by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 30, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Accra, Ghana – Kofi Adams, Ghana’s Minister for Sports nominee, has vowed to make a lasting impact if confirmed for the role. Speaking before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Thursday, January 30, the Member of Parliament for Buem assured Ghanaians of his dedication despite not having a direct background in sports.
“The majority are very happy I have been nominated. I will not disappoint Ghanaians, I won’t disappoint President John Dramani Mahama, and I won’t disappoint myself,” Adams confidently declared during his vetting.
A key aspect of his vision is ensuring proper maintenance of the country’s sports facilities. He emphasized that no stadium or facility would be allowed to deteriorate to the point of being deemed unfit for use.
“We won’t allow facilities to deteriorate to the point that we will be banned from using them. We will improve on maintenance culture to ensure our facilities are always in good condition,” he stated.
Adams now awaits approval from the Appointments Committee, hoping to take on the role of Minister for Sports and Recreation under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 30, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has placed its faith in Swiss tactician Nora Hauptle, appointing her as the new head coach of the Copper Queens with a clear mandate—deliver continental success.
Hauptle, who previously led Ghana’s Black Queens during the 2024 Olympic qualifiers, now finds herself at the helm of Zambia’s women’s national team, a side that denied Ghana an Olympic ticket with a 4-3 aggregate win.
Her deep understanding of Zambian players, coupled with her tactical expertise, made her the standout candidate for the role, according to FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga.
“She knew our players well, understood their strengths and weaknesses, and perhaps the [Ghana vs. Zambia Olympic qualifiers] gave her an advantage over the other candidates,” Kamanga told Joy Sports.
With Olympic and World Cup participation now an expectation, Hauptle faces an even bigger challenge—guiding Zambia to their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph. The FAZ has made its ambitions clear: winning WAFCON titles and securing regional dominance.
As she takes charge, Hauptle’s journey with the Copper Queens begins with high hopes and an even higher bar for success. Will she rise to the occasion?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 30, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
From Injury Woes to a New Chapter in La Liga
After months of frustration and limited opportunities at RC Celta Vigo, Ghanaian centre-back Joseph Aidoo has found a new home. Real Valladolid have secured the experienced defender on loan until the end of the season, offering him a fresh chance to reignite his career and help the club battle relegation in La Liga.
Aidoo’s journey in Europe began in 2015 with Hammarby in Sweden before he rose to prominence at KRC Genk in Belgium. His stellar performances earned him a move to Celta Vigo in 2019, where he became a key figure, making 131 league appearances and scoring three goals.
However, this season has been far from ideal for the 28-year-old. A long-term injury kept him out for most of the campaign, and upon his return, he managed just a single one-minute cameo for Celta. Now, Valladolid’s defensive struggles have created the perfect opportunity for Aidoo to make his mark.
With experience, physicality, and a point to prove, the Ghanaian defender is determined to help Valladolid climb out of the danger zone and secure their place in Spain’s top flight. Will this loan spell be the turning point in his season?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 30, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In a dramatic legal twist, Ghana’s Court of Appeal has ruled that renowned investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas must testify without his signature mask in the ongoing corruption trial of former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi.
The decision, delivered on Thursday, January 30, 2025, by Justices Anthony Oppong, Ackaah Boafo, and Aboagye Tandoh, upholds Nyantakyi’s right to a fair trial over the state’s argument for witness protection. Justice Ackaah Boafo, who read the ruling, emphasized that the constitutional rights of the accused must take precedence over Anas’ security concerns.
This verdict overturns an earlier High Court ruling that had reconsidered a state request for Anas to testify in disguise. The judges reaffirmed that a previous Supreme Court decision on the matter remained binding.
The case stems from Anas’ explosive 2018 “Number 12” documentary, which uncovered alleged corruption in Ghanaian football. Nyantakyi, once a powerful figure in global football, was banned for life by FIFA, later reduced to 15 years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). He also lost his roles on the FIFA Executive Council and as CAF Vice President.
With this latest court order, Anas, famous for his undercover exposés, must now step into the public eye without his signature hood—a moment that could reshape the landscape of investigative journalism and justice in Ghana.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 30, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
GFA Restructures Coaching Staff Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
After Ghana’s disappointing failure to qualify for AFCON 2025, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has made major changes to the Black Stars’ technical team. The most notable addition is veteran German coach Winfried Schäfer, who will take on the role of technical advisor and Director of Football.
Schäfer, renowned for leading Cameroon to AFCON glory in 2002, will earn a hefty monthly salary of $65,000. Additionally, he is set to receive a substantial bonus if he helps head coach Otto Addo secure Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
While Schäfer’s arrival marks a significant shift, Otto Addo will retain his position as head coach, with his $50,000 monthly salary remaining unchanged. The restructuring also sees new faces joining the team, including psychologist Kris Perquy, video analyst Gregory De Grauwe, and Desmond Ofei, who replaces Joseph Laumann as the first-team assistant coach.
With AFCON now out of reach, the Black Stars must regroup and focus on their World Cup qualification campaign. Their next challenge comes in March when they face Chad and Madagascar in crucial qualifiers.
