by Silas Boahene | Jul 19, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Wisdom Kobena Woyome, the Ranking Member on the Sports Committee in Ghana’s Parliament, has confirmed that a probe into the expenditure at the 2023 AFCON will take place in Parliament. He made this statement during an interview after a Ghana Parliament Select Team defeated a team of former Black Stars players 3-1 in a curtain-raiser event for the Democracy Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Woyome, who is also the Member of Parliament for the South Tongu Constituency, participated in the game and expressed satisfaction with the event’s objectives. He explained that the probe had been delayed due to recent changes within Parliament’s Sports Committee but assured the public that it would be conducted. Ghana’s national team exited the 2023 AFCON at the group stage after failing to win any of their three matches.
“We’ve been going through some changes in Parliament, with new standing orders coming in. It was just yesterday (July 17) that the new ranking order took effect, with the Ranking Member now serving as the Chairman and vice versa,” Woyome explained.
“We will have our meetings…definitely, it’s something that we need to do because it’s a public interest matter, so it’s something that we will definitely pursue in the interest of the public.”
In the main event, Kumasi Asante Kotoko defeated rivals Accra Hearts of Oak 2-1 to win the Democracy Cup.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 19, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Stars goalkeeper Joseph (Jojo) Wollacott has expressed his satisfaction following his transfer to Sky Bet League One side Crawley Town FC from Scottish club Hibernian FC. The deal was finalized on Thursday, July 18, with the 27-year-old signing a two-year contract, marking his return to the third tier of English football after previous stints with Bristol City and Charlton Athletic.
Wollacott had joined Hibernian on a three-year deal last season, but a thigh injury limited him to just eight appearances for the club. Reflecting on his move to Crawley Town, Wollacott said, “I am delighted to get the deal over the line. It was a quick turnaround, so I am very happy it was done quickly. Unfortunately, last season did not work out for me, so I was looking for a solution. I know Scott [Lindsey, Crawley Town Manager] from my time at Swindon, and I really enjoyed working with him, so this seemed like a great fit.”
Wollacott was also part of the Black Stars squad that recently won two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 19, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Socaloca has officially launched its football application to enhance the marketability of players, focusing on improving visibility, especially within Ghana’s domestic scene. The launch event took place at the UDS Guest House in Accra on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in partnership with the Ghana Football Association.
The SOCALOCA app is designed for both male and female players aged eight and above. It aims to provide users with comprehensive player statistics, profiles, and general information, including real-time starting line-ups. This data will be showcased to a global audience, enhancing player value and facilitating direct connections between buyers and sellers.
Ghana FA Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, highlighted the significance of the app at the unveiling: “The majority of our clubs have not seen the need to invest in platforms like this [Socaloca], but elsewhere, the information is readily available because they have invested in multifaceted platforms to expose and market their talents. I think Socaloca is here to solve a very important and huge role that has been left in our industry.”
Lionel Foy, CEO and Founder of Socaloca, emphasized the app’s benefits for clubs: “The clubs can also track the progress of their core group of players, and when it’s time for selling players, the club can easily list the players they want to sell on a marketplace. We want clubs to be able to make money from the passion that they have for football.”
The app, which allows users to upload videos of players, is available for download on iOS and Android platforms.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 19, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Europe, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Strasbourg, France – July 17, 2024. In a heartfelt and enthusiastic gesture, the Deputy Mayor of Strasbourg, Hon. Owusu Tufuor, who is in charge of Sports Development and Sports Infrastructure and the immediate past president of the Ghanaian Friendship Association of Strasbourg, expressed his excitement to welcome Ghanaian athletes and officials to the city as they prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympics. This visit highlights Strasbourg’s commitment to international sports and cultural exchange.
The reception, held at the Center of Resource, Expertise and Sports Performance (CREPS), emphasized the city’s support for the Ghanaian team and showcased its dedication to promoting global sportsmanship and unity. Hon. Owusu Tufuor admired the athletes’ hard work and determination, wishing them success in the upcoming games.
Speaking warmly to the athletes, Hon. Tufuor said, “We are honored to welcome the talented athletes and dedicated officials of Team Ghana to Strasbourg. Your presence here enriches our city and exemplifies the spirit of international unity and sportsmanship. The journey to the Olympics is one of immense dedication, and we admire the hard work and perseverance shown by each member of your team. Strasbourg stands with you as you prepare for Paris 2024.”
The Deputy Mayor has been collaborating with the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Ben Nunoo Mensah, for the past two years to host the Ghanaian athletes and officials in Strasbourg, ever since France was announced as the host country for this year’s Olympic Games. He also revealed that the city of Strasbourg is committed to fostering global friendships through sports and is delighted to welcome not only athletes but also ambassadors of peace and cooperation.
Team Ghana’s Chef de Mission, Mr. Isaac Aboagye Duah, reciprocated the sentiments, expressing gratitude for Strasbourg’s hospitality and support. “This visit not only strengthens the bond between Strasbourg and Ghana but also emphasizes the spirit of the Olympics—bringing nations together through the power of sport,” he said.
The visit included an exchange of gifts and tokens of appreciation, symbolizing the growing friendship. As the countdown to Paris 2024 continues, such interactions serve as a reminder of the unifying power of international athletic competition.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 18, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana captain Andre Ayew explained to University of Ghana students that his early start in football prevented him from attending university.
The 34-year-old shared insights on mental strength, leadership, and managing fame during a guest lecture on psychology.
Reflecting on his career path, Ayew said, “Because of football, I didn’t have the opportunity to go to university because I started so early. But it makes you remember a lot of things, you know.”
“Nothing replaces your school days. I was in a French school here in East Legon for so long before I went to France. And that was, you know, a great moment. You remember what happened in class, being a bit stubborn sometimes.”
“But yeah, coming back here, I just felt that I feel happy. And that’s, for me, what’s important. I don’t want to always say everything in a short time, but bit by bit, if we have time to go into these things, you know, we are more than open to open up a lot of experiences that we’ve had to be able to help the ones coming.”
Ayew is Ghana’s most capped player, with 120 appearances and 24 goals.
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