Sports
Yes, Black Stars can!
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Chris Hughton – Black Stars coach
Ghana’s draw against Mali for the Africa Group I FIFA 2026 World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico seem to have set tongues wagging over the Black Stars ability to make the grade to the Mundial.
There are four other countries in the group; all with the potential to harm the Black Stars chances of qualification but very little is being said about them.
There is Madagascar and the Central African Republic (CAR), two emerging sides that have sent strong signals on what they are bringing to the African game.
Also in the mix is Comoros, a minnow that forced the Black Stars of Ghana to taste a little of the venom they possess in a 2022 AFCON finals clash.
Chad may be the least of worries of Ghanaian fans. They are still struggling to emerge from their football shackles and are yet to even make any impact at either sub-regional or continental level.
But Mali is obviously Ghana’s preoccupation for the right reasons despite cautions from the game’s players – both present and past, not to focus on just Mali.
Recently, a former Black Stars player, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, described the Black Stars’ group as dangerous and tricky.
Agyemang Badu reportedly said: “The group looks manageable on paper, but very dangerous and tricky because of how football has evolved. It all depends on what a team does on the pitch, which includes the hard work put in, its mentality and desire to win for the nation.
He went on to confirm fans worry about the other countries in the group, saying that, “with the exception of Chad, the Black Stars have played all the countries in the group and recorded very disappointing outcomes.”
That must be a genuine concern for every fan or stakeholder of the game that are interested in the Black Stars qualification to its fifth World Cup appearance.
In terms of head-to-head, Ghana boast of an impressive outing against these countries but sight must also not be lost on the fact that those impressive outcomes were achieved in the formidable days of the Black Stars.
As far back as 2013 when Ghana and Mali faced-off in AFCON qualifiers, Ghana pulled a 1-0 victory over the Malians at home but the Malians managed revenge in the second leg with a 3-1 win over the Black Stars in Bamako.
The two countries were drawn in Group B of the same tournament, where Ghana managed a 1-0 win at the group stage and lost the bronze medal game 3-1 to the same side.
That was followed by a friendly which they drew before Ghana recorded a 1-0 victory over them at the 2017 AFCON.
Three years on, specifically October 2020, Ghana lost 3-0 in an international friendly match against Mali in Turkey.
Ghana’s record looks quite impressive at the senior level but it appears statistics at the age-categorised competitions is what has sparked those anxieties.
Mali have improved significantly at the youth stages and have efficaciously managed the transitions of these youth into the senior side; making them one of the strongest sides at the moment and represent an enormous threat.
What about the others?
In January 2022, the Black Stars clashed with Comoros in an African Cup of Nations meeting in which majority of fans expected a clean sweep but it was never the case.
After 90 minutes, Ghanaian fans licked their wounds after a disappointing performance that saw the Black Stars lost 3-2.
In the year 2022, CAR stretched the Black Stars to a pulsating 1-1 in an AFCON 2023 qualifier many believed was one of the stunning moment in football.
What the pessimists failed to realise was the fact that CAR had been on a good run of form since 2021 when they stunned Nigeria 1-0 in Lagos in October in a 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
And when the Black Stars drew goalless with Madagascar in June 2023, it actually brought to the fore the team’s dwindling fortunes on the continent.
Other legends like coaches James Kuuku Dadzie, Joseph.Emmanuel Sarpong, John Paintsil, Mohammed Ahmed Polo and a few active players have shared similar views on Ghana’s chances.
Fact is, the Black Stars team is currently walking on a tight-rope, struggling to break down teams.
Individually, the team brag of very good and talented players that performs impressively for the respective club sides, weeks in and out but fail to produce half of the show for the Black Stars.
Mention the likes of Jordan Ayew, Kudus Mohammed, Joseph Painstil, Osman Bukari, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Thomas Partey, Tariq Lamptey, Inaki Williams, Majeed Ashimeru, Salis Abdul Samed, Salisu Mohammed, Alexander Djiku, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Ernest Nuamah and many others and one would struggle to understand why Ghana does not have a formidable team.
The problem has been more of the quality they show on Ghana assignment. Others have expressed the opinion that the team has been struggling because the right crop of players are not invited.
Of a truth and without mentioning names, some of the calls have been questionable. All of these have contributed to affect the team’s morale and fans desire to support the team.
It has brought about issues about commitment and dedication to the national course spearheaded by fans as well as Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports.
But commitment and dedication alone would not address that conundrum. If the right players are not selected, surely, the output would be raw.
This should surely be one of Coach Chris Hughton’s headache as he attempts to select the best from the players available.
At the moment, he has the individual talents at his disposal but between now and when the qualifiers take off, he must be able to turn the unit to play like a team.
If Ghana is able to do that, there would surely be a way to navigate through what appears like stormy waters to Ghanaian fans all over the world.
But then, the focus must not just be Mali because the likes of Comoros, CAR and Madagascar have the wherewithal to just spoil a party and not qualify.
By Andrew Nortey
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.
