Sports
Takyi’s bravado saves a nation’s Olympic blushes
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To the cavilers, Ghana’s campaign at the Tokyo Olympic Games was disastrous. To others, it was a cameo suggesting there is great future ahead.
Amid a typhoon-like Covid pandemic that ruthlessly swept its anger across the world – killing thousands – and destroying livelihoods, Japan’s capital Tokyo, still proceeded to welcome some 11,500 passion-driven athletes to the Games.
So, after the hustles and bustles of intense chase, 14 athletes from Ghana were able to make the Olympic qualification nark – swaggering into a quadrennial event that has not given the nation a medal since 1992 in Barcelona, Spain, when the Black Meteors clinched what was Africa’s first medal (bronze) in football.
Again, for 49 years, no single individual sport has given the nation a medal.
Truth is that expectation of a medal from Tokyo was deemed almost a distant possibility. Even the biggest optimist doubted for once – reason being that preparation was woefully inadequate.
However, captain of Ghana’s amateur boxing team (Black Bombers), Sulemana Tetteh, on July 26 offered the nation the biggest hope as he won his first bout – silently knocking off any lingering doubt of a medal fiasco in Tokyo.
But two days later, Ghana’s representative in judoka Sensei Anani Kwadjo was swatted aside in the 90kg event. It was a learning curve for the 21-year-old who bowed to a more experienced South Korean.
On the same night, the unheralded Samuel Takyi wrapped up a unanimous 5-0 win against Ecuador’s Caicedo Pachito in his opening featherweight contest.
Sadly, the joy that greeted Takyi’s victory was to evaporate with humiliating rapidity few hours later when light heavyweight Shakur Samed was technically stopped by his Turkish opponent Bayram Malkan. It was a humbling experience too for the loser whose siblings were also ‘medal-less’ at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Come July 29, Ghana’s finest swimmer Abeiku Jackson, finished first in the 100m men’s butterfly. Many Ghanaians cart-wheeled into celebration only to be told that his time of 53:39, was not enough to see him into the semi-final stage. All the same, it was a great performance, and a corking one for the future. A day later, though, Abeiku’s swimming compatriot Unilez Takyi – placed last in the women’s 50m freestyle event. No comment on that one.
Perhaps, the most bewildering performance came from Nadia Eke in the triple jump – recording no jumps in all three attempts. It was limpidly clear she was not ready for the event; maybe, just happy to have tasted Olympics.
Little wonder, Eke was quick to announce her retirement soon after her failure.
On Saturday, July 31, Benjamin Azamati surprised many Ghanaians after placing fourth during heat 7 of the 100m race, recording 10.13 secs. Winner of that heat was Australia’s Rohan Browning. He was tipped to do far better.
Azamati made history by breaking a 22-year national record held by Leo Myles Mills on March 26, 2021 in Texas, USA, by clocking 9.97 seconds to qualify for the Tokyo and many he could reenact that performance. He blames his Tokyo performance to stage fright. Well, he is a huge potential.
On same day, Christian Amoah slumped badly in weightlifting, attributing his bad output to an injury he sustained earlier. It looks like he had seen his last Olympics, having tasted the previous one in Rio, Brazil.
After bouts of bitter-sweet recordings, the biggest joy popped up like champagne in the early hours of August 1 when Takyi decisioned his opponent 3-2 and hopped into the medal zone – basically giving Ghana its first boxing medal (bronze) since Prince Amartey in Munich ’72. A 49-year-old demon was effectively exorcised by the 21-year-old lad who has proven to be a huge revelation in Tokyo.
On July 3, Takyi attempted to box his way beyond his bronze feat but crashed 1-4 to the more experienced United States’ Duke Ragan.
The defeat, notwithstanding, the former ‘truck pusher’ has written his name in the hearts of Ghanaians. He was the biggest thing that happened to Ghana in Tokyo – and must be hugely celebrated when the contingent returns home.
Any hope for the sprints? Well, Sprinter Joseph Paul Amoah finished third in heat 7 to cruise into the semis but subsequently failed to make the final cut later.
But when it all appeared that athletics was not going to make any big impression, Ghana’s 4x100m men’s quartet qualified for the Olympic finals with a new national record of 38.08 secs. As of press time, the team was preparing to dash for the medal race. Who knows it might be another medal for Ghana? And, that would have been awesome!
Having said that, the total performance of our contingent indicated that we could have done better if we had prepared well. It was no Covid issue. We failed to invest in our preparations and the upshot was exactly what we reaped.
We must be extremely lucky to be returning with something, courtesy Takyi! He saved the nation’s Olympic blushes!
PlainTalk with JOHN VIGAH
With the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season set to kick off on September 4, clubs have continued to fine-tune their squads, with a number of late additions and free-agent deals shaping up ahead of the new campaign.
From established Premier League sides such as Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak, Medeama, Aduana FC, FC Samartex and Berekum Chelsea to ambitious lower-tier clubs, there has been significant movement in the transfer market.
Here is a rundown of the notable deals involving Ghana Premier League clubs:
Medeama SC strengthen across the pitch
Medeama have been among the busiest clubs, adding depth in midfield, defence and attack. The Mauve and Yellows have brought in Etse Dogli from Heart of Lions on a three-year deal, while Emmanuel Boateng arrives from Eleven Wonders on a two-year contract. Dominic Frimpong, a free agent, has also joined to bolster the attack on a three-year deal. Other additions include Usman Safianu, Abdul Rahman Yaya, Emmanuel Annor from Nations FC, and winger Emmanuel Fobi, who arrives from Georgia’s Dila Gori on a three-year deal.
Medeama have also recruited Issah Ibrahim from Latvia, Sudanese goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid Salman, midfielder Blessing Kwabena Dwamena, Jelillu Osman from New Edubiase, Emmanuel Anokye from Sporting Club Accra, and right-back Ebenezer Adade from Dreams FC.
Port City FC add experience and attacking options
Port City have also been active, bringing in several players to strengthen their squad. Kwabena Adu Meider and Francis Gyetuah arrive as free agents, while Stephen Diyou joins from Hohoe United.
The club have also secured Gideon Waja from WAFA, Ishak Suraj from Lebanese side Al Ahly, free-agent defender Samuel Gyimah, goalkeeper Daniel Amissah on a two-year deal, and Elliot Affotey from Heart of Lions on a three-year contract. Daniel Osei Snr., a defensive midfielder from Hohoe United, completes another addition to the squad.
Hearts of Oak bring in several young talents
Hearts of Oak have invested heavily in young players, including a number of long-term deals. Abdul Aziz arrives from Swedru All Blacks on a three-year deal, while free agent Ebenezer Amoh joins on a two-year contract. The Phobians have also secured Rockson Kyeremeh and centre-back Manuel Osei Djan from PAC Academy, both on five-year contracts.
Other arrivals include Caleb Koranteng from Victory Club Warriors, Alex Banso from Namoro FC, free-agent right-back Prince Amevor, goalkeeper Vicente Anane, Ivorian forward Mamadou Kader Kourouma, and free-agent defensive midfielder Dominic Nsobila.
Swedru All Blacks continue recruitment drive
Swedru All Blacks have added a sizeable group of players. Among them are Mohammed Musah Salifu from Tamale City, David Lartey from Dreams Chasers, Prince Arthur and Kelvin Ampoful from Nations FC, and winger Samuel Osei Kofi from Nsuopun Fidelity.
Free agent Faisal Chawetey, forward Vincent Baah Jnr from Tema Faith, centre-back Michael Abrokwa from Nations FC, forward John Ahuma Ocansey, midfielder Godfred Yartey from Cheetah FC, winger Andy Koramoah from Auroras, right-back Kojo Quansah from Samartex, and defender Latif Blessing from Cheetah FC have also joined.
Samartex add four
FC Samartex have strengthened with four additions. Ebenezer Okrah and Prince Affum arrive from Sefwi All Stars, while Joshua Fuseini joins from Golden Kick. Meshack Adjetey Sowah also arrives from Vision FC on a three-year deal.
Aduana FC bolster defence and attack
Aduana FC have brought in several players, including free agent Shawkan Hunalf Mohammed, defensive midfielder Samuel Tenedu from Berekum Chelsea, and centre-back Boa-At Regain from Bechem United. They have also signed free agent Stephen Amankona, right-back Abdul Latif Mohammed from Victory Club Warriors, winger Emmanuel Abban from Bechem United, Zakaria Fuseini from Techiman Liberty Youth, and free-agent left-back Bismark Anim on a two-year deal.
AshantiGold make international additions
FC Ashantigold have recruited from both Ghana and abroad. Raphael Kodjo Etchonou arrives from ESA Academy in Togo, while Burkina Faso defender Ben Yamine Nassirou Kabore joins from Etoile Filante. The club have also signed free-agent right-back Kamal Suraje on a three-year deal and goalkeeper Kwaku Musah, also on a three-year contract.
Other additions include Fatao Seidu, Sirinu Huzaifah from Skyy FC, Saddick Ibrahim Abubakar from Skyy, Ishmael Acquah from Skyy, William Addo from Unity FC, free-agent winger Alhassan Benny, and goalkeeper Thomas Kwabena Osei from Heart of Lions.
Gold Stars add attacking firepower
Gold Stars have brought in Nicholas Amekpewu from Elmina Sharks on a three-year deal, while centre-back Claude Shooting Bortey arrives as a free agent. They have also signed Kwame Opoku, another free agent, on a two-year deal.
Heart of Lions build new-look squad
Heart of Lions have also been busy, with several free-agent signings. Francis Odoom from Hohoe United joins on a two-year deal, alongside centre-back Abdul Jalilu, goalkeeper Edmund Wireko, winger William Oduro, centre-back Pius Baffuor, winger Sena Ati, and forward Mustapha Yakubu. Stephen Afoakwa from Faith Football Academy is another addition.
Other notable movements
Berekum Chelsea have recruited forward Jamal Haruna on a three-year deal, while Diawisie Taylor, Awuah Dramani, Chyereme Shadirac, Fuseini Zakaria, goalkeeper Zulka Massawudu, and Augustine Boakye have also joined.
At Asante Kotoko SC, goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim arrives on a two-year deal, while the Porcupine Warriors have also added Emmanuel Mamah, Ivorian centre-back Koffi Marius Ange Bini, free agent Isaac Opoku Agyemang, Burkina Faso midfielder Abdoul Kader Tarnagda, Cameroonian midfielder Solomon Nsor Asaah, Moroccan goalkeeper Abdel Wadie Mourad, and Albanian defender Umar Ali from Partizani.
Karela United have signed Wisdom Jonas Manyina from RTU on a three-year deal, alongside Frank Ackom from Nsuopun Fidelity, Iddi Mahfuz, Edmund Afurapoe from Eleven Wonders, goalkeeper Kwaku Musah, Angel Ewulla, Collins Ntiful from Okwawu United, Issah Abdul Basit from Golden Warriors, forward Mohammed Alhassan Mankuyeli, Ebenezer Amegah from Hohoe United, and free-agent forward Prince Opoku Agyemang. Vision FC have also added Kwadwo Boamah from Hohoe United and Faruk Mohammed from Nations FC.
The final preparations begin
With the transfer deadline now passed and the Ghana Premier League scheduled to begin on September 4, attention will turn from recruitment to preparation.
The sheer volume of movement suggests that several clubs will enter the new campaign with significantly different squads. For coaches, the immediate challenge will be turning these new arrivals into cohesive teams before the opening whistle of the new Premier League season.
The Black Princesses will play Polish side Sleza Wroclaw, a team in the Orlen Ekstraliga Kobiet, in their first international friendly match in Wroclaw, Poland.
The game will be held behind closed doors as Ghana continue preparations ahead of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The friendly offers Black Princesses head coach Charles Sampson another valuable opportunity to assess his squad, build cohesion and sharpen tactics.
The game will be played on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Stadion Sportowy Olawka in Wroclaw at 14:00 GMT.
The Black Princesses are making their eighth consecutive appearance at the biennial tournament, aiming to make it past the group stage for the first time in their history.
