by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Mohammed Kudus believes that West Ham United are gradually finding their best form after a series of positive results. The Hammers, who began their season with a shaky start that nearly led to the sacking of manager Julen Lopetegui, have shown signs of improvement.
Following a 2-1 win over Wolves, the team earned back-to-back draws against A.F.C. Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion. In their most recent outing, a 1-1 draw at home to Brighton, Kudus made his mark on the scoresheet, continuing his strong individual campaign with three goals so far this season.
Despite the draw, Kudus is optimistic about the team’s progress. “I think we’re getting close to our best, step-by-step, and the team gave their best today,” he said after the match. “The boys showed good energy and resilience to come back after going down, and although we wanted the win, we’ll take the point and move forward.”
As West Ham look ahead to their next fixture away to Southampton at St. Mary’s on December 26, Kudus is determined to help lead his side to victory and further solidify their resurgence.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer, World Cup
Dr. Richard Duah Nsenkyire, owner of FC Samartex, has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to improve the Black Stars’ technical team following their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Black Stars endured a disappointing AFCON campaign, finishing last in Group F with just three points after six matches, which included three draws and three defeats. The performance has sparked widespread criticism of the technical team led by Otto Addo.
Speaking to Asempa FM, Dr. Nsenkyire emphasized the need for changes to the technical setup ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, set to resume in March 2025. He suggested that the GFA consider adding a technical director to support the existing staff.
“If the Black Stars technical team can improve, we have to do that,” Dr. Nsenkyire said. “We have used the same people throughout the AFCON qualifiers, and they have failed. I believe the technical team must be enhanced. If a technical director is needed to assist during the World Cup qualifiers, the GFA should make it happen.”
The Black Stars are scheduled to face Chad and Madagascar in their next qualifiers, with fans hoping for a turnaround in fortunes under an improved technical setup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has appealed to President-elect John Dramani Mahama to prioritize investment in football development as part of his administration’s agenda. The appeal follows Mahama’s landslide victory in the December 7 elections, marking his return to the presidency.
In a congratulatory statement, the GFA highlighted football’s role as a unifying force in Ghana, emphasizing its potential to bring the nation together. The association expressed its readiness to collaborate with Mahama’s government to raise the standard of Ghanaian football to global heights.
The GFA identified key areas for investment, including infrastructure, grassroots development, and talent nurturing, as critical to creating a thriving football ecosystem. These efforts, the statement noted, are essential to unearthing world-class players and building teams capable of bringing glory to Ghana.
“As you are aware, football is the unifying force that binds our nation together, and the GFA is fully committed to working closely with your government to elevate Ghana football to the highest level,” the statement read.
The association expressed optimism that with Mahama’s support, Ghanaian football could achieve remarkable progress, producing talents and teams capable of competing at the global stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
Former Asante Kotoko board member, Alhaji Abu Lamine, has called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to strengthen the Black Stars technical team by including CK Akonnor and Ibrahim Tanko in the backroom staff.
This recommendation follows the failure of the current technical team, led by Otto Addo and supported by John Paintsil, Joseph Laumann, and Fatau Dauda, to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The team finished bottom of Group F after six games, leaving fans and stakeholders disappointed.
With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers set to resume next month, Abu Lamine believes immediate adjustments to the backroom staff are essential for better performance.
“You cannot sack Otto Addo at this moment and bring in a new head coach for crucial games in March next year, but we can improve the backroom staff,” Abu Lamine stated during an interview with Asempa FM.
He emphasized the readiness and expertise of CK Akonnor and Ibrahim Tanko, both of whom have previously served as Black Stars assistant coaches under Kwesi Appiah. “They have upgraded themselves and are capable of making significant contributions. What we have at the moment is not good enough,” he added.
The Black Stars are scheduled to face Chad and Madagascar in the final Matchday five and six games of the World Cup qualifiers in March 2025. Abu Lamine’s suggestion adds to the growing call for reforms within the team to enhance Ghana’s chances of success in future competitions.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former GIMPA Rector, Professor Stephen Adei, has called on Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, to reconsider his campaign promise to abolish the betting tax. Instead, Professor Adei has suggested that the government should increase the tax to 50% as a measure to discourage what he describes as a “disastrous habit” with significant societal consequences.
The betting tax, introduced in 2024 under the Nana Akufo-Addo administration, currently imposes a 10% levy on winnings. However, Mahama has pledged to scrap it entirely upon assuming office. Professor Adei, however, believes this approach could undermine efforts to curb betting addiction and its associated harms.
“Sin taxes like betting tax must be increased and not scrapped,” Adei argued, emphasizing the importance of using fiscal policies as tools to deter harmful behaviours. He proposed a steep increase in the tax rate to 50% as a more effective strategy.
Beyond betting, the renowned economist also commented on broader fiscal policies, stating that he would retain the controversial e-levy introduced by the outgoing administration but at a reduced rate. “I would rather reduce other taxes and keep the e-levy, maybe at a lower rate, while removing the multiplicity of taxes,” Adei noted.
His remarks challenge the incoming government to carefully evaluate its tax policies, balancing the need for fiscal responsibility with the imperative to address harmful societal behaviours.
