by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Emmanuel Gyasi has expressed deep gratitude to Empoli after completing a move to Serie B side Palermo. The 31-year-old joins Palermo on a season-long loan with an option for a permanent transfer.
Gyasi spent two seasons with Empoli, becoming a key figure in their squad despite their relegation from Serie A after finishing 18th last season. Taking to Instagram, the versatile midfielder delivered a heartfelt farewell message, thanking the club’s leadership, teammates, coaching staff, and fans for their unwavering support.
“Thank you so much. After two intense and exciting years, the time has come to say goodbye. I would like to sincerely thank President Fabrizio Corsi and Vice President Rebecca Corsi for the trust and support they have always shown me,” Gyasi wrote.
He continued, “The year hasn’t gone as we all hoped, but I’m sure Empoli will soon return to where it belongs. To the fans, your love and encouragement will always stay with me.”
Gyasi leaves Empoli having made 77 appearances, scoring three goals and providing six assists. He now looks forward to helping Palermo in their push for Serie A promotion.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian youngster James Ampofo says he is ready to take his career to the next level following his transfer to Norwegian top-flight side Strømsgodset IF. The 21-year-old sealed a three-and-a-half-year deal on Wednesday after successfully completing his medical.
Ampofo, who joins from Norwegian second-tier outfit Raufoss IL, enjoyed an impressive spell this season, netting six goals and providing one assist in just 12 appearances.
“This is a huge moment in my career,” Ampofo told close sources after the move. “Playing in the Eliteserien has always been a target for me, and I’m determined to give my best at this level.”
With his career trajectory on the rise, Ampofo is eyeing a place in the Black Stars squad. The former Ghana U20 forward believes the move to the Eliteserien will boost his chances of earning a senior national team call-up.
“I’ve worked hard to reach this point, and it would be a dream to represent Ghana at the senior level,” Ampofo stated. “If the call comes, I’ll be ready to give my all for the national team.”
Ampofo gained early recognition with Ghana’s U20 team that won the 2021 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, playing a role in their semi-final clash against Cameroon with his energetic and direct style of play.
Strømsgodset have identified him as a key addition to their attacking options, impressed by his pace, movement, and ability to stretch defences.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Spanish international of Ghanaian descent, Nico Williams, has showered praise on his elder brother, Inaki Williams, describing him as the ideal leader for Athletic Club following his appointment as team captain.
Inaki Williams, 31, officially took over the captaincy of the Basque club in May 2025 after the departure of long-serving skipper Óscar De Marcos. Nico, who recently signed a contract extension with the club until 2035, believes his brother’s leadership qualities make him the perfect candidate to wear the armband.
“We’ve always dreamt of this moment. My brother is a role model for everyone, especially for me. I believe he’s the best person to captain Athletic Club, and I look forward to seeing him lead the team for many years,” Nico said in an interview with the club’s official website.
Nico also expressed his commitment to the club after penning a long-term deal, promising to give his all for the fans.
“I hope to repay all the love the fans have shown me. I want them to enjoy every moment of my time here. I’ve always felt special affection from them, and I’m proud to play for these incredible supporters,” he added.
The Williams brothers continue to make history at Athletic Club, combining family ties with professional excellence at San Mamés.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian youngster Raymond Asante is leaving no stone unturned as he intensifies preparations ahead of the new Belgian Pro League season with Sporting Charleroi.
The 21-year-old attacker, who earned a permanent contract earlier this year following a successful loan spell, is eager to cement his place in the first team. Asante initially penned a one-year deal in January 2025, with the club retaining the option for a two-year extension after he impressed with his energetic displays.
Despite enduring an injury setback that curtailed his progress midway through last season, the former Udinese youth prospect showcased his talent in the Reserve League, netting twice in eight appearances. He also featured in Charleroi’s squad during their Play-offs II campaign, contributing to their qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Asante is now focused on building on last season’s momentum and is determined to play a more prominent role in the upcoming campaign.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 16, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In a recent address, former President John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing Ghana’s sports infrastructure, promising the construction of new stadiums across the six newly created regions and other underserved areas. While the idea of new sports facilities is commendable, it raises a pressing question—what about the countless facilities already lying in neglect?
Years ago, the National Youth Authority (NYA) and the National Sports Authority (NSA) collaborated to establish ten sports resource centers in towns like Ho, Wa, Axim, Dormaa, Dunkwa-on-Offin, Kaneshie, Navrongo, Yendi, and Nyinahini. These centers were supposed to offer modern sports amenities, counseling services, and entrepreneurship hubs. Today, many of these projects have either stalled, been forgotten, or fallen into disrepair.
So where did it all go wrong? What happened to the dream of nurturing youth talent through these facilities? What’s the fate of the incomplete ones? And for those completed, where is the maintenance culture we promised?
Ghana’s problem isn’t the lack of stadiums; it’s the dire state of the existing ones. Across the country, sports infrastructure is crumbling—stadiums are falling apart, facilities are obsolete, and communities that should be thriving are left wanting.
If Ghana is serious about elevating sports, the focus must shift from piecemeal refurbishments to full-scale remodification. Here’s why:
1. Outdated Structures Need Overhauling, Not Painting
Most stadiums in Ghana were built decades ago with outdated designs. Their seating arrangements, drainage, roofing, and emergency exits are structurally inadequate by today’s standards. A coat of paint won’t fix that—only a complete redesign will.
> “Several stadiums in Africa, including those in Ghana, were built in eras where capacity and safety standards were different. These structures now require holistic redesigns to align with modern codes” — FIFA, 2021.
2. Failing to Meet International Standards
If Ghana dreams of hosting major CAF or FIFA events, stadiums must meet global standards for accessibility, athlete welfare, media facilities, and security. Right now, most fail woefully on these counts.
> “Sporting facilities that do not meet international regulations are ineligible to host global or continental tournaments” — CAF, 2023.
3. Left Behind by Technology
Modern stadiums come with high-speed Wi-Fi, smart ticketing, HD screens, and VAR technology. Ghana’s stadiums don’t even come close. Remodification—not minor tweaks—is the answer.
> “Smart stadiums are the future of fan engagement. Without foundational changes, African stadiums cannot compete” — PwC Sports Outlook, 2022.
4. Poor Fan Experience Is Driving People Away
Inadequate restrooms, terrible seating, and no proper fan zones—this is the story of too many Ghanaian stadiums. Fans deserve more than just a seat; they deserve an unforgettable experience.
> “Modern fans demand more than just a seat; they want a holistic, immersive experience” — Deloitte, 2022.
5. Lost Revenue from Commercial Blind Spots
Modern stadiums double as business hubs with shops, hotels, restaurants, and gyms, running year-round. Ghana’s old stadiums sit idle after matches, bleeding potential revenue.
> “A stadium that cannot operate 365 days a year is a liability” — KPMG Sports Advisory, 2023.
6. The Green Revolution Has Skipped Our Stadiums
With the world turning to eco-friendly designs, Ghanaian stadiums remain energy-inefficient and environmentally unfriendly. Solar panels, water recycling, and green materials should be a baseline—not an afterthought.
> “Green stadiums are part of global climate and ESG commitments” — UNEP, 2021.
7. Safety Is Still an Afterthought
Emergency exits, evacuation routes, fire safety, and crowd management tools are either non-existent or ineffective in many stadiums. This is a disaster waiting to happen—unless remodification is prioritized.
8. Beyond Sports: The Need for Multipurpose Use
Globally, stadiums host concerts, conferences, and community events. Ghana must remodel its stadiums into multi-purpose spaces that serve more than just matchday needs.
> “Stadium remodification enables increased monetization through diverse programming” — EY Sports Facilities Report, 2021.
Refurbishment vs. Remodification: A Quick Snapshot
Feature Refurbishment Remodification
Scope Cosmetic fixes Structural overhaul
Tech Upgrade Minimal Full integration
Revenue Models Limited Multifunctional & diverse
International Compliance Partially compliant Fully compliant
Fan Experience Basic improvement Total transformation
Sustainability Neglected Eco-friendly, future-proof
Safety Surface repairs Complete redesign for safety
Conclusion: Ghana must abandon the “patch-and-paint” approach and instead reimagine its sports stadiums. Without radical remodification, we will continue to lag behind on the continental and global stage—both in sports development and economic opportunity.
It’s time for a bold, ambitious stadium revolution—not cosmetic touch-ups.
