by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 28, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The debate over financial transparency in Ghanaian football took center stage following President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to make national team budgets public. During his State of the Nation Address on February 27, Mahama instructed the Minister of Sports and Recreation to ensure accountability in the Black Stars’ finances, emphasizing that taxpayers deserve to know how their money is spent.
“Next month, the senior national team, the Black Stars, now a shadow of their former selves, will be in action. I have instructed the Minister for Sports and Recreation to hold the GFA accountable, particularly on the budget for the team,” Mahama stated. “There will be no secrecy in how much money the government puts into the national team.”
However, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has distanced itself from the responsibility of publishing the budget. Speaking to Sports FM, the GFA’s Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, clarified that it is the Sports Ministry’s duty to disclose financial details, not the FA’s.
“Making Black Stars’ budget public is not the responsibility of the Ghana Football Association (GFA). It is the responsibility of the Sports Ministry,” Asante Twum asserted.
The Black Stars are set to return to action next month for their crucial Matchday 5 and 6 fixtures in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, aiming to bounce back from their disappointing performances in 2024.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 28, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
The former Ghana international is preparing for life after football with coaching and scouting ambitions.
Kwesi Appiah has spent his career finding the back of the net, but now he’s setting his sights on a new goal—helping the next generation of footballers succeed.
At 34, the Boreham Wood forward is already making strides in scouting and coaching while still actively playing in England’s National League. His role as a scout for Crystal Palace’s academy allows him to assess young talent, a responsibility he takes seriously. “So far, I’ve seen hundreds of players, but in football, very few make it—it’s the 1% of the 1%. I haven’t found that gem yet, but I have come across some talented players who I’ve helped get opportunities,” he told Sportsblog247.com.
Appiah has also earned his UEFA B coaching license and has ambitions to secure a UEFA A license in the near future, preparing him for a managerial or technical role after retirement.
His journey began in Camberwell, London, with Ghanaian and English heritage shaping his footballing path. Rising through Ebbsfleet United’s youth system, he carved out a career across England’s lower leagues before earning a surprise call-up to Ghana’s 2015 AFCON squad. He made an immediate impact, scoring in the quarterfinals against Guinea and helping Ghana reach the final.
Since signing with Boreham Wood in 2023, Appiah has been a key player, scoring 16 goals in over 30 appearances. While his focus remains on contributing on the pitch, his eyes are firmly set on the future—a future where he guides young talents and shares his wealth of experience.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 28, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
The former Black Stars striker is using his experience and connections to help young footballers chase their dreams.
Kwesi Appiah knows firsthand the challenges of making it in football. From his time in England’s lower leagues to representing Ghana at AFCON 2015, his journey has been filled with ups and downs. Now, as he transitions into scouting and media, he has set his sights on a new goal—helping young Ghanaian talents secure opportunities in Europe.
“There is amazing unearthed talent in Ghana and across Africa. Down the line, I do hope I can build those connections and be able to offer opportunities for players to come across and show their talents in Europe,” Appiah told Flashscore.
Currently a scout at Crystal Palace, he hopes to use his network to bridge the gap between Africa and European football. His playing career, which spanned multiple clubs and levels, has given him valuable insight into player development and what it takes to succeed.
Beyond scouting, Appiah is also carving a path in sports journalism. Having earned a degree from Staffordshire University, he has already worked as a co-commentator for the BBC, covering the 2022 World Cup. “Sports journalism is something I’ve always been interested in. From young, I’ve enjoyed being a part of interviews and working on radio programmes. It was always something I was told suits me.”
With his passion for both scouting and media, Appiah is ensuring his impact on football extends far beyond his playing days.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 28, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Crystal Palace’s season has been a tale of patience and perseverance, and former striker Kwesi Appiah believes Oliver Glasner’s steady hand has been the key to their resurgence.
Sitting 12th in the Premier League and six points clear of the relegation zone, the Eagles have found their rhythm after a challenging start. According to Appiah, who now serves as a scout for the club, Glasner’s philosophy needed time to take root.
“Glasner had a tough task of trying to make do without some key players, whether from injury or transfers,” Appiah shared. “I think the squad now is very settled, and everyone has bought into the manager’s philosophy. The team has gone from strength to strength and is really productive at this moment.”
Having spent five years at Palace, Appiah understands the club’s ups and downs. Now watching from behind the scenes, he sees a team that has embraced Glasner’s vision and is reaping the rewards. With momentum on their side, the Eagles look poised to maintain their Premier League status and build for the future.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 28, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
At 34, the Ghanaian forward is enjoying a remarkable season with Boreham Wood, proving that experience and determination can still shine in football’s lower leagues.
Kwesi Appiah has always been a journeyman, moving from club to club in search of the right fit. Now, in what many would call the twilight of his career, he’s found new life at Boreham Wood in England’s National League.
With 23 goals this season, Appiah is not just playing—he’s thriving. His love for scoring remains as strong as ever. “This is a great milestone so far, but I still have plenty to come. I’m enjoying scoring goals, and that’s something I have and will always look to do,” he told Sportsblog247.com.
Despite playing for his 20th club, he has embraced his role at Boreham Wood, forming a crucial partnership with his teammates as they push for promotion. “Now, as it always has been, it’s about enjoying scoring goals and helping my team win games. I love scoring goals with a passion, so I can eventually push my team to promotion.”
His journey has been one of perseverance—marked by lower-league struggles and a proud moment representing Ghana at AFCON. As he continues to lead from the front, Appiah is also laying the groundwork for his future, preparing for life after football with coaching and scouting.
For now, though, the goals keep coming, and his experience is proving invaluable to Boreham Wood’s ambitions.
