by Silas Boahene | May 22, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
A team of six Ghanaian boxers, consisting of five men from the Black Bombers and one woman from the Black Hitters, has arrived in Bangkok, Thailand, to compete in this month’s Paris 2024 Boxing Olympic Qualifier. The delegation is led by Dauda Fuseini, 1st Vice President of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), with a technical team that includes Vincent Akai Nettey (1st Assistant Coach), Elvis Robertson (2nd Assistant Coach), Edward Asante (Team Doctor), and Daniel Quartey (Physiotherapist/Masseur).
Despite participating in two previous qualifying tournaments—in Senegal in 2023 and Italy in February 2024—no Ghanaian boxer has yet secured a spot for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The team features several notable boxers, including African Games gold medalist Joseph Commey. He is joined by Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey (flyweight), Amadu Mohammed (featherweight), Henry Malm (light-middleweight), and Leicester-based Mark Kodjovi Ahondjo (super heavyweight), who was unable to compete in the last qualifier in Busto Arsizio. The lone female boxer is US-based middleweight Ornella Sathoud (75 kg).
Dauda Fuseini expressed confidence in Ghana’s chances of securing some slots for the Paris Olympic Games, with this tournament serving as the final opportunity for qualification.
by Silas Boahene | May 22, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is facing criticism following revelations that all recently appointed local coaches for various national youth teams are operating without formal contracts. Despite the public announcements of their appointments nearly a month ago, the GFA has not officially notified these coaches of their new roles, leaving them in a state of uncertainty.
An investigation by Graphic Sports confirmed that none of the newly appointed coaches have been officially engaged or informed about their conditions of service. Many of these coaches reportedly learned about their appointments through social media or news outlets. One coach, speaking anonymously, expressed shock at the GFA’s conduct, stating, “I only heard about it on the radio.”
The anonymous coach criticized the GFA for treating local coaches poorly compared to those assigned to the Black Stars, who receive premium treatment. He emphasized the confusion and concern among the coaches regarding their employment terms, including salaries and job security. “We cannot tell whether we will be paid at the end of each month or how much we would be entitled to, or whether we will be working for free,” he lamented.
The absence of contracts has also raised fears about job security, with coaches worried they could be dismissed as abruptly as they were appointed, without any compensation. “We’ve not even received any appointment letters. It is just social media we heard it, so tomorrow they can decide to sack you through the same means, and there is nothing you can say because you have no contract to prove that you are an employee of the FA,” the source noted.
Adding to the discontent, it was revealed that only Laryea Kingston, involved in the WAFU Zone B tournament, is reportedly receiving some form of payment, creating further animosity among the coaches. The anonymous source expressed disappointment at the GFA’s failure to uphold the corporate standards they demand from clubs and players, especially given the experience and respect these coaches command in their respective clubs.
This is not the first instance of youth team coaches raising concerns about the lack of contracts and remuneration. Even when the youth teams comprised only U-17, U-20, and U-23, there were no proper reward schemes or contracts for the coaches. Last month, the GFA expanded the youth national teams to include U-15, U-18, U-19, and U-21, adding more layers to the existing structure with an average of three coaches per team. The source questioned the GFA’s ability to adequately compensate all these coaches given the current situation.
by Silas Boahene | May 22, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana’s U-20 women’s football team, the Black Princesses, have been fully paid their bonuses for winning gold at the African Games. The team triumphed over Nigeria in the final held in Accra in March. Each player received the Ghana Cedi equivalent of $3,000, in line with the Sports Ministry’s announcement during the Games. Initially, there was confusion as the Ministry suggested the bonus structure did not apply to team sports, causing media backlash which led to the eventual payment.
Despite this, the Black Princesses are still awaiting the promised $6,000 each for their qualification to the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The payments were promised before the African Games but remain outstanding. The team will commence preparations for the World Cup, set to begin in August, starting next month.
by Silas Boahene | May 21, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Jeremie Frimpong, the Dutch-Ghanaian player, celebrated Bayer Leverkusen’s historic achievement of completing an unbeaten Bundesliga season and clinching their maiden championship by gifting personalized diamond rings to each of his teammates.
These unique creations, designed by Pascal Design Official, feature 120 white diamonds to pay tribute to the club’s 120th anniversary. Additionally, they showcase the team emblem surrounded by 42 colored gems, making them distinctively meaningful mementos.
Following Bayer Leverkusen’s coronation match on Saturday, Frimpong presented these exquisite pieces to his fellow players, symbolizing the collective effort, resilience, and triumph that defined their remarkable Bundesliga campaign.
This thoughtful gesture reflects the strong camaraderie and unity forged among the squad members during this unforgettable chapter in Bayer Leverkusen’s illustrious history.
by Silas Boahene | May 21, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Ghana coach Charles Kwabla Akonnor has begun his new role as a consultant for the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
While the specific details of his appointment remain confidential, it is speculated that Akonnor will provide expert guidance during an important meeting of football representatives from across the continent. This summit, held in Tanzania, focuses on developments in juvenile football.
Akonnor served as Ghana’s national team coach from January 2020 to September 2021. Since then, he has not held any major positions until his recent appointment as a CAF consultant.
Throughout his distinguished career, Akonnor has managed some of Ghana’s top football clubs, including Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko. At Kotoko, he achieved significant success by winning the Normalization Committee Special Competition and advancing to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup. He also briefly served as the technical director for Division One side Accra Athletic FC.
More information about Akonnor’s involvement with CAF is expected to emerge soon, especially given the importance of the ongoing meeting in Tanzania.
