criticism of public officials is normal and does not automatically translate into a request for their removal.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu explained that once a petition is received, the President’s only role is to forward it to the Chief Justice.
The Chief Justice then decides if the allegations have merit. If they do, a committee is set up to investigate.
He said those named in the petitions will be officially informed by the Chief Justice, not the Presidency.
They will then have the opportunity to appear before the committee, respond to the claims, and provide any evidence in their defence.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu expressed confidence that the process will be fair and will protect the rights of all those involved.
By: Jacob Aggrey
