by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 21, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
A New Era for Ghanaian Sports Leadership
In a pivotal move aimed at revitalizing Ghana’s sports sector, President John Mahama has nominated Kofi Adams, Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency, as the Minister of Sports and Recreation. The announcement came as part of the third wave of ministerial appointments submitted to Parliament for vetting and approval.
Adams, 49, replaces Mustafa Ussif, who served under former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology, specializing in the Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Adams brings a unique blend of academic rigor and political experience to the role.
Known for his passion for grassroots development, Adams has long advocated for a return to the foundational aspects of sports. In a recent interview with GhOne TV, he affirmed his readiness for the challenge, saying, “I will gladly accept the Sports Minister position if appointed. Let’s return to grassroots sports and implement it effectively.”
As Ghana’s new sports leader, Adams faces a daunting but exciting task. Priorities on his agenda include improving sports infrastructure nationwide, securing sustainable funding for national teams, and driving Ghana’s success on the global stage in various sports disciplines.
Adams’ nomination has sparked hope among stakeholders who believe his fresh perspective and dedication to grassroots sports could redefine the future of Ghanaian athletics.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 21, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Italian Serie A club Genoa is preparing to terminate the contract of Mario Balotelli, the Italian international of Ghanaian descent, during the ongoing January transfer window.
Balotelli, who joined Genoa as a free agent in October 2024, has struggled to make an impact at the Rossoblu. The 33-year-old striker has managed just six appearances without scoring a single goal, leading the club to consider him surplus to requirements.
The decision to part ways with Balotelli comes in the wake of Genoa’s acquisition of Ivorian forward Maxwell Cornet. Cornet joins the team on loan from West Ham United for the remainder of the 2024/25 season, further limiting Balotelli’s chances of featuring in the squad.
Reports suggest that Genoa is keen to free Balotelli to seek opportunities elsewhere. His release would mark another chapter in a career that has seen him represent prominent clubs such as Inter Milan, AC Milan, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Marseille.
In addition to Balotelli’s impending exit, Genoa is also set to cut short the loan spell of goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini. The Atalanta shot-stopper is reportedly close to sealing a move to AS Roma before the transfer window closes.
Balotelli’s time at Genoa will likely be remembered as a missed opportunity for both the player and the club, leaving fans wondering what lies ahead for the mercurial striker.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 21, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Abeiku Quansah, a key member of Ghana’s historic Black Satellites squad that clinched the U-20 World Cup in 2009, has voiced his disappointment over the returns from a government investment made on behalf of the players 15 years ago.
In an interview with Glorious Sports Today, Quansah detailed how the government’s decision to invest GH₵10,000 per player initially seemed like a prudent plan, but the outcome has fallen far short of expectations.
“The money we got was GH₵77,000 after 15 years. You can’t even buy land in Accra with that amount. Maybe in my village, but even then, you can’t build anything substantial,” he lamented.
Quansah suggested that the players could have done better by managing the funds privately, adding, “If we had saved that amount ourselves, the returns would have been much greater. This entire situation is disheartening.”
Beyond the financial disappointment, the former winger expressed frustration at the government’s inability to honor promises made to the team. He believes this failure has undermined the motivation of younger athletes.
“They should have fulfilled their promise so that the younger generation would be inspired. It’s unfortunate, but this is a good lesson for the young ones coming,” Quansah said.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 21, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil remains confident in Black Stars’ quest for 2026 World Cup qualification despite recent setbacks.
After failing to secure a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ghana’s senior national team has shifted its focus to the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers, set to resume in March. Joseph Paintsil, who plies his trade with LA Galaxy, has expressed optimism about Ghana’s chances and the personal significance of reaching the global stage.
In an interview with GHOne TV, Paintsil underscored his determination to help the Black Stars secure qualification for the tournament.
“I’m positive that the Black Stars will qualify for the World Cup because it’s something that’s really dear to me. I’ve never had the opportunity to play in the World Cup, so being able to qualify and represent myself, my family, and my friends means a lot,” Paintsil shared.
Reflecting on his mindset heading into the crucial qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar, the winger emphasized a unified team effort.
“For me, stepping onto the field means giving everything. That’s the most important thing, and I believe every player in the team is prepared to do the same,” he added.
Despite the team’s struggles, Paintsil’s words highlight a spirit of resilience and hope as Ghana aims to reclaim its place on football’s grandest stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 21, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Ghanaian football star Augustine Ahinful has passionately appealed to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to integrate more former players into the management of the Black Stars.
His plea follows the unveiling of the new Management Committee for the senior national team, which features Stephen Appiah, the iconic ex-Black Stars captain, as Vice Chairman and head of player relations. Despite this, Ahinful believes the inclusion of more ex-players can help rejuvenate the national team and foster stronger connections with current players.
Speaking on Accra-based Sporty FM, Ahinful reflected on the proactive steps taken by former Sports Minister Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah to involve ex-players during his tenure. He recounted how the minister, after consulting with the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG), mandated the inclusion of former stars like himself, Appiah, Osei Kuffour, and CK Akonnor in the Black Stars’ activities.
Ahinful shared his personal experience as part of the technical committee during that period, tasked with advising on strategies to elevate the national team’s performance.
“When Elvis Afriyie Ankrah became Sports Minister, he met with us and the PFAG. Following those discussions, he instructed that myself, Stephen Appiah, Osei Kuffour, and CK Akonnor should be actively involved in Black Stars matches,” Ahinful recalled. “I was part of the technical committee and contributed by advising on how to advance the fortunes of the national teams and by engaging with the players directly.”
With Ghana’s recent struggles on the international stage, Ahinful emphasized that former players’ insights and experience could serve as a valuable resource in rebuilding the Black Stars.
