by Silas Boahene | Aug 21, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Abdul Majeed Bawa, Deputy Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), has assured that the Baba Yara Sports Stadium will be fully prepared to host Ghana’s first group match against Angola in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers on September 5, 2024.
With just 16 days remaining before the game in Kumasi, Bawa addressed concerns over the stadium’s readiness, following recent church events held at the venue. Despite criticism of the NSA’s management, Bawa confirmed in an interview with Citi Sports that the playing surface would be restored in time for the match. He emphasized that a robust recovery plan had been implemented to ensure the pitch would be in optimal condition for the Black Stars’ crucial qualifier against Angola.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 21, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports, Soccer
Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Sports has issued a statement detailing the financial transactions between the Ministry and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) regarding the coverage of the 13th African Games. Held in Accra from March 8 to March 23, 2024, the games primarily took place at the newly built Borteyman Sports Complex and the renovated Legon Stadium.
In a letter dated August 20, 2024, signed by Youth and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, the Ministry clarified that it had paid over $3 million to GBC for event coverage. This statement was issued in response to GBC Director-General Professor Amin Alhassan’s claim that the company only received $105,000. The Sports Ministry’s letter outlines that $2.5 million was paid directly to GBC, with an additional $1 million disbursed to third parties.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 20, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Other Sports, Soccer
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President and NPP Flagbearer, has outlined ambitious plans to support the Ghana Premier League and other clubs in his government’s 2024 manifesto.
During the manifesto launch, which he termed as “bold solutions,” Dr. Bawumia announced a range of sustainable sports development policies. These include increased funding, training programs, tax incentives, and direct support to enhance the commercial viability of the Premier League and its clubs.
Key initiatives include:
- Establishing a Sports Employment Module through the National Lotteries Authority and Gaming Commission to assist clubs with operational expenses and player salaries.
- Providing each Premier League club with a bus to alleviate transportation challenges.
- Offering tax incentives to encourage private sector investment in sports, including a flat tax scheme.
Dr. Bawumia’s proposals aim to rejuvenate the Premier League, improve its financial stability, and create job opportunities within the sports sector.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 20, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
French Ligue 1 side Brest are targeting Ghanaian international Salis Abdul Samed as they seek to enhance their midfield before the transfer window closes.
The 24-year-old, who joined Lens in 2022, has recently been excluded from the first-team squad, alongside teammate Stijn Spierings, which represents a notable shift for the former Clermont Foot player.
As a key member of the Ghanaian national team, Salis now finds himself on the transfer list following Lens head coach Will Still’s decision to streamline the squad.
Brest has emerged as a leading candidate to secure Salis on loan and has already initiated discussions with Lens regarding a potential move. Despite interest from Montpellier and Saint Etienne earlier in the window, both clubs have reportedly ended their pursuit.
With the transfer window closing soon, Brest is keen to finalize the deal, hoping to bolster their squad with Salis, who played a pivotal role in Lens’ UEFA Champions League qualification two seasons ago. A move to Brest could provide Salis with the chance to regain regular playing time in Ligue 1.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 20, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has finalized his squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers and submitted it to the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Ghana, a four-time AFCON champion, is in Group F with Angola, Niger, and Sudan. The team will begin its campaign with a home fixture against Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5, followed by an away match against Niger on September 9.
For these crucial qualifiers, Addo has selected a squad entirely composed of foreign-based players, leaving out Ghana Premier League players. This choice reflects the coach’s strategy to field a seasoned team with a strong international presence.
Ghana approaches the qualifiers with confidence, having secured consecutive wins against Mali and the Central African Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June.
With high expectations and a drive to maintain their winning form, Addo and his squad are focused on securing a spot in the 2025 AFCON, set to be hosted in Morocco.
