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Tag: Ghana Football Association (GFA)

  • Sports Minister Reacts to Andre Ayew’s Exclusion from Black Stars World Cup Team

    Sports Minister Reacts to Andre Ayew’s Exclusion from Black Stars World Cup Team

    Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Iddie Adams has addressed the growing debate surrounding Andre Dede Ayew’s exclusion from Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that the decision falls entirely within the mandate of Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz.

    Ayew’s omission from the national team has generated widespread discussion among football fans and pundits, with many questioning the absence of the former captain from Ghana’s World Cup plans.

    Speaking on TV3, Adams revealed that he has not discussed the matter with Queiroz and does not intend to interfere in the coach’s selection decisions.

    “I don’t know why Dede Ayew wasn’t selected. I’ve not spoken to the coach about it yet. As a minister, I had my wishes and persons I would have loved to be in there, but if they’re not there, let us leave it at that. We’ll have a conversation after the World Cup,” he said.

    The minister’s comments come after Ayew failed to make the provisional 28-man squad currently in camp in Cardiff ahead of the tournament.

    Despite public speculation, Adams said he has no reason to believe that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) influenced the coach’s choices.

    “I have no evidence that the GFA influenced the coach in selection of the players,” he stated.

    Ayew, one of Ghana’s most accomplished footballers, has not featured for the Black Stars in more than three years. Nevertheless, his omission continues to attract attention due to his experience and long-standing contribution to the national team.

    With Ayew absent and key attacking players Mohammed Kudus and Joseph Paintsil sidelined through injury, expectations will largely rest on Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo and other members of the squad to deliver for Ghana at the tournament.

    Adams maintained that the responsibility now lies with Queiroz to ensure the selected players perform and justify their inclusion.

    “It is Carlos Queiroz’s responsibility to get the best out of Semenyo amid the omission of some star players,” he added.

    Ghana are expected to announce their final 26-man squad from the current 28-player camp on June 1 before travelling to the World Cup.

    The Black Stars will open their Group L campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17 before taking on England and Croatia in subsequent group-stage fixtures.

  • Samuel Boadu lifts lid on GFA Status Committee ruling after resigning from Medeama SC

    Samuel Boadu lifts lid on GFA Status Committee ruling after resigning from Medeama SC

    Former Medeama SC head coach Samuel Boadu has opened up on the circumstances surrounding his departure from the Tarkwa-based club, revealing that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Status Committee ordered him to pay GH¢80,000 after he resigned with just one week remaining on his contract.

    The experienced tactician disclosed that Medeama reported the matter to the GFA Status Committee following his resignation, which paved the way for his move to Accra Hearts of Oak.

    Speaking in an interview on Kumasi FM, Boadu explained that the committee ruled against him and directed him to pay GH¢80,000, an amount he says was eventually settled by Hearts of Oak Board Chairman Togbe Afede XIV.

    “I resigned from Medeama SC when I had only one week left on my contract. The club took me to the Status Committee and I was asked to pay GH¢80,000. Togbe Afede was the one who paid the amount,” Boadu revealed.

    While he did not delve into the finer details of the dispute, Boadu acknowledged the support he received from Togbe Afede during the period.

    His resignation from Medeama ultimately led to one of the most successful managerial spells in Hearts of Oak’s recent history. During his time with the Phobians, Boadu guided the club to the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League title and secured back-to-back MTN FA Cup trophies.

    The former Hearts of Oak boss remains one of the most decorated indigenous coaches in Ghanaian football, having enjoyed success with several clubs across the domestic scene.

    Boadu’s revelation has reignited discussions about contractual obligations, coaching transitions, and the role of the GFA’s dispute-resolution mechanisms in Ghana football.

  • Queiroz Names 28-Man Black Stars Squad for World Cup Preparatory Camp Ahead of Wales Friendly

    Queiroz Names 28-Man Black Stars Squad for World Cup Preparatory Camp Ahead of Wales Friendly

    Ghana Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has announced a strong 28-man squad for the team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup preparatory camp, as focus shifts to an international friendly against Wales in Cardiff.

    The training camp, scheduled for May 25 to June 2, 2026, forms a key part of Ghana’s long-term build-up to upcoming international assignments. The Wales fixture is expected to offer a stern test of the Black Stars’ tactical progress and squad cohesion under Queiroz.

    Skipper Jordan Ayew headlines the squad, which blends experience with youthful energy. Established names such as Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Ernest Nuamah, and Antoine Semenyo all retain their places, alongside emerging talents including Prince Kwabena Adu, Christopher Bonsu Baah, and Caleb Yirenkyi.

    In the goalkeeping department, Queiroz has handed call-ups to Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Anang, Solomon Agbasi, and Paul Reverson.

    The defence unit features returnee Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Marvin Senaya, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah, and Alexander Djiku.

    In midfield, Ghana will rely on the creativity and control of Thomas Partey, Elisha Owusu, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye, and Caleb Yirenkyi, offering balance between defensive discipline and attacking support.

    The attack is packed with firepower, led by Jordan Ayew and Inaki Williams, with support from Kamaldeen Sulemana, Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Christopher Bonsu Baah, and Prince Kwabena Adu.

    The friendly against Wales is expected to provide Queiroz and his technical team with a valuable opportunity to assess tactical flexibility, player combinations, and overall squad depth against European opposition.

    Black Stars Squad (28)

    Goalkeepers: Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Anang, Solomon Agbasi, Paul Reverson.

    Defenders: Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Marvin Senaya, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Alexander Djiku.

    Midfielders: Elisha Owusu, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye, Caleb Yirenkyi.

    Forwards: Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Prince Kwabena Adu.

  • VIDEO: GFA Delegation Visits National Chief Imam for Prayers Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup Campaign

    VIDEO: GFA Delegation Visits National Chief Imam for Prayers Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup Campaign

    A delegation from the Ghana Football Association (GFA), led by President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has paid a courtesy call on the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, to seek prayers and blessings ahead of Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

    The visit formed part of efforts by the football governing body to rally spiritual and national support for the Black Stars as preparations continue towards the global tournament.

    Members of the delegation included Black Stars Management member, Moses Armah Parker, Samuel Aboabile, GFA Chief of Staff Michael Osekre, Simon Ehomah, George Dadzie, Muntala Mohammed, and Emmanuel Kwofie, who serves as Supporters Chief of Basake Holy Stars FC.

    During the meeting, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu offered prayers for wisdom, unity, protection and success for the Black Stars and the leadership of Ghana football.

    GFA President Kurt Okraku expressed gratitude to the National Chief Imam for his continuous support and prayers for the country, stressing the importance of national unity as Ghana pursues qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    The National Chief Imam also urged football administrators and stakeholders to remain committed to discipline, integrity and patriotism in the management of the sport.

    Ghana is aiming to secure a place at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

  • GFA announces match officials for crucial Ghana Premier League Matchday 32 fixtures

    GFA announces match officials for crucial Ghana Premier League Matchday 32 fixtures

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has released the list of match officials for Matchday 32 of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season, with several decisive fixtures scheduled for Sunday, May 10, 2026.

    As the title race and relegation battle intensify, attention will be on some key encounters across the country, including Basake Holy Stars’ clash against league leaders Medeama SC at the Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III Sports Arena in Ampain, Hearts of Oak’s showdown with Aduana FC at the Accra Sports Stadium, and Asante Kotoko’s meeting with Eleven Wonders at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

    Hassim Yakubu has been appointed as the centre referee for the much-anticipated Western derby between Basake Holy Stars and Medeama SC. He will be assisted by Richard Nartey and George A. Akisiboka, while Moro Iddrisu serves as the fourth referee. Eugene Akorno will act as the match commissioner, with Richard Baffour Nkrumah serving as the Venue Media Officer (VMO).

    Prince Okoto Ntiamoah will officiate the fixture between Hearts of Oak and Aduana FC in Accra, assisted by Emmanuel Dolagbanu and Seth Abletor. Charles Bulu will serve as the fourth referee, while Mike Amedior takes up the role of match commissioner and Sena Richard acts as Venue Media Officer.

    At the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Rustum Gameli Senorgbe will handle Asante Kotoko’s clash against Eleven Wonders. He will be assisted by Gilbert Adom Mensah and Isaac Asante, with George Effah Sodjonu serving as fourth referee. Dr. Perigine Pearce Pearson has been named match commissioner, while Akumeah Micheal will serve as VMO.

    Julian Nunoo has been appointed referee for Hearts of Lions’ encounter with FC Samartex at the Kpando Stadium. Roland Addy and Theophilus Akugre will serve as assistant referees, with William Agbovi as fourth referee. Egbert Laryea is the match commissioner, while Eric Eli Adzie serves as VMO.

    Mohammed Misbaou will officiate Berekum Chelsea’s fixture against Dreams FC at the Golden City Park. He will be assisted by Alhassan Abdullai Gruugullo and Minkaa-il Faizan, while Ayaaba Ibrahim serves as fourth referee. Samuel Odiro Nyarko has been appointed match commissioner, with Precious Semevoh as VMO.

    Female referee Julliet Appiah will officiate the match between Young Apostles and Nations FC at the Wenchi Stadium. Ali Timuah Bahh and Halilu Alhassan will serve as assistant referees, with Robert Musey acting as fourth referee. Daudi Abdul Razak has been named match commissioner, while Abdul Mumin serves as VMO.

    Full Matchday 32 Appointments

    Swedru All Blacks vs Bechem United

    Venue: Swedru Stadium
    Referee: Jacob Aduntera
    Assistants: Ernest Akatey and Bless Awadzi
    4th Referee: George Mawuli Vormarwor
    Match Commissioner: Felix Adjetey Sowah
    VMO: Emmanuel Akroboto

    Hearts of Oak vs Aduana FC

    Venue: Accra Sports Stadium
    Referee: Prince Okoto Ntiamoah
    Assistants: Emmanuel Dolagbanu and Seth Abletor
    4th Referee: Charles Bulu
    Match Commissioner: Mike Amedior
    VMO: Sena Richard

    Hearts of Lions vs FC Samartex

    Venue: Kpando Stadium
    Referee: Julian Nunoo
    Assistants: Roland Addy and Theophilus Akugre
    4th Referee: William Agbovi
    Match Commissioner: Egbert Laryea
    VMO: Eric Eli Adzie

    Berekum Chelsea vs Dreams FC

    Venue: Golden City Park
    Referee: Mohammed Misbaou
    Assistants: Alhassan Abdullai Gruugullo and Minkaa-il Faizan
    4th Referee: Ayaaba Ibrahim
    Match Commissioner: Samuel Odiro Nyarko
    VMO: Precious Semevoh

    Young Apostles vs Nations FC

    Venue: Wenchi Stadium
    Referee: Julliet Appiah
    Assistants: Ali Timuah Bahh and Halilu Alhassan
    4th Referee: Robert Musey
    Match Commissioner: Daudi Abdul Razak
    VMO: Abdul Mumin

    Vision FC vs Karela United

    Venue: Nii Adjei Kraku Sports Complex
    Referee: Maxwell Hanson
    Assistants: Alex Osam and Joshua Agbo
    4th Referee: Fostrr Batiours
    Match Commissioner: James Odoom
    VMO: Prince Tagoe

    Asante Kotoko vs Eleven Wonders

    Venue: Baba Yara Sports Stadium
    Referee: Rustum Gameli Senorgbe
    Assistants: Gilbert Adom Mensah and Isaac Asante
    4th Referee: George Effah Sodjonu
    Match Commissioner: Dr. Perigine Pearce Pearson
    VMO: Akumeah Micheal

    Basake Holy Stars vs Medeama SC

    Venue: Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III Sports Arena, Ampain
    Referee: Hassim Yakubu
    Assistants: Richard Nartey and George A. Akisiboka
    4th Referee: Moro Iddrisu
    Match Commissioner: Eugene Akorno
    VMO: Richard Baffour Nkrumah

  • Aduana FC Pay Full Contract Balance to Family of Late Dominic Frimpong, Take Charge of Funeral Arrangements

    Aduana FC Pay Full Contract Balance to Family of Late Dominic Frimpong, Take Charge of Funeral Arrangements

    Ghana Premier League side Aduana FC have fully settled the outstanding contractual obligations of their late forward, Dominic Frimpong, with the entire amount paid directly to his bereaved family.

    Frimpong, who was on loan at Berekum Chelsea, tragically passed away following his side’s 1-0 defeat to FC Samartex 1996. The unfortunate incident occurred while the team were returning from Samreboi along the Bibiani–Goaso road.

    In line with a directive from the Dormaahene, Osaagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr. Agyemang Badu II, the club moved swiftly to ensure that all remaining contract fees and salary arrears were settled in full, providing immediate financial relief to the grieving family.

    Aduana FC have also taken full responsibility for the funeral arrangements, ensuring a dignified and befitting farewell for the late striker in recognition of his service to the club.

    The club described Frimpong as a committed professional whose contributions during his time at Aduana FC and his loan spell at Berekum Chelsea will be fondly remembered.

    Officials say they remain in close contact with the family as they continue to honour his memory and support them through this difficult period.

  • GFA announces 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season dates

    GFA announces 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season dates

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially unveiled the calendar for the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season, with the new campaign scheduled to kick off in early September.

    According to the FA, the upcoming season will commence between September 4 and September 7, 2026, as part of efforts to align the domestic top-flight with the global football calendar.

    The season is expected to conclude between May 28 and May 31, 2027, bringing the curtain down on what is anticipated to be another competitive campaign across the country.

    The announcement provides much-needed clarity for clubs and stakeholders, allowing teams to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the new season, including preseason activities and player recruitment.

    The Ghana Premier League continues to attract significant attention, and the early release of the calendar is expected to aid in effective planning for clubs participating in both domestic and continental competitions.

    Clubs will now shift focus to strengthening their squads as they aim to compete for the title and secure places in Africa’s inter-club competitions.

  • Sharaf Mahama Lifts Black Starlets Spirit with Inspiring Visit Ahead of U17 AFCON Campaign

    Sharaf Mahama Lifts Black Starlets Spirit with Inspiring Visit Ahead of U17 AFCON Campaign

    Sharaf Mahama, son of Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, delivered a timely morale boost to the Black Starlets on Friday morning after paying a courtesy visit to the team during their friendly clash against True Life FC at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    The former West African Football Academy (WAFA) player took time to engage the playing body and technical team, sharing words of encouragement as preparations intensify ahead of the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Speaking to the squad, Sharaf Mahama urged the young talents to remain disciplined, focused, and mentally strong, stressing the importance of representing Ghana with pride on the continental stage. He further challenged the players to push beyond their limits and secure qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup.

    He also commended the team for their resilience during the WAFU Zone B Championship in Côte d’Ivoire, where they battled through tough opposition to secure qualification for the continental tournament.

    The visit also carried a personal dimension, as Sharaf expressed delight at reconnecting with Black Starlets head coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum. Both share a past relationship from WAFA, where Ogum previously coached Sharaf during his developmental years.

    The interaction added renewed energy to the Black Starlets camp, who are currently engaged in a series of preparatory matches as they fine-tune their squad for the continental assignment.

    With momentum steadily building, the team remains focused on making a strong statement at the U17 AFCON and ultimately securing a place at the FIFA U17 World Cup.

  • Bechem United Break Silence on Mallam Yahaya Comments After GFA Punishment

    Bechem United Break Silence on Mallam Yahaya Comments After GFA Punishment

    Ghana Premier League side Bechem United FC have responded to recent comments made by assistant coach Mallam Yahaya following sanctions imposed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

    In an official statement dated April 24, 2026, the Hunters distanced the club from the remarks made by Mallam Yahaya during a series of media interviews, insisting they were personal views and do not reflect the club’s position.

    “Bechem United FC wishes to officially disassociate itself from the recent comments made by our Assistant Coach, Mallam Yahaya… We would like to make it unequivocally clear that the statements he made reflect his personal opinions and do not represent the position, views, or values of Bechem United FC,” the statement said.

    Bechem United reaffirmed their commitment to discipline and professionalism, stressing that these principles remain central to the club’s operations. The club added that all players, technical staff, and officials are expected to adhere strictly to its code of conduct.

    The Hunters also reiterated their zero-tolerance stance on indiscipline, noting that they will continue to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities while allowing due process to take its course.

    The statement, signed by Chief Executive Officer Kingsley Osei Bonsu, emphasised the club’s dedication to upholding integrity, respect, and professionalism.

    The development comes as the Ghana Football Association (GFA) intensifies efforts to enforce discipline and safeguard the image of Ghana football.

  • GFA Postpones Matchday 30 Fixtures Following Tragic Death of Berekum Chelsea Forward Dominic Frimpong

    GFA Postpones Matchday 30 Fixtures Following Tragic Death of Berekum Chelsea Forward Dominic Frimpong

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has postponed all Ghana Premier League Matchday 30 fixtures following the tragic passing of Berekum Chelsea forward Dominic Frimpong.

    The decision was reached at an Executive Council meeting in response to the heartbreaking incident, which reportedly occurred during an armed robbery attack on the club’s team bus a few days ago.

    The news of Frimpong’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the Ghanaian football community, with clubs, players, officials, and supporters expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the promising striker.

    In an official communication, the GFA stated that the postponement is intended to allow the football fraternity adequate time to mourn and honour the memory of the late player during this difficult period.

    According to the revised schedule, the Ghana Premier League is expected to resume with Matchday 31 fixtures over the weekend of May 1–4, 2026. The postponed Matchday 30 fixtures have been rescheduled to Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

    The Association has also announced that all clubs will wear black armbands in the upcoming fixtures as a mark of respect.