by Silas Boahene | Apr 27, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports, Soccer
Medalists from the 2023 African Games are expressing frustration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports over unpaid bonuses from the continental competition.
Winifred Ntumi, Ghana’s gold medalist in weightlifting at the Games, has revealed that she and other medalists have yet to receive the bonuses promised for their achievements.
Despite their efforts to contact the government regarding the unpaid bonuses, they have received no response since the conclusion of the competition.
Speaking anonymously to Joy Sports, some medalists confirmed that they, too, have not received their due bonuses.
“It’s disappointing. We haven’t heard anything from them,” one medalist expressed on Happy FM. “Even when we try to reach out, we get no response.”
Ntumi, who won gold and two silvers, highlighted the stark contrast to her experience at the previous African Games in Rabat, Morocco, where she received her bonus immediately after the competition.
“This delay is disheartening, especially being in my home country,” Ntumi lamented. “In Rabat, I received my bonus right after competing. This time, it’s been over a month since the competition ended.”
Before the African Games began, the ministry had announced cash bonuses for medalists: $3000 for gold, $2000 for silver, and $1000 for bronze.
Ghana’s impressive performance at the Games, securing 69 medals in total, marked a historic achievement for the country in the competition’s 59-year history. The medals were distributed across 10 sporting disciplines, with armwrestling contributing the majority, accounting for 60% of Ghana’s medal tally.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 27, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Ahead of the upcoming Olympic 2024 qualifiers in Bangkok, Thailand, Team Ghana is gearing up with high hopes for success. Led by Ornella Sathoud, a US-based middleweight boxer, the team consists of six men and one woman.
Mr. Joojo Ephson, the PRO of GBF, emphasized their commitment to investing in the team’s participation in the 2nd World Olympic Qualification event. This decision comes after twelve boxers failed to secure spots at the qualifying tournament in Senegal last year, and seven others missed out in Italy earlier this year.
The rejuvenated Ghanaian squad features notable names like Samuel Takyi, Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey, and Jonathan Tetteh, among others. Additionally, UK-based boxer Mark Kodjovi Ahondjo and African Games gold medallist Amadu Mohammed are set to compete, alongside potential qualifiers from upcoming matches.
In case of any last-minute changes, fighters like Abubakar Kamoko and Mohammed Aryeetey stand ready as reserves. Coach Dr. Ofori Asare and GBF Vice President Dauda Fuseni express optimism about Ghana’s chances of representation at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, a sentiment echoed by GBF President Ben Quartey and CDM of Paris 2024, Mr. Duah.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 27, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
As the countdown begins for the upcoming beach soccer season in Ghana, clubs are ramping up their preparations, promising another thrilling and competitive year ahead. Gyamfi Kusi Awere, the interim chairman of the Beach Soccer Clubs Union, reaffirmed the determination of the clubs to make the upcoming season even more exhilarating than the inaugural one.
“With various challenges ahead, our teams are doubling down on their training efforts as we aim for an electrifying second edition,” Awere stated.
Comprising 20 clubs, with 14 competing in the Premier Beach Soccer League, the Union is divided into two zones. Zone A includes Cheetah BSC, Sea Sharks, Dansoman BSC, Teshie BSC, Nugua BSC, Okere Rangers, Senya Sharks, and Layoca. Meanwhile, Zone B consists of Keta Sunset Sports, Kedzi-Havedzi Mighty Warriors, Vodza Iron Breakers, Tegbi Oceans Stars, Kedzi Miracle BSC, and defending champions Ada Assurance BSC.
Each club received GHC 10,000 from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to support the 15-week-long season, with hopes for increased funding in the future. Additionally, the Volta region has already commenced its mini-league, with plans to replicate it across other regional Football Associations.
Prosper Harrison Addo, the General Secretary of the GFA, reiterated the association’s commitment to the growth and development of beach soccer in Ghana, assuring continued support for the clubs. Final plans for the upcoming season will be discussed during an upcoming meeting of the clubs.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 25, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship and generosity, French President Emmanuel Macron showcased his football skills by scoring during a charity match on Wednesday (April 24). Held at the Stade Bernard Giroux near Paris, the event aimed to raise funds for a French foundation dedicated to enhancing the lives of hospitalized children and adolescents.
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger led one team, while French journalist Jacques Vendroux helmed the other. Vendroux’s squad, boasting talents like Macron, French national team manager Didier Deschamps, 1998 World Cup champion Robert Pires, and Ivorian icon Didier Drogba, emerged victorious with a 5-3 scoreline.
Pires secured a first-half hat-trick, with Garcia adding a fourth goal before Pires was brought down in the second half, resulting in Macron successfully converting a penalty kick.
Meanwhile, Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o and Togolese star Emmanuel Adebayor showcased their scoring prowess for Wenger’s team.
The match was organized by Varietes Club de France, a football club that brings together celebrities and former football luminaries for charitable causes.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 25, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The National Sports Authority (NSA) has provided clarification regarding the GH₵36k fee requested for the usage of the Baba Yara Stadium during the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final second leg between Dreams FC and Zamalek. Contrary to social media speculation, the fee was intended for the Ghana Football Association (GFA), not Dreams FC.
An excerpt of the letter outlining the NSA’s request circulated on social media after Dreams FC announced free entry to ensure a vibrant atmosphere for the crucial match. The letter also mentioned the NSA’s intention to allocate the funds towards preparing the facility for what they categorized as a ‘Category A’ match.
However, in an interview with Asempa FM, NSA’s spokesperson, Charles Amofah, clarified that the intended recipient of the assistance was the Ghana FA, not the Ghanaian club.
“The letter from the Ashanti Regional Acting Director [NSA] to the FA clearly indicates that the NSA’s request for support is based on the club’s decision [to allow free entry],” he explained.
“We maintain a good relationship with the FA. Our communication was directed to the FA, not Dreams FC. Dreams was only informed as they are involved in the match, ensuring transparency in communication.
“This issue stems from miscommunication between the parties involved. Dreams FC should have engaged in broader consultations with the facility managers before announcing free entry.”
Dreams FC, boasting an unbeaten record at home in the competition, will depend on their supporters’ backing at the Baba Yara Stadium to aid them in overcoming the Egyptian side.
