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.

A composite image featuring three football coaches who have managed both the Ghana national men's team (Black Stars) and the women's team (Black Queens). The collage displays individual portraits of the coaches, including Bashir Hayford in the center and Sellas Tetteh on the right.
sports|

Kim Lars Björkegren appointed interim head coach of Black Stars

The Ghana Football Association (GFA), in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, has appointed Kim Lars Björkegren to lead an interim technical team for the Black Stars. The appointment is specifically aimed at managing the senior national men's team for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) double-header qualifiers against Somalia, scheduled for November. This move is intended to ensure leadership and continuity during a transitional phase as the GFA's Search Committee continues its work to find a permanent successor to Carlos Queiroz. Björkegren will be supported by a technical team consisting of assistant coaches Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram, both former Ghana internationals. Former national goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda has also been named as the team's goalkeepers' coach. This interim structure was established to provide the necessary technical support for the squad during the immediate international window while the federation finalizes the recruitment process for a long-term head coach. The decision to appoint Björkegren has sparked debate among sports analysts and football fans, primarily because he currently serves as the head coach of the Black Queens, Ghana's senior women's national team. Critics have expressed concerns regarding the potential strain of managing both teams simultaneously, particularly as the Black Queens navigate their own World Cup bid. However, supporters of the move point to historical precedents within Ghanaian football, noting that esteemed coaches such as E.K. Afranie and Mas-Ud Didi Dramani previously managed both the senior men’s and women’s national sides. The GFA and the Ministry of Sports have called on the Ghanaian public to offer their full support to the interim technical team and the Black Stars as they prepare for the fixtures against Somalia. The federation maintains that the interim arrangement is the most effective way to stabilize the team's performance and secure vital points in the AFCON qualification campaign while the search for a permanent technical lead remains a priority.

Daniel Dubois defends WBO world title against Fabio Wardley
sports|

Daniel Dubois defends WBO world title against Fabio Wardley

Daniel Dubois is set to defend his WBO heavyweight world title against Fabio Wardley in a high-stakes rematch in London this Saturday. The 29-year-old champion is making his first title defense following a dramatic first encounter between the two rivals just five months ago. That initial bout solidified Dubois's reputation for resilience, as he overcame significant adversity to claim the world title in a fight that many boxing analysts consider a modern classic. The history between the two fighters adds a layer of intensity to this weekend's proceedings. In their first meeting, Dubois was forced to climb off the canvas twice after being dropped by Wardley's heavy hands. Despite these setbacks, the champion showed remarkable recovery powers, eventually taking control of the contest as the rounds progressed. The fight ended in the 11th round when Dubois secured a technical knockout, ending Wardley's hopes of victory in a match where he had appeared to be in a winning position early on. This rematch provides Wardley with an immediate opportunity for redemption while allowing Dubois the chance to prove his superiority is undisputed. The London venue is expected to host a capacity crowd eager to see if Wardley can finish what he started in the first fight or if Dubois has made the necessary adjustments to dominate from the opening bell. The outcome will likely dictate the career trajectory for both men in an increasingly competitive global heavyweight landscape, with the winner potentially eyeing unification bouts later in the year.

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah suspended as NSA Director-General over visa scandal
sports|

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah suspended as NSA Director-General over visa scandal

The Presidency has officially suspended Yaw Ampofo Ankrah from his position as the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA). The directive comes in the wake of serious allegations involving visa racketeering specifically related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This move by the administration of President John Mahama signals a zero-tolerance approach to administrative malpractice within the nation's sporting bodies as preparations for international tournaments begin to intensify. The suspension was confirmed through a formal letter signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, the Secretary to the President. According to the communication, the decision to remove Mr. Ampofo Ankrah from his post is intended to pave the way for a comprehensive and unhindered investigation into the reported scandal. The Presidency has indicated that the allegations are grave enough to warrant immediate administrative action while the facts of the case are being established by the relevant investigative authorities. While the specific mechanics of the alleged visa racketeering scheme have not been fully detailed in the initial release, the connection to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has raised significant concerns among sports stakeholders. Visa-related scandals have historically been a recurring challenge for Ghanaian sports administration during major global events, and this investigation is expected to probe whether official channels at the NSA were compromised to facilitate unauthorized travel arrangements under the guise of tournament participation. Mr. Ampofo Ankrah is expected to remain on suspension until the conclusion of the inquiry. In the interim, the government is expected to announce a temporary head for the National Sports Authority to ensure that the country's sporting programs and infrastructure projects continue without disruption. The final report of the investigation will determine the long-term future of the embattled Director-General and whether any further legal or disciplinary actions will be pursued by the state.

Hearts of Oak defeat Vision FC 1-0 with late Kwesi Asmah goal
sports|

Hearts of Oak defeat Vision FC 1-0 with late Kwesi Asmah goal

Hearts of Oak have secured a vital 1-0 victory over Vision FC in the Ghana Premier League 2026/27 season. The narrow win, achieved during a hard-fought matchday, marks the second consecutive triumph for the Phobians as they continue to build momentum in their domestic campaign. The result provides a significant boost to the team's morale following a period of searching for the consistency required to compete at the top of the table. The decisive moment of the match arrived late in the second half when Kwesi Asmah found the back of the net. Asmah’s goal in the 86th minute finally broke the deadlock, rewarding the Phobians' persistence throughout the encounter. Until that point, Vision FC had proved to be a resilient opponent, frustrating the Hearts of Oak attack and maintaining a disciplined defensive shape that threatened to see the points shared at the final whistle. This victory is seen as a positive sign for the Accra-based giants as they look to climb the league standings. Achieving back-to-back wins is a crucial milestone for the technical team and the players, signaling an improvement in form. The ability to secure a win so late in the game demonstrates a level of tactical discipline and physical endurance that the club's supporters have been eager to see from the squad this season. Looking ahead, Hearts of Oak will aim to maintain this newfound consistency in their upcoming fixtures. The technical team is expected to build on the defensive solidity shown in this clean sheet while seeking more clinical finishes in the final third to settle matches earlier. For Vision FC, the late defeat will be a disappointment, but their competitive performance against one of the league's established powers suggests they remain a capable side in the top flight.

sports|

Kwasi Sibo to debut for Al-Swehly in CAF Champions League clash

Ghanaian international Kwasi Sibo is set to make his competitive debut for Libyan club Al-Swehly in a crucial CAF Champions League fixture this Sunday. The midfielder, who moved to the North African side during the summer transfer window, is expected to be a central figure in the team's second preliminary round clash. They are scheduled to face Tunisian powerhouse Espérance Sportive de Tunis, one of the most decorated clubs in the history of the competition. Sibo’s move to the Libyan league followed a tenure in European football, and his arrival at Al-Swehly was viewed as a strategic acquisition to bolster the club's continental ambitions. Despite the anticipation surrounding his signing, Sibo was not part of the matchday squads during the first preliminary round of the tournament. His return to full availability comes at a critical juncture, as the Libyan side prepares for the formidable task of overcoming a Tunisian opponent with extensive experience in high-pressure CAF matches. The upcoming match in the second preliminary round serves as the final hurdle before the lucrative group stages of the CAF Champions League. For Sibo, the debut provides an immediate platform to demonstrate the skill set that earned him a place in the Ghana national team. A strong performance against Espérance would solidify his position in the Al-Swehly starting lineup and provide the Libyan side with the momentum needed to advance further into the tournament, marking a significant start to his career in North Africa.

DR Congo calls Formula One plans for Rwandan Grand Prix indefensible
sports|

DR Congo calls Formula One plans for Rwandan Grand Prix indefensible

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially protested Formula One’s plans to host an African Grand Prix in Rwanda, describing the decision to race in the neighboring country as "indefensible." DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner raised concerns that the sporting event, currently slated for the early 2030s, would be used to bolster the international reputation of an authoritarian administration. The protest highlights the growing intersection of global sports and regional geopolitics in East Africa. The planned race was recently announced following discussions between Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Formula One Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The event is expected to take place at a new, yet-to-be-built circuit located near the Rwandan capital, Kigali. For Formula One, the project represents a long-awaited return to the African continent, which has not hosted a Grand Prix since the 1993 race at Kyalami in South Africa. However, the DRC government argues that bringing such a high-profile global event to Rwanda constitutes a form of "sportswashing." Minister Wagner suggested that the race is a strategic move to enhance the image of President Kagame’s government despite ongoing regional criticisms. This diplomatic friction follows years of tension between Kinshasa and Kigali over security issues and allegations of cross-border interference in eastern DRC. Despite the formal protest from the DRC, Formula One leadership has remained focused on its goal of establishing a permanent presence in Africa to ensure the championship is truly global. While the Kigali circuit is still in the planning stages, the project remains a key part of the sport's expansion strategy for the next decade. The situation underscores the challenges sports organizations face when selecting venues in regions marked by complex political rivalries.

sports|

Kwesi Nyantakyi declines to comment on Ghana football's current state

Kwesi Nyantakyi, the former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has declined to offer public commentary on the current state and challenges facing the sport in Ghana. Approached by members of the press as he arrived at a court premises, Nyantakyi was asked to weigh in on the perceived declining fortunes of the national game. Despite the persistence of the media personnel seeking his expert perspective, the former football administrator chose to remain silent and did not engage in any discussion regarding the ongoing issues within the GFA or the performance of the national teams. The attempt to gather Nyantakyi's views comes during a period of significant public debate concerning the administrative and competitive health of Ghanaian football. Journalists at the scene were particularly interested in his assessment of the current struggles facing the sport, given his extensive experience at the helm of the GFA. However, Nyantakyi moved past the media scrum without providing any soundbites or reactions to the specific questions posed about the association's leadership or the national team's recent results. Nyantakyi’s decision to avoid the spotlight on this matter reflects a continued distance from active football administration and public discourse since his departure from office. While the footballing community remains divided on the solutions required to restore the country's dominance on the continent, the former president's refusal to comment leaves the current GFA leadership to face ongoing scrutiny without the public input of their predecessor. The silence maintained at the court venue underscores a deliberate choice to separate his legal appearances from the broader controversies currently surrounding the sport in Ghana.

Marvin Senaya resumes on-pitch running after World Cup injury
sports|

Marvin Senaya resumes on-pitch running after World Cup injury

Black Stars fullback Marvin Senaya has reached a significant milestone in his recovery process by returning to light training on grass. The AJ Auxerre defender, who has been sidelined since the start of the European season, resumed on-pitch running this week as he enters the final stages of rehabilitation for a hamstring injury. Senaya’s absence has been notable for his French club, as he was forced to miss the opening seven league matches of the current campaign while undergoing intensive medical treatment and physical therapy. The injury was sustained during a high-stakes encounter while representing Ghana on the international stage. Senaya suffered the hamstring tear during a Round of 32 match against Colombia, a game that marked a pivotal moment in the national team's tournament run. Since returning to his club, the defender has focused on a structured recovery program designed to ensure long-term fitness and prevent a recurrence. His transition from indoor gym work to individual sessions on the pitch indicates that his body is responding well to the increased physical workload. While a definitive timeline for Senaya’s return to competitive action has not yet been established by AJ Auxerre, his progress is a welcome development for both his club and the Black Stars coaching staff. As the season progresses, his availability will provide essential depth and versatility to the defensive line for upcoming domestic and international fixtures. The player is expected to continue his individualized training regimen in the coming days before being considered for a return to full-contact team sessions.

sports|

Gareth Southgate rules out return to Premier League management

Former England manager Gareth Southgate has officially ruled out a return to the Premier League, signaling a significant shift in his professional focus. Following his departure from the national team after the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, Southgate revealed that he no longer finds the same enjoyment in football management that once drove his career. This decision marks a definitive end to speculation regarding his potential move to various top-flight English clubs, as he seeks fulfillment outside the traditional managerial cycle. Southgate’s last experience in club management was with Middlesbrough, a tenure that ended in 2006. Since then, he spent nearly a decade within the England national team setup, serving as the under-21 manager before taking the senior role in 2016. The toll of elite management appears to have influenced his decision, as he noted a loss of enjoyment in the day-to-day pressures of the dugout. Instead of pursuing another high-stakes coaching position, he is exploring diverse interests that take him away from the touchline. The 54-year-old has transitioned into several non-coaching roles, including media appearances and academic engagements. Notably, Southgate has taken on lecturing responsibilities at Harvard University, a move that highlights his interest in leadership and management beyond the confines of a football pitch. He indicated that these new ventures have provided a different kind of satisfaction, allowing him to apply his extensive experience in high-performance environments without the specific stresses of competitive professional football. Beyond his personal career path, Southgate also addressed broader issues within the game, including the ongoing legal and financial complexities involving Manchester City’s alleged breaches of Premier League regulations. He remarked that such protracted disputes result in no clear winners for the sport. As Southgate moves forward, his career shift underscores a growing trend of former managers seeking alternative ways to contribute to the sporting world through consultancy, education, and media.

Bibiani Gold Stars CEO says GFA has not paid promised GH₵1m to clubs
sports|

Bibiani Gold Stars CEO says GFA has not paid promised GH₵1m to clubs

Bibiani Gold Stars Chief Executive Officer, Kwasi Adu, has disclosed that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has yet to fulfill its commitment to pay a promised sum of GH₵1 million to clubs in the Ghana Premier League. The announcement highlights ongoing concerns regarding the financial relationship between the nation's football governing body and the individual teams that comprise the top-flight division. The GH₵1 million pledge was originally intended to alleviate the significant operational costs incurred by clubs during the league season. However, Mr. Adu confirmed that the funds have not yet been disbursed, leaving many clubs to manage their expenditures without the expected support. The delay in payment has prompted calls for greater transparency regarding the GFA’s financial obligations to its member clubs. In response to the current situation, a strategic meeting is being organized between GFA officials and representatives from the various Premier League clubs. This meeting will serve as a platform to discuss the specific modalities of the payment and to clarify the reasons behind the delay. Club leaders are expected to use the opportunity to seek assurances on when the money will finally be transferred into their respective accounts. This development comes at a time when Ghanaian clubs are increasingly vocal about the need for better sponsorship and financial backing to improve the quality of the local game. The resolution of this payment issue is seen as a vital step in maintaining the trust between the GFA leadership and the club executives. As the league progresses, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the outcome of the scheduled discussions to see if the GFA will honour its financial promises.