Sports
Welcome to GBF Hot Seat
Despite the numerous challenges confronting sports administration and management in Ghana, many individuals and enthusiasts still find the sector attractive enough to be associated with.
Ironically, while campaigning for executive positions within sports federations, aspirants often gloss over the very challenges that later frustrate their developmental agendas. Issues such as poor funding, inadequate infrastructure, and logistical constraints are either downplayed or ignored entirely in the quest for power.
However, once in office, these same challenges suddenly become the primary explanations for stagnation and unfulfilled promises.
It is against this familiar backdrop that one hopes the story of Alhaji Dauda Fuseini and his team at the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) will signal a departure from the norm.
Dauda Fuseini has long been regarded as one of the most admirable figures within Ghana boxing circles. He comes into office with considerable experience, having served under the previous administration led by Bernard Quartey, where available information suggests he acquitted himself creditably.
At the GBF elections held on December 27, 2025, delegates voted out Quartey and handed the mantle to his vice, Fuseini, for reasons best known to them.
Since assuming office, Fuseini has outlined his vision to stakeholders, pledging to prioritise transparency, accountability, and the correction of mistakes from previous administrations, with the ultimate aim of revitalising amateur boxing in Ghana.
Fuseini, however, is not alone in this transformation agenda. Mr Mustapha Nettey, who retained his position as Treasurer, has also been vocal about the administration’s plans, particularly their intention to make the Black Bombers more competitive and appealing.
According to Nettey, the focus will be on rebuilding from the grassroots to the elite level, while granting coaches greater autonomy — a move he says addresses long-standing interference in their work.
“Ghana boxing is big and special. Others have come to lead. This is our time and we want to make our term memorable by changing old practices to new, modern models,” he stated in an interview with Accra-based Omashie TV.
He further assured that the new GBF leadership would make the federation attractive to sponsors, both locally and internationally.
“Our ultimate goal is to win more medals at international competitions, especially the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA, as well as restore the image and respect of Ghana boxing,” he added.
These pronouncements provide useful benchmarks against which the Fuseini administration’s performance can be measured at the end of its tenure.
While optimism is commendable, it is equally important for administrators to align their ambitions with available resources, rather than relying solely on what they hope to secure.
Initiatives aimed at making the GBF self-sustaining would be welcome. However, should these efforts fall short, Fuseini and his executive will inevitably be judged by the promises they have made.
Until then, Alhaji Dauda Fuseini is officially welcome to the GBF hot seat.
By Andrew Nortey
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Sports
Black Starlets arrives in Morocco on U-17 AFCON mission …FA boss charges team to make Ghana proud
The Black Starlets, the national U-17 male team, have safely arrived in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team departed Accra on Wednesday, travelling with a 35-man contingent made up of 21 players and 14 officials, all focused on delivering a strong campaign on the continental stage.
They completed a smooth five-hour flight to Morocco, where final preparations will continue before the tournament kicks off.
The technical team is expected to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion among the squad as they gear up for the competition.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, was present at the Accra International Airport to bid farewell to the team.
Speaking during a brief farewell at the Airport, the FA President urged the team to carry a ‘never say die’ spirit into the competition.
President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of mental strength and unity, particularly in difficult moments during matches. His message was inspired by the team’s recent friendly encounters against Cote d’Ivoire, where they bounced back strongly after an initial defeat.
“I’m very happy that when you lost to Cote d’Ivoire in your first game during your friendly matches, you were able to bounce back—not only to dominate but to outscore them in the second game,” he said. “I read a lot of meaning into that, and I want all of you to keep that in your heads—that, it’s not over until it’s all over,” he added.
The FA president stressed that the ability to respond positively to setbacks would be crucial in a tournament as competitive as the AFCON.
He encouraged the players to stay united and support one another when the pressure intensifies on the continental stage.
“When the chips are down, that’s when we need to hold each other together,” Okraku added. “So go out there and make Ghana proud.”
Ghana will compete in Group D alongside Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, with their opening match scheduled for Thursday, May 14.
Twenty-three (23) players have been called up for this month’s international friendly against Mexico.
The squad is composed of star players from the domestic league and European leagues who are closely monitored by Coach Carlos Queiroz, as well as U-23 players who will soon represent Ghana in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers.
Notable names include Majeed Ashimeru, Felix Afena-Gyan, Razak Simpson, and Birmingham City’s Ibrahim Osman.
Ashimeru returns to action after a long spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury that limited his appearances at both club and national level.
Also in the team is Felix Afena-Gyan, whose last appearance for Ghana was in May last year when he featured against Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup in London.
Barcelona B’s Abdul Aziz Issah, Ebenezer Annan of AS Saint-Étienne, Ibrahim Osman of Birmingham City, and Paul Reverson of Ajax FC have also been included in the squad.
Midfielder Salim Adams, one of the key players for Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC, leads the group of home-based players.
Others are Heart of Lions’ Ebenezer Abban, Ebenezer Adade of Dreams FC, and Nations FC captain Razak Simpson. Ghana will travel to Mexico for the international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026.
