by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Ben Nunoo Mensah, has sounded a cautionary note to Ghana’s next Sports and Recreation Minister, urging them not to prioritize football, particularly the Black Stars, at the expense of other sports disciplines.
Speaking on JoySports Link on JoyFM, Mensah highlighted the disproportionate focus and funding football receives compared to other sports in Ghana. He noted that the Ministry of Youth and Sports has consistently allocated the bulk of its limited resources to the Black Stars, leaving athletes and officials from other sports frustrated and underfunded.
“This has been an ongoing issue for successive governments. In Ghana, many equate sports to just football, and I don’t blame them because that’s what dominates the media. However, the Ministry’s budget is heavily consumed by the Black Stars, leaving little for other disciplines,” Mensah said.
He further emphasized the need for the incoming minister, under the leadership of President John Mahama, to redefine the narrative and ensure a fair distribution of resources. “The new minister must resist the pressure to focus solely on football. This is something the NDC should work to correct,” he added.
As Ghana prepares for a new era in sports leadership, the GOC President’s call resonates with stakeholders who believe that balanced investment across all sporting disciplines will pave the way for greater national success in global competitions.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Michael Baidoo has made a firm commitment to help Plymouth Argyle escape the relegation zone and retain their Championship status. The club is currently struggling at the bottom of the league table with just 21 points after 27 matches. Despite the challenging situation, Baidoo, who joined Plymouth from Swedish side Elfsborg in a record-breaking winter transfer deal until 2028, remains optimistic.
In an interview with BBC World News, Baidoo shared his determination to take the survival battle one game at a time. “We have a big task ahead now,” he said. “We can’t focus on the end, we need to focus on what’s in front of us.” With the team in a precarious position, Baidoo emphasized the importance of focusing on each match and securing as many points as possible.
Though he admits the road ahead will be tough, Baidoo is resolute in his goal to help the team rise from the bottom of the table. The Ghanaian midfielder has already made three appearances for Plymouth, and he is eager to contribute further as the team pushes toward safety.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
La Liga Transfer News | January Window
Spanish La Liga side Celta Vigo is reportedly set to part ways with Ghanaian international Joseph Aidoo during the upcoming January transfer window.
The decision follows a difficult period for the 29-year-old centre-back, who has struggled to regain his best form after an 11-month injury setback. This season, Aidoo has made just three appearances across all competitions under head coach Claudio Giráldez, with limited opportunities to re-establish himself as a key figure in the team.
According to reports from Spanish outlet Marca, Aidoo and his American teammate Lucas De La Torre are not in the manager’s long-term plans as the club looks to rebuild for the future. Despite having a contract with Celta that runs until June 2026, the club is considering an early termination to free up space in their squad.
Aidoo, known for his physical presence and defensive composure, has enjoyed a steady career that includes stints at KRC Genk and Hammarby IF. On the international stage, he has earned 17 caps for Ghana’s Black Stars and remains a respected figure for his national team.
Despite the challenges at Celta, Aidoo is expected to draw interest from clubs seeking a seasoned and dependable defender. His potential exit serves as a reminder of the challenges professional footballers face, where injuries and shifting managerial strategies can swiftly alter career trajectories.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Swiss Super League | Weekend Highlights
Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, delivered an exceptional performance as St Gallen secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Servette at the Stade de Genève in the Swiss Super League over the weekend.
The talented shot-stopper was the standout player of the match, producing several jaw-dropping saves to deny the home side a victory. Despite an early setback when Willem Geubbels gave Servette the lead, Ati-Zigi’s heroics kept his team in contention under intense pressure.
In the second half, defender Steve Rouiller capitalized on a chance to net the equalizer in the 70th minute, ensuring St Gallen left with a vital point. However, it was Ati-Zigi’s commanding presence in goal that proved to be the decisive factor in thwarting Servette’s relentless attack.
Ati-Zigi’s consistent form for both club and country solidifies his position as Ghana’s No.1 goalkeeper. His recent performances are expected to earn him a call-up for Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar in March 2025.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Black Stars striker Augustine Ahinful has called for a structural overhaul in the management of Ghana’s national football teams. He believes the current Management Committees should be replaced with a National Management Board to ensure more effective oversight and decision-making.
Ahinful’s comments come in the wake of the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) announcement of a new Black Stars Management Committee. This followed the dissolution of the Mark Addo-led committee after Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking on Accra-based Sporty FM, Ahinful questioned the relevance of the current committees and suggested that a more diverse National Management Board could better serve the national teams.
“I have served on a Management Committee before, and I feel it would be better to have a National Management Board,” Ahinful explained. “This board shouldn’t only consist of football people but also include professionals from other fields who can bring fresh perspectives and make informed decisions.”
He elaborated on his vision, proposing a streamlined structure. “Imagine we have 10 people on the board, and for a Black Stars game, two members are delegated to oversee operations. This way, we can better utilize the resources and expertise available within the GFA,” he said.
Ahinful also criticized the inefficiencies of some committees. “I’ve seen instances where committee members didn’t even know the age brackets of invited players. If these committees were truly effective, they’d ensure technical teams receive the right guidance and support,” he added.
The newly formed Black Stars Management Committee includes notable figures such as Dr. Randy Abbey, who will chair the team and lead stakeholder engagements. Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah has been appointed Vice-Chairman, focusing on player relations. Other members include Samuel Aboabire, Moses Armah, and Richard Nsenkyire, who will handle operations, matchday activities, and special duties.
While the new committee brings experienced faces to the table, Ahinful’s suggestion of a broader National Management Board raises questions about whether the current setup can address Ghana’s ongoing football challenges effectively.
