Sports
Will Akonnor’s exit bring back the shine?
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DAYS when the mere mention of the Black Stars evoked trepidation and terror, now appears to have evaporated into thin air.
Today, when the senior team take to the pitch, it is a painful penance watching them play as they are full of faulty passes, uncoordinated play, poor inter-positional changes, lack of passion and discipline, ineptitude, erratic shooting, low-on-intelligence, name them.
The drastic dip in form has come as a major concern to stakeholders – especially the long-suffering fans, who have had to endure a lot of anguish over the years – the Stars having failed to win any major trophy since Libya ’82 (39 years ago) when they annexed the continental Holy Grail for then fourth unprecedented time.
Failure to win the African crown all these years has seen Egypt now equal Ghana’s record – grabbing the coronet three times more, to make it number seven. Cameroon, who had not won a single trophy in 1982, are now five-time winners of the Cup. Whatever happened to Ghana, one can not readily decipher – unless to say that we have not been honest to ourselves.
We are pack of liars! Our football authorities have said one thing and done another. They have never been consistent with their own vision, and have always been betrayed by their own utterances.
Ghanaians have been told that only players playing consistently in their European leagues, and who are in fine fettle, would be invited into the national team. Not so? But is that what is happening now?
Less than a fortnight ago, a Germany-based forward Bryadon Manu, blew the lid off the Ghana Football Association (GFA) after getting an invitation into the national team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers – insisting that he did not expect it because he “hadn’t played much” at club level.
It was reported variously that Manu had played a measly 78 minutes out of the available 540 in the Bundesliga II and Pokal Cup, for club side Darmstadt, this season, and was stunned by his invite.
“It came like nothing; I was surprised because I thought it was fake. I didn’t believe it. The Ghana Technical Director (Bernhard Lippert) called to tell me and I was happy but still, I was like how? To be honest, I hadn’t played that much to earn the call-up but then I told myself maybe they had seen something in me that other people hadn’t seen,” the honest Manu shared on social media.
The 24-year-old was included in the squad for games against Ethiopia and South Africa because of the absence of some key players. He did not play in both games, though.
You see how they are toying with the national team? It is heartbreaking!
How do you call a player in a fourth tier club in Germany who is not even playing consistently – as against the very consistent ones in your domestic top flight – who have performed tremendously well in the just-ended league? If we cannot select players from a league that the GFA itself described as “highly competitive” and can match some of the best in the world, then there is absolutely no justification to have a running league. Do you not think so?
How would any coach worth his salt, ignore the top goal-poacher of his national football league (Diawusie Taylor)? What message are we sending to the world? That strikers in our top-flight are not worth considering? Well, that is a question for the Ghana FA and its German Technical Director Bernhard Lippert, to respond to.
So, on Monday, the FA relieved Black Stars Coach CK Akonnor of his post, following a series of bad performances. The sack did not come as a stunner to many. Akonnor himself could have saved himself this embarrassment if he had resigned his post long ago; because it was limpidly clear he was not in charge of affairs. Many European coaches in the kind of situation that he found himself ahead of his dismissal would have stepped down long ago to save his face. But typical of an African coach, he did not; he may have been thinking more about the $25,000 monthly salary.
Akonnor was sacked together with his two assistants – David Duncan and Patrick Greveraars and Lippert is expected to work with the goalkeeping coach and other technical team members left in the interim. It baffles the mind why Lippert is still at post. As the Technical Director, how could he absolve himself from blame in the milieu of the foregoing, especially with regard to the Stars’ despicable performances? How do you set up the man to fail by inviting fourth division players for him and think you should not be touched? Indeed, what has Lippert added to the team since his appointment last year? This is unacceptable by an FA whose president should also have packed off with the shamed technical team.
As of press time on Wednesday, the FA had appointed a three-member committee comprising of its vice president Mark Addo, Upper East Regional Football Association Chairman, Alhaji Salifu Zida and Dr Randy Abbey, to find a head coach and assistant coaches for the Black Stars within the next 72 hours.
The Stars slipped into third position of Group G of the World Cup qualifiers after losing to the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on September 6. The South Africans now have four points (having earlier drawn with Zimbabwe away). Ethiopia are second on the ladder with three points after upstaging Zimbabwe at home, the last-gasp win coming via a 94th minute spot-kick.
Though only two games played, the Stars – former World Cup quarter-finalists, have not given any strong indication of making it to the Mundial. They have been very less inspiring and really embarrassing in both games against Ethiopia and South Africa, selling out some disjointed football of dishonour to the world.
Indeed, against Bafana, the Stars did not even fire a single shot at goal. For 90 minutes, they lumbered their bodies on the field like drunken giants moving with the limbs of a mosquito. It was disgraceful watching them on a soil on which they subdued the world to some eye-catching piece of football during the 2010 World Cup tournament. It was the major trigger to Akonnor’s eventual departure.
Come next month, the Stars would attempt to stage a resurgence of their World Cup campaign as they first host Zimbabwe (who have also sacked their coach) and then hit the road to face them in the return. Question is, can Ghana pick the maximum points in both games? Would Akonnor’s exit bring back the missing shine with the appointment of a new sweat merchant? A sixty-four-thousand-dollar question with no response for now!
Fingers crossed!
In the midst of the storm that rocked professional boxing organisation almost a year ago, a decision was taken which is unprecedented in the annals of the sport in Ghana.
Following the death of a Nigerian boxer in a Ghanaian ring, the modus operandi of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) was questioned in various quarters.
Just when the storm appeared to have settled, another disaster struck. Ernest Akushey ‘Baubali’, a famous local boxer was lost to the icy hands of death, 10 clear days after a bout. It was such an unfortunate incident. May he keep resting in peace.
Even before the cause of death comes out, the GBA administration was put on the chopping board, and became a gum in the mouth of all. Almost everyone ‘chewed’ some.
Perhaps, considering the weight and ignominy of the incident, the mighty and powerful had to step in, taking major decisions to ensure some sanity in the sport.
Among the popular decisions arising out of this intervention was the call for sweeping reforms that led to the establishment of an Interim Management Committee (IMC) which has now assumed the role of the GBA because of the failure to organize elections to handover to an elected body because of the non-availability of funds.
The second was the last minute cancelation of a promotion to be staged by former boxer, Michael Nii Ayitey Okai, aka Ayittey Powers.
There appears to be some calm over the first decision as boxing stakeholders wait patiently, hoping that the IMC does the needful in no time.
But the latter, regarding the cancelation of the bout has continued, becoming a tango between the former boxer-now-turned promoter and the Director General of the National Sports Authority, Mr Yaw Ampofo Ankrah (YAA).
The Accra Regional Police Command this week arrested the veteran boxer, after he has reported himself at the station, over an alleged threat of death made against Mr. Ankrah after a video of him talking about the issue went viral.
A police statement said ‘Dada Powers’ was arrested in connection with an alleged threat made against the NSA boss.
Sadly, the circumstances under which the decision to cancel the promotion was made and the absence of a precedent to follow, have made a solution difficult to come by, a year after.
One remembers the back and forth about the decision as to whether the fight would be staged or not.
With assurances that the fight would go on, Powers claimed to have paid so much to boxers in terms of purses and other organizational expenditures, only for the NSA boss to drop the ill-fated announcement cancelling the promotion.
Since then, Dada Powers has seen the decision as a unilateral one from the NSA boss and has constantly blamed YAA for his present predicament. What is, however not clear is the form of compensation Powers is asking for.
As of now, one is at a loss whether he is seeking a refund of his expenditure or awaiting clearance to stage the fight.
If it were to be the latter, there would be no problem with that since boxing promotion has return in full force with the IMC sanctioning close or over 10 promotions.
This problem should not have arisen in the first place if that decision had been carefully thought through. If that was done, it would have found a way out of the mess it created for both parties.
Clearly, Powers is seeking for a sort of compensation which he has failed to communicate well. Despite the guidance from well-meaning people, he decides to sometimes use some ‘ring’ tactics to express his concerns.
If Powers is not aware, he must be advised that there are laws that governs every transaction or activity so no matter how legitimate his concerns may be, he is bound by the same laws to demand for justice in the right way.
Now in the custody of the police and latest reports suggesting the matter has ended up in court, the focus now shifts from the substantive matter to his behaviour that puts him in a bad light for a certain class of people.
Instead of seeing Yaw as an ‘enemy of progress,’ he must show an interest in working closely with him and others to find an amicable solution.
Maybe by extension, the decision to cancel that bout should be subjected to a probe – to know how it came about, it merits and demerits and whether it was in the best interest for Ghana boxing.
By Andrew Nortey
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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.
