by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
On a pivotal day for Ghanaian sports, newly appointed Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, received a crucial mandate from President John Dramani Mahama—to restore the Black Stars to their former glory.
During the swearing-in ceremony on Friday, February 7, President Mahama did not mince words about the state of Ghanaian sports, calling it “unacceptable.” He emphasized the need for a strategic revival, starting with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), to bring back the nation’s footballing prestige.
“I don’t envy your job,” President Mahama remarked, acknowledging the immense responsibility on Adams’ shoulders. “The shambles that is Ghana sports today is unacceptable. I expect that you will concentrate on building all the sports disciplines, and I know the Ghana Football Association will be a good place to start.”
The President urged Adams to lead with transparency, professionalism, and modern strategies to uplift not just football but the entire sports sector. With this charge, the new minister faces the daunting yet crucial task of steering Ghanaian football back to the top of African and global competitions.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Accra, Ghana – February 7
In a ceremony held at the Presidency on Friday, President John Dramani Mahama officially swore in Kofi Adams, the Member of Parliament for Buem, as Ghana’s new Minister for Sports and Recreation.
The appointment comes at a crucial time, with the country’s sporting sector facing significant challenges. In his address, President Mahama did not shy away from the difficulties ahead, emphasizing the need for transparency, professionalism, and modernization in sports management.
“I don’t envy your job,” the President remarked candidly. “The state of Ghanaian sports today is unacceptable, and you have the monumental task of restoring our nation’s pride on the African and global stage.”
He urged the new minister to focus on revitalizing all sporting disciplines, with a special emphasis on rebuilding the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and returning the Black Stars to their former glory.
Kofi Adams now faces the challenge of reshaping Ghana’s sports landscape, with expectations high for a turnaround that will restore national pride in athletics, football, and other disciplines.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In a significant step toward transforming football media in West Africa, Patrick Akoto, the Senior Communications Manager of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), successfully concluded a groundbreaking three-day WAFU B Media Strategies Workshop in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The workshop, held at WAFU B’s new headquarters from February 4-6, 2025, brought together representatives from all seven member associations of the regional body, alongside a delegate from WAFU Zone A. Designed to sharpen digital communication, crisis management, and sponsorship strategies, the event was the first of its kind in the thriving football zone.
Participants gained hands-on training in content creation, media engagement, and digital storytelling—crucial skills for enhancing football promotion across the region. The sessions were carefully curated to help football associations build stronger media identities, improve fan engagement, and refine their communication strategies.
The workshop culminated in a closing ceremony led by His Excellency Matthias Veltin, German Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, who represented WAFU B President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku. Also in attendance was Philippe Tchere, the dedicated Executive Director of WAFU B.
Patrick Akoto, known for his dynamic approach to football media, has long been a key figure in Ghanaian football communication, having previously served as Director of Communications for Medeama SC and the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA). His ability to connect with diverse audiences and navigate the evolving media landscape has earned him widespread respect in the industry.
As the curtain fell on the workshop, it was evident that WAFU B’s commitment to modernizing football communication had taken a bold step forward, with Akoto playing a central role in shaping the future of media strategies in West African football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, International, Soccer, World Cup
Congo-Brazzaville’s hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have been thrown into uncertainty after FIFA imposed an international suspension on the nation due to government interference in football affairs.
The ban means that the national team and clubs are barred from participating in international competitions, putting their upcoming World Cup qualifying matches in serious doubt. With FIFA maintaining a strict stance against external interference, the country must resolve the issue swiftly to avoid missing out on the global stage.
As fans and players await further developments, the suspension serves as a stark reminder of FIFA’s commitment to protecting football from political influence.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Antoine Semenyo’s rise in the Premier League has been nothing short of remarkable. The Ghanaian forward has been instrumental in Bournemouth’s impressive season, but his journey to becoming a key player wasn’t always smooth.
In 2022, a shin injury sidelined Semenyo for months, a setback that could have derailed his progress. But instead of dwelling on the frustration, he turned to two of football’s greatest strikers for inspiration—Didier Drogba and Thierry Henry.
“It was actually one of the assistant coaches at Bristol City who suggested I should be watching clips of my idols,” Semenyo shared in an interview with Premier League TV. “He also recommended Breel Embolo because he felt our play styles were similar.”
With months away from the pitch, Semenyo immersed himself in studying movement, heading, and footwork, dissecting every aspect of Drogba and Henry’s game.
That dedication is now paying off. Since his €10.3 million move from Bristol City to Bournemouth in January 2023, Semenyo has developed into a vital player for the Cherries. This season, he has recorded 10 goal contributions, playing a crucial role in their push for a European spot.
With elite clubs monitoring his progress, Semenyo’s story serves as a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of learning from the greats.
