Ghana Sports News

The latest Ghana sports news: the Black Stars, the Ghana Premier League, boxing, athletics, and the stories fans are following. Curated from Ghana's leading newsrooms and updated through the day, newest first.

Ephraim Zinser Mac-Saawa joins Pep Sports for basketball training
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Ephraim Zinser Mac-Saawa joins Pep Sports for basketball training

Ephraim Zinser Mac-Saawa, a seven-foot-tall basketball prospect from Ngleshie Amanfro, has been admitted to the ultra-modern sports campus of Pep Sports Limited for intensive development. The FIFA and FIBA-accredited agency offered the life-changing opportunity following a community profile by MyJoyOnline that spotlighted the young athlete's exceptional physical stature and potential. This admission marks a significant step for Mac-Saawa as he transitions into a professional training environment designed to refine his skills for the international stage. The agency's decision to support Mac-Saawa was a direct response to the media coverage of his unique situation and height. Pep Sports Limited has committed to providing a structured pathway for the athlete, offering access to world-class facilities and technical guidance. This development program aims to bridge the gap between his raw talent and the rigorous demands of professional basketball, focusing on both physical conditioning and tactical play within their accredited framework. For Mac-Saawa, the opportunity represents the first step toward fulfilling his dual ambitions of representing the Ghana national team and securing a professional career in basketball. His father expressed profound gratitude to the media for bringing his son’s story to national attention, noting that the partnership with Pep Sports provides the necessary foundation for the young player to pursue his dreams and escape the limitations of amateur play. The inclusion of such a high-potential prospect in a professional academy is seen as a boost for Ghanaian basketball, which often lacks the infrastructure for identifying and nurturing elite talent. As Mac-Saawa begins his residency at the Pep Sports campus, his progress will be closely watched by the local sports community in Ngleshie Amanfro and beyond, serving as a beacon of hope for other young athletes seeking pathways to professional excellence.

Prince Amoako Junior reaches 50 appearances for FC Nordsjælland
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Prince Amoako Junior reaches 50 appearances for FC Nordsjælland

Ghanaian forward Prince Amoako Junior has reached a significant career milestone, recording his 50th appearance for Danish Superliga side FC Nordsjælland. The 19-year-old achieved the feat during a recent league encounter against Odense Boldklub, where he was introduced as a substitute. This milestone highlights the rapid rise of the youngster, who has become a key figure in the Danish club's offensive lineup since his arrival earlier this year. Amoako Junior’s journey to the 50-match mark has been characterized by consistent efficiency in front of goal. Since joining FC Nordsjælland from the Right to Dream Academy in February 2025, the teenage striker has registered 11 goals and seven assists. His transition from the Ghanaian academy to the European stage has been notably smooth, with the player quickly adapting to the tactical demands of Danish football and establishing himself as one of the most promising talents in the league. His impressive form at the club level has already earned him recognition on the international stage. Amoako Junior’s performances recently secured him a call-up to the Ghana national team, reflecting his growing importance to the national football setup. While he was ultimately not included in the final squad for the World Cup, his landmark 50th appearance and consistent statistical output have reportedly attracted interest from several major European clubs. As he continues his development in Denmark, the forward remains a primary prospect for future Black Stars campaigns.

Prince Ampem scores fourth AFC Champions League Elite goal for Shanghai Port
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Prince Ampem scores fourth AFC Champions League Elite goal for Shanghai Port

Ghanaian forward Prince Ampem continued his impressive form in Asia, scoring the opening goal for Shanghai Port in their AFC Champions League Elite fixture against Daejeon Hana Citizen. The match concluded in a 1-1 draw, with Ampem’s contribution proving pivotal in securing a point for the Chinese side. This latest strike marks the forward's fourth goal in the elite continental competition, highlighting his growing influence within the squad. The deadlock was broken just four minutes into the second half after a closely contested first period. Ampem showed sharp instincts to capitalise on a defensive error by the South Korean opponents. Seizing on the mistake, he accurately found the back of the net to give Shanghai Port the lead. His ability to punish defensive lapses has been a hallmark of his recent performances, further establishing him as a potent threat in the AFC Champions League Elite. Despite Ampem’s opener, Shanghai Port were unable to secure the victory as Daejeon Hana Citizen managed to find an equaliser later in the game. However, the result keeps the Chinese Super League side in a competitive position within the tournament’s league stage. For Ampem, maintaining such a high scoring rate in Asia’s most prestigious club competition is likely to attract further attention to his career trajectory as he continues to excel on the international stage.

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Kudjoe Fianoo demands resignation of GFA President Kurt Okraku

Kudjoe Fianoo, the former chairman of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), has issued a firm call for the immediate resignation of Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku and the entire Executive Council. The demand follows a string of poor performances by the national team, the Black Stars, which Fianoo believes reflects a broader failure of leadership within the association since the current administration took office in 2019. Fianoo’s criticism centers on the administration's inability to meet the high expectations of the Ghanaian football public over the past five years. The former GHALCA boss specifically highlighted the Black Stars' dismal start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign as a primary reason for his demand. Under the current GFA leadership, the national team has suffered consecutive defeats in their opening Group C matches against The Gambia and Ivory Coast. These results have left Ghana at the bottom of the group standings, sparking widespread concern among stakeholders and fans regarding the team's ability to qualify for the continental tournament. Fianoo argued that the regime has failed to perform across various levels of the game. Since October 2019, when Okraku first assumed the presidency, the GFA has faced numerous challenges, ranging from the performance of the domestic leagues to the international standing of the various national teams. Fianoo suggests that the current trajectory of the Black Stars is a symptom of systemic issues that only a change in leadership can address, urging the Executive Council to step aside for new direction. As pressure mounts on the GFA leadership, the Black Stars are preparing for their next qualifying fixture against Somalia, scheduled for November at the Accra Sports Stadium. This upcoming match is seen as a critical opportunity for the team to salvage its qualifying hopes and for the GFA to demonstrate a path toward recovery. However, for critics like Fianoo, the recent results on the pitch are indicative of a leadership that has exhausted its mandate and failed to deliver on its core promises to improve Ghana football.

Kurt Okraku meets former Black Stars coaches at CAF Strategy Conference
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Kurt Okraku meets former Black Stars coaches at CAF Strategy Conference

Kurt Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), met with former Black Stars head coaches Otto Addo and Kwesi Appiah during the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Strategy Conference in Cape Verde. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the high-level gathering, where regional football leaders and technical experts converged to deliberate on the roadmap for the continent's football development. The interaction highlights the continued engagement between the GFA leadership and key technical figures who have shaped the national team's recent history. As the CAF Second Vice President, Okraku played a dual role at the conference, representing both Ghana's interests and the broader regional governing body. The presence of Otto Addo and Kwesi Appiah added a significant dimension to the discussions. Addo recently led the Black Stars through the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has returned for a second stint as head coach, while Appiah remains a respected figure in African coaching circles, having led Ghana to the 2014 World Cup and currently serving as the head coach of Sudan. The CAF Strategy Conference serves as a platform for football administrators and former technical leads to share insights on improving the quality of the game in Africa. The engagement between the GFA President and the former coaches underscores a collaborative approach to addressing technical and administrative challenges. While specific details of their private discussions were not disclosed, the gathering provided an opportunity for these leaders to influence the strategic direction of football across the continent. This gathering comes at a crucial time as CAF seeks to modernize its structures and enhance the competitiveness of African national teams on the global stage. For Ghana, the visibility of its top administrators and coaches at such forums reflects the nation's continued influence within the African football hierarchy. The outcomes of the strategy sessions in Cape Verde are expected to inform future technical directives and development programs across CAF’s member associations.

CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe is captured speaking at a press conference, gesturing with his hand while seated at a podium. He is wearing a blue suit and white shirt, set against a vibrant green backdrop adorned with multiple CAF logos.
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CAF increases annual financial support for member associations to $700,000

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a significant increase in the annual financial support provided to its 54 member associations. CAF President Patrice Motsepe revealed the update during a strategy conference in Cabo Verde, stating that the yearly grant for each association will rise from $200,000 to $700,000. This adjustment brings the organization's total annual commitment to $37.8 million as part of a broader effort to strengthen football infrastructure across the continent. According to Motsepe, the primary objective of this substantial funding boost is to enhance football administration and facilitate development projects within each member nation. The increase is intended to provide the necessary resources for local governing bodies—including the Ghana Football Association (GFA)—to professionalize their operations and invest in grassroots initiatives. By more than tripling the previous allocation, CAF aims to address financial bottlenecks that have historically hindered the progress of the sport in many African countries. Looking ahead, the CAF leadership expressed optimism that the financial support could grow even further in the coming years. Motsepe indicated that the organization is actively pursuing new commercial partnerships with the hope of eventually raising the annual support to $1 million per association. This vision relies on the successful implementation of new revenue-generating strategies and the continued interest of global sponsors in African football. While the announcement has been met with enthusiasm across the continent, the specific timeline and the exact conditions for accessing the revised funding amounts are yet to be fully clarified by the continental governing body.

Pius Hadzide rejects blame for 2018 Commonwealth Games visa scandal
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Pius Hadzide rejects blame for 2018 Commonwealth Games visa scandal

Former Deputy Sports Minister Pius Enam Hadzide has distanced himself from the 2018 Australian visa scandal, asserting that the International Games Committee (IGC) he chaired held no mandate to facilitate travel visas for journalists. The controversy, which resulted in the deportation of approximately 60 Ghanaians who posed as media personnel, has resurfaced in public discourse following fresh investigations into sports-related travel arrangements for the 2026 World Cup. Hadzide maintained that while the incident was an embarrassment to the nation, his committee was not responsible for the screening failures that occurred. Providing context to the scandal, sports journalist Fentuo Tahiru recounted how the deception was uncovered by Australian immigration officials. Many of those who traveled under the guise of journalists were reportedly unable to perform basic professional tasks, such as operating audio recorders or answering fundamental questions about their media roles. This international embarrassment led to the interception and repatriation of dozens of individuals and prompted the suspension of several high-ranking Ghanaian sports officials at the time. During a recent appearance on JoyNews’ PM Express, Hadzide clarified that the accreditation process was managed independently by the Commonwealth Games Association through an online portal. He explained that once journalists were accredited through this system, they could travel without requiring introductory letters or financial assistance from his committee. Hadzide argued that the arrangement allowed applicants to bypass his oversight entirely, meaning any failures in verifying the professional credentials of the applicants rested with the games organizers rather than the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The revisiting of the 2018 scandal comes at a time of renewed scrutiny for Ghana's sports authorities. The National Sports Authority (NSA) is currently facing allegations of mishandled visa fees exceeding $623,000 in relation to the 2026 World Cup. While the NSA’s Director-General is currently under suspension pending investigations, his legal team has denied any wrongdoing. The parallel between the two events has highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the integrity of travel facilitation for major international sporting tournaments.

John Mahama suspends NSA boss Yaw Ampofo Ankrah over visa scandal
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John Mahama suspends NSA boss Yaw Ampofo Ankrah over visa scandal

President John Dramani Mahama has suspended the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, following serious allegations of visa racketeering. The suspension is directly linked to fraudulent activities surrounding Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to a suspension letter issued to the Director-General, Mr. Ankrah is required to step aside immediately to allow for a thorough investigation into unauthorized financial transactions and reported misconduct within the authority. Investigations into the matter have revealed an intricate network of contractors and sub-contractors who were allegedly used to recruit prospective travellers. Some individuals reportedly paid as much as $15,000 for visas that were never secured. Fresh details suggest that these fees were divided among various intermediaries, with specific claims emerging that certain officials received payouts of $1,500. The scandal has prompted a wider look into how the NSA handled applications for the upcoming tournament. Pius Enam Hadzide, a former Deputy Sports Minister, has raised further concerns regarding the institutional structure at the NSA. He questioned the establishment of a specific secretariat and several appointments that he claims do not align with the authority’s official framework. Mr. Hadzide is demanding full accountability for the controversy, citing documentation that reportedly supports claims of professional misconduct and financial irregularities. He noted that the current situation requires clear answers regarding who authorized these recruitment processes. The Ghana Police Service is currently conducting an investigation into the racketeering ring to identify all parties involved in the scheme. This administrative action by President Mahama reflects a commitment to addressing corruption within the sports sector as the country prepares for major international events. Mr. Ankrah’s suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of the police probe and any subsequent disciplinary or legal proceedings.

A large group of Formula 1 cars navigate a sharp corner on a lighted street circuit during a night race. The pack includes prominent teams such as Red Bull Racing, Ferrari, and Mercedes-AMG, showcasing the high-intensity competition characteristic of the sport.
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Rwanda signs 10-year deal to host Formula 1 African Grand Prix

Rwanda has officially secured a 10-year agreement with Formula 1 to host the African Grand Prix, marking the sport's return to the continent for the first time in over three decades. The races are scheduled to begin in the early 2030s at a purpose-built facility in Bugesera, located approximately 25 miles from the capital, Kigali. This landmark deal ends a long absence of the pinnacle of motorsport from Africa, which last hosted a Grand Prix in 1993 in South Africa. The upcoming races will be held on a new circuit designed to meet the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Grade 1 standards, the highest certification required for Formula 1. Former F1 driver Alex Wurz has been tasked with designing the track, which is expected to leverage Rwanda’s natural landscape to create a unique racing experience. The project is being spearheaded by the Rwanda Development Board and is positioned as a strategic investment to elevate the country’s profile on the global sports stage. F1 President Stefano Domenicali and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have both emphasized the transformative potential of this partnership. Domenicali described the return to Africa as a significant milestone for the sport’s global expansion, particularly in reaching the continent's large and growing youth population. President Kagame highlighted the anticipated economic benefits, noting that the long-term agreement is expected to drive international tourism, attract foreign investment, and create numerous job opportunities for Rwandans. While the announcement has been met with excitement from motorsport enthusiasts, some observers have noted the potential for controversy regarding Rwanda's human rights record. Nevertheless, for Formula 1, the move represents a critical step in tapping into a less explored market and fulfilling its goal of a truly global calendar. The African Grand Prix in Rwanda is set to become a focal point for international sports in the region, finally bridging the gap that has existed in the sport since the final race at Kyalami in 1993.

Players from the Ghana women's national football team, known as the Black Queens, are captured during a focused training session on a grass pitch. They are wearing orange jerseys, lime green training bibs, and black shorts featuring the Ghana Football Association crest.
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Black Queens thrash Mauritius 7-0 to reach Olympic qualifying third round

Ghana’s national women's football team, the Black Queens, delivered a dominant performance at the Essipong Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi to secure their place in the third round of the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers. The team defeated Mauritius 7-0 in the second leg of the tie, completing a comprehensive 10-0 aggregate victory. This follows a 3-0 first-leg win achieved in Mauritius, signaling a strong start to their campaign for a spot at the Los Angeles Games. The match was historically significant as it marked the return of competitive international football to the Essipong Stadium after a seven-year closure. Head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren’s side showed no signs of rust, with captain Portia Boakye leading the scoring. The clinical display featured a variety of scorers, including Evelyn Badu, Ajegipina Zakaria, Benedicte Simon, Jennifer Cudjoe, Nancy Amoh, and Mukarama Abdulai, as the hosts controlled the pace and possession throughout the 90 minutes. With this victory, the Black Queens advance to the next qualifying stage where they are scheduled to face Zambia in February 2027. The upcoming fixture serves as a high-stakes rematch, as Zambia previously denied Ghana a place at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Black Queens remain focused on their ultimate goal of securing Ghana's first-ever appearance in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.

Asante Kotoko supporter attends match with young daughters at Baba Yara
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Asante Kotoko supporter attends match with young daughters at Baba Yara

A heartwarming video of a father attending an Asante Kotoko match with his two young daughters at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium has gained significant traction online. The footage captures a candid moment during a Ghana Premier League fixture where the dedicated supporter is seen multitasking, managing his parental duties while following the football action on the pitch. The scene has been widely shared across various social media platforms, drawing praise from fans and observers for the man's commitment to both his family and his club. In the video, the man is shown keeping a close eye on the game while his two young daughters are engaged in their own activities beside him in the stands. Despite the typical intensity associated with matches at the Kumasi-based stadium, the father appeared composed, ensuring his daughters were comfortable throughout the match. This display of parental dedication has resonated with many in the sporting community, highlighting the personal stories that often unfold within the stands of Ghana’s major sporting venues. The viral nature of this footage underscores a broader conversation regarding family-friendly environments within the Ghana Premier League. While stadium atmospheres are often dominated by vocal supporters and intense competition, the presence of young children and the efforts of parents to include them in the match-day experience are seen as positive steps toward making the sport more inclusive. Observers have noted that such moments contribute to a more welcoming culture at venues like the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, which serves as the home ground for Asante Kotoko. The club remains one of the most supported in Ghana, and this recent video serves as a reminder of the deep-seated, multi-generational loyalty the team inspires. While the specific match result was not the primary focus of the viral clip, the image of the father and his daughters has become a symbol of the connection between fans and the domestic game. The positive reception of the video highlights a public desire for more family-centered facilities and safe spaces within the country's major sports arenas, ensuring that the next generation of fans can enjoy the game alongside their parents.

Roberto De Zerbi defends Rodrigo Bentancur after red card against United
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Roberto De Zerbi defends Rodrigo Bentancur after red card against United

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has publicly defended midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur following his dismissal in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United. Bentancur was shown a straight red card during a tense moment in the match after he headbutted United defender Luke Shaw following a challenge. Despite the disciplinary breach, De Zerbi chose to focus on the player’s passion and the psychological shift he believes is occurring within the squad. The Spurs boss revealed a supportive interaction with the Uruguayan midfielder in the dressing room, stating he "kissed Rodrigo and said thanks" for his spirited performance. De Zerbi explained that he appreciated the player’s courageous reaction, emphasizing that the team currently requires players with strong characters to navigate their difficult start to the season. He noted that while the red card was a consequence of a heated moment, the intensity shown by Bentancur was exactly what he wanted to see from his players. Tottenham’s current situation remains precarious, with the club languishing in the relegation zone after securing only three points from their opening six matches. However, De Zerbi remains optimistic about the team's trajectory, highlighting an improved team spirit and a more defined attacking style. He believes the character shown in the Manchester United draw, even with the numerical disadvantage, signals a turning point for the North London club as they adapt to his management. Looking ahead, the squad is set to embark on a warm-weather training camp in Spain during the international break. This period is intended to help the new squad bond and refine De Zerbi’s tactical approach away from the pressures of competitive fixtures. Tottenham will return to action on October 19, when they are scheduled to face Coventry, hoping to translate their improved spirit into much-needed points.