The tournament, which will be hosted in Dar es Salaam, will feature Ghana, hosts Tanzania, and Malawi as the three nations prepare for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament.

The competition is expected to provide the Black Queens with valuable match experience and an opportunity to keep the squad engaged during the international break.

The tournament will also form part of preparations to strengthen team chemistry, evaluate player performance, and maintain competitive momentum ahead of WAFCON 2026.

Further details regarding fixtures, venues, and the Black Queens squad for the tournament are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Credit: Ghana FA

Organised by the International Blind Football Foundation (IBFF), as part of its development pathway for blind football, the March 13-19 conference brought together visually impaired young leaders from across the world to build leadership skills, confidence and global networks.

It also aimed to promote and foster positive change in the social environment surrounding visually impaired individuals in each country by identifying and developing future leaders within the visually impaired community.

Participants were selected from across the globe, with Ramatu Salifu meeting all the criteria and successfully undergoing a strict selection process, including an online interview, before her final selection.

Her participation represents a unique milestone which reinforces Ghana’s presence on the global stage for disability inclusion and sports development.

An employee of the Ghana Education Service, Salifu has been involved in blind sports for over a decade, initially playing the role of an athlete at the university level before transitioning into an administrative role at Visually Impaired Sports (VIP SPORTS), an NGO that seeks to promote inclusivity in the development and advancement of sports for visually impaired athletes, as well as their social well-being.

Over the years, the organisation has played a major role in developing blind sports and charting a progressive pathway for its growth.

Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh highlighted the Ministry’s well-structured systems, effective feedback mechanisms, and support regimes, which he described as reflective of a dynamic and innovative organization.

He commended the Ministry’s efforts in driving transformation within the sports sector, emphasizing the establishment of the Sports Fund as a significant milestone.

The fund was acknowledged by the Head of Service as a crucial step toward addressing funding challenges that have historically hampered the growth of Ghana’s sports ecosystem.

However, he expressed concerns about ensuring accountability procedures are strictly followed to guarantee value for money in the use of resources. The wellness and recreation programs implemented by the Ministry also received positive remarks, further reinforcing the Ministry’s comprehensive approach to sports development.

Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh called for the adoption of a robust mentorship model within the civil service to foster skills development and ensure staff are equipped with best practices. He praised the civil service as one of the most structured and accountable state institutions, capable of transparent record-keeping and traceability.

Furthermore, he urged the Civil Service to prioritize the adoption of E-communication and E-record systems, citing the Ministry of Sports and Recreation’s strides in digitalizing its operations through E-platforms.

He emphasized that harmonizing such systems across sectors would enhance efficiency and transparency.

In conclusion, the Head of the Civil Service acknowledged the Ministry of Sports and Recreation’s leadership in fostering innovation and urged continued commitment to excellence, transparency, and the development of human capital within the sector.

Credit: PR & Communications Unit, MoSR

Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, Head of the Civil Service, recently lauded Mrs. Asamoah’s exceptional stewardship, citing the Ministry’s well-structured systems and effective feedback mechanisms as a model for others to follow.

The establishment of the Sports Fund, a bold initiative aimed at addressing funding challenges in the sports sector, has been a game-changer. Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh praised the move, noting that it would help address historical funding gaps that have hindered Ghana’s sports development.

“The Sports Fund is a significant milestone, and we acknowledge the Ministry’s efforts in driving this initiative forward,” he said.

However, he also emphasized the need for strict accountability procedures to ensure value for money in the use of resources.

“We must ensure that the funds are utilized efficiently and effectively, and that we get the best possible outcomes for our investments,” he stressed.

The Ministry’s wellness and recreation programs have also received accolades, showcasing its comprehensive approach to sports development.

Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh commended the Ministry’s efforts in promoting a healthy lifestyle among Ghanaians, noting that sports and recreation play a critical role in national development.

Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh also called for a robust mentorship model within the civil service to foster skills development and equip staff with best practices.

“We need to invest in our people and provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed,” he said.

He commended the civil service as a structured and accountable institution, capable of transparent record-keeping and traceability.

The Head of the Civil Service also urged the adoption of E-communication and E-record systems, citing the Ministry’s digitalization efforts as a shining example.

“The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has made significant strides in digitalizing its operations, and we encourage other ministries to follow suit,” he said.

Harmonizing such systems across sectors would enhance efficiency and transparency, he noted.

Mrs. Asamoah’s leadership has been instrumental in driving transformation within the sports sector. Her team’s dedication to excellence is a testament to her vision and commitment to sports development in Ghana.

“Mrs. Asamoah is an exemplary leader, and her passion for sports development is evident in the Ministry’s achievements,” Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh said.

The Ministry’s achievements serve as a beacon of hope for the future of Ghanaian sports. With the Sports Fund in place, the Ministry is well-positioned to address funding challenges and drive growth in the sector.

As Ghana prepares to host major international sporting events, the Ministry’s efforts are expected to yield positive results.

In conclusion, Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh urged the Ministry to continue its commitment to excellence, transparency, and human capital development.

“The Ministry of Sports and Recreation is on the right path, and we encourage them to keep pushing the boundaries,” he said. With Mrs. Asamoah at the helm, the Ministry is poised to make a lasting impact on Ghanaian sports.

Credit: Elizabeth Alhassan 

Kofi Adams indicated that the sports media is the engine and platform for the development and promotion of sports and he will thus work with SWAG towards the capacity building of sports journalists and the accountability of sports resources and stewardship.

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) leadership in a meeting has endorsed to forge a stronger, more collaborative partnership with MoSR to rescue the nation’s sporting fortunes.

In what officials described as a landmark moment, the presentation was made during a visit by an NIB delegation to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, marking the official corporate launchpad for the newly established fund.

Leading the NIB delegation was the acting Chief Client Experience and Corporate Communications Officer, Esther Agyemang Prempeh, who handed over the cheque on behalf of the bank’s management.

She stressed that the gesture reflected NIB’s commitment to national growth and its recognition of sport as a vital engine for unity and economic opportunity.

“NIB recognises the immense potential of sports to drive positive change and economic growth,” she said.

“We are proud to be the first to support this fund and encourage other corporate entities to join hands with the government to invest in the future of our athletes and sports infrastructure.”

Her call was both symbolic and strategic. For decades, inconsistent funding has been widely regarded as the single biggest obstacle to sustained sporting success in Ghana, affecting athlete preparation, facility upgrades and grassroots talent identification.

Receiving the donation, the Administrator of the Ghana Sports Fund, Dr David Kofi Mawuvi Wuaku, described the contribution as a vital spark at a crucial time. He was joined by the Chairperson of the Support Fund Board, Prof. Korye Anim-Wright.

“This donation will go a long way in helping the Board and the government to fulfil our mandate to promote and finance sports development, particularly in the areas of athlete welfare, infrastructure improvement and grassroots programmes.”

The prestigious recognition was announced at the MTN Global Leadership Gathering (GLG) 2026, a high-level forum that brings together leadership from across MTN’s operations to celebrate outstanding performance, innovation and strategic execution.

MTN Ghana’s triumph reflects its exceptional market execution, strong financial and operational results, and its success in scaling strategic platforms across Fintech, Enterprise and Consumer segments. In total, the company secured six major awards, further reinforcing its reputation as one of MTN Group’s most consistent and forward-driving businesses.

Awards won by MTN Ghana include:
Million Dollar Challenge 2025 – Connectivity (Enterprise)
Million Dollar Challenge 2025 – Connectivity (Consumer)
Million Dollar Challenge 2025 – Fintech (MoMo Ghana)
CEO of the Year – Fintech: Shaibu Haruna, MoMo Ghana
Overall CEO of the Year (1st Runner-Up): Shaibu Haruna
Overall Winner – MTN Group 2025 Million Dollar Challenge

“This recognition is a strong validation of the relentless commitment, creativity and execution excellence of our people,” said Stephen Blewett, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana on the historic feats.

“Winning the overall Million Dollar Challenge and leading across key platforms such as Fintech, Enterprise and Consumer demonstrates that MTN Ghana is not only delivering strong results today, but also building sustainable platforms for long-term growth,” he said.

“I am immensely proud of our teams and the discipline with which they continue to deliver on our strategy.”

The GLG 2026 convened senior leaders from across MTN’s operating companies to review performance, sharpen strategic priorities and reinforce leadership standards required to thrive in an increasingly competitive and complex digital environment.

MTN Ghana’s outstanding performance at the 2025 Million Dollar Challenge positions the company as a benchmark for excellence within the MTN Group and underscores its unwavering commitment to innovation, customer value creation and sustainable growth.

Credit: MTN Ghana 

Parading an impressive lineup of high performance and fast sports cars in a celebration of Ghana’s growing car culture, the electric autoshow roared to life at a very crowded Black Star Square as the public scrambled to get a glimpse of the popular Speed, who himself enjoys the spolight of fast paced cars. He famously executed the Lamborghini stunt when he jumped over the sports car traveling at 45 mph.

The merge of speed, music, and youthful energy, the roar of engines in rhythm with an adrenaline-charged celebration, summed up the dazzling showcase of luxury, lifestyle and adrenaline-fuelled fun. It is a standout moment of Speed’s African Tour, leaving a lasting impression on those who witnessed it firsthand.

As the mammoth crowd cheered, IshowSpeed, clearly energised and driven by Henry Appiah, CEO of Henry Automotive in a Chrysler Hellcat displaying massive drifting skills, inspected the luxury vehicles lined up by the Supercar Spectacle team.

The powerful car, surrounded by a convoy of luxury and supercars including a Lamborghini, created a striking scene that quickly became the centre of attention for fans and audience at the venue, highlighting the growing profile of Henny Automotive within the luxury car space.

The event itself reflected the strong connection between entertainment, youth culture, and high-octane automotive branding.

21 year old Darren Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed, was in Ghana as part of his African tour, live streaming to his over 50 million followers in Morocco, Nigeria, Benin, Cote D’Ivoire, Egypt, among others before arriving in Ghana last Monday, January 26.

His itinerary in Ghana included a visit to the Asenema Waterfalls and the Okuapehene’s Palace in the Eastern Region where he was immersed in ancient customs and received the local name “Barima Kofi Akuffo”.

He also had a boxing show against a local pro fighter at the famous Bukom Square on Monday evening before being officially approved for a Ghanaian passport by Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa after “confirmation of the irrefutable ties of IShowSpeed to Ghana”.

I had a chat with Kwaku in the course of his duty and he was visibly upset, like me, that Accra Stadium named after Ohene Djan in 2004 has been unceremoniously
scrapped.

Unconfirmed reports said some hoodlums, reportedly with the support of some faceless power brokers destroyed the Ohene Djan Stadium signboard and that was the end. To my mind this doesn’t make sense.

I have kept reminding those in charge of our sports that the naming of sports facilities after outstanding  personalities was a government approved national exercise in 2004 by the Kufuor administration.

A whole committee of knowledgeable sports historians headed by the late Dr Owusu Ansah produced a comprehensive report in ten months detailing  who and how to recognize Ghana’s outstanding sports personalities.  Baba Yara Stadium,

Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium, Azumah Nelson  Sports Complex all resulted from the work of the Committee inaugurated by Kwadwo Baah Wiredu then Minister in charge of Sports.

If continuity means much to the Sports Ministry as an entity it may be prudent to alert the current Sports Minister Kofi Iddi Adams  who recently inaugurated the Ghana Sports Fund Board to search for the report of the Committee to recognise outstanding sports personalities set up by the late predecessor Kwadwo Baah Wiredu.

Mr Iddi Adams may not need to go too far. Yours truly was an active member of the committee and has a copy of the report.

As Dan Kwaku Yeboah’s documentary would portray, Ohene Djan was a perfect administrator in all sports disciplines. Admittedly football was his favourite. He was Executive secretary of GFA and executive member of both CAF and FIFA.

Ohene Djan a trained school teacher, farmer and cocoa broker loved football to the hilt.

He also had a flair for writing and usually contributed articles for Graphic Sports under a synonym. This explains why we were that close.

As a 23-year-old junior reporter at the Daily Graphic in 1964, he tasked me to do a lot of research work for his authoritative book “A short History of Soccer in Ghana and “The Rise of The Black Star Xl” which was edited by Nana Akufo-Addo then student at University of Ghana.

For the benefit of the younger generation, I will start producing occasionally the history of Ghana football as told by the colossus whose full name is KWABENA OHENE DJAN, a Royal from Aburi Akuapem. Here we go

‘BIRTH OF GHANA FOOTBALL’

History has eloquently recorded the great pioneering service rendered to Ghana from Cape Coast, the cradle of the country’s education and the former seat of our government. Cape Coast was also the birthplace of Ghana football.

Contrary to popular belief Accra Hearts of Oak is not the first premier club of Ghana, it is only the oldest existing club. It is now authentically revealed that the first football club formed in Ghana and which marked the birth of football in the country was the Cape Coast Excelsior in 1903.

The students of the local Govt Boys school were already sports conscious and under the headmastership of a Jamaican sportsman called simply Master Briton, Cricket and Lawn Tennis were enjoying tremendous popularity in the school.

The enthusiasm with which the students followed sports was fantastic. It was therefore natural that the interesting origin of Ghana football should be associated with pupils of this school.

Few foreign newspapers were in circulation in Ghana and the enthusiastic students became fascinated and thrilled about a didactic account of football they read from an English newspaper in 1903.

With understandable anxiety they decided to play it.

Enjoying warm encouragement and patronage from Headmaster Briton a group of 22 keen pupils of the Cape Coast Boys Govt School and a few excited youngsters from the twin embarked upon a secret training course in footballing.

Enthusiasm and commonsense were their coaches and Master Briton played the role of a team manager. Secretly and energetically the Oguaa boys trained.

Wishing to take the whole of the country and West Africa by surprise, it was believed that the game had not been played anywhere in West Africa previously- the young lads played mostly in the night when the full moon was on at the Victoria Park then a well kept place for ceremonies.

Impressed and enthused by their own progress the group of soccer pioneers arranged and ordered some equipment jerseys (red and yellow stripes) white long running shorts pairs of hoses football boots and caps.

The first football used by the pioneers were gifts from friendly sailors who docked regularly at Cape Coast ports.

Most of the sailors who landed ashore were keen sportsmen and played games regularly with the Governor of the country and other European civil servants who abounded in the capital.

The happy band of football adventurists continued with their secret training and after three months planned a grand outdoor ceremony at the Victoria park.

Accordingly Cape Coast Victoria Park was lined and marked. Goal posts were fixed and the first football pitch in Ghana
was thus created.

With high Government officials present, the first two teams from the first football clubs in the country put in appearance to introduce the game to the country although the game was played outside any existing code the excited crowd yelled and thoroughly enjoyed themselves as they watched 22 youngsters running around and kicking a spherical object. It was a fitting baptism and the occasion was graced with the presence of the then Governor of the country Sir Frederic Hodgson himself a keen sportsman.

It is significant to note that Excelsior played in boots from the very day they introduced football into the country.

Excelsior received a warm reception and urged by the general public and Governor Sir Frederic, the Oguaa boys married themselves to a dedicated training programme and soon their fame soared beyond the boundaries of the capital.

Excelsior having mastered the rudiments of the game, Sir Frederic arranged for them to play their first challenge match against a European side comprising Sailors from a ship which had docked at Cape Coast port and some Europeans resident in Cape Coast.

The match which was played on Boxing Day (Dec 26) 1903 was full of excitement and Excelsior were initiated with an encouraging 1-2 defeat.

By popular request a return game was arranged and Excelsior excelled winning by 3-1 they earned a sweet vengeance. Football had really been born in Ghana.

Regular friendly fixtures were arranged for Excelsior and white civil servants in Cape Coast. Ships docking at Oguaa harbour supplied at frequent intervals Sailor teams who also played with the pioneer team of Ghana. This exercise enabled Excelsior to improve by leaps and bounds.

The early matches were officiated by Europeans but in 1905 a few Africans studied the laws of the game and began to handle matches.

The game quickly captured the fancy of the youth in Cape Coast and like mushrooms clubs sprang up in the town.

When the game of football was introduced travelling in the country was mostly on foot and so the football gospel did not travel fast After playing for several months Excelsior however moved to nearby towns and played demonstration games.

These evangelical crusades proved extremely popular and successful and within a matter of months the new game was being played with amazing skill at Elmina Saltpond and Winneba.

Cape Coast the original home of Ghana football dominated local football until the middle 40s.

Clubs were formed and reformed Evertons, Blanksons Xl Energetics, Sparts, Swallows, Rose Xl, Bolton Wonderers, Judges, Gardens, Titanics and Majestics have all faded away but today Venomous Vipers and Mysterious Dwarfs have sprang up from their debris to uphold the proud tradition of Cape Coast football.”

The name of Ghana’s legendary sports administrator, Ohene Djan, cannot be easily forgotten when the history of the world’s outstanding sports personalities are being immortalised.

Strangely enough, some faceless power brokers in this country, who most probably have no sense of humour, are determined to erase from history, the glorious achievements of this great sports personality of international repute.

How and why the Accra Sports Stadium named after this fabulous Ohene Djan 20 years ago was mysteriously erased will continue to baffle the sporting fraternity.

It is  however, heart warming a group of well meaning sports journalists, led by Dan Kwaku Yeboah of Peace FM fame, are crusading for the restoration of OHENE DJAN SPORTS STADIUM in the capital city.

As promised, yours truly backs this crusade to restore the honour done  Ohene Djan who was also a good writer and sports historian.

I will endeavour to serialise Ohene Djan’s recollections of the history of Ghana football published in 1964 and edited by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo then student at University of Ghana who would be President of Ghana in 2017.

From the BIRTH OF GHANA FOOTBALL last week, the focus today is – FOOTBALL IN THE WEST.

Lying in close proximity to Cape Coast the birthplace of Ghana football, exciting and sterling stories of the new game gradually travelled through traders and fishermen to Sekondi Takoradi.

Meanwhile, school boys going home on holidays thrilled and fascinated the population of Sekondi/Takoradi with “grand” exhibition of football matches.

With the aid and encouragement of their headmasters, the game quickly assumed disproportionate  popularity in the local schools of Methodist, Roman Catholic, and English Church Mission, Vivacious port workers at Sekondi also were the first ardent students of the game.

But real football life in the Sekondi/Takoradi area started with the construction of the railway line no wonder the cream of the players was centred in the railway workshops.

The formation of a powerful non-departmental team, Eleven Wise in 1919,  marked the beginning of a distinct football era.

In Sekondi/Takodadi area. Mosquitoes,Western Wanderers, Jerricho, Railway Apprentices and Ga United were some of the great clubs which sprang into existence by the end of the second decade of the 20th century.

Football became the crazy sport in the cosmopolitan town of Sekondi/Takoradi and the need to control and organise the  sport became imperative.

In 1925 Mr Sunner Wilson, District Commissioner of Sekondi/Takoradi formed a District Football Association, which later developed and expanded into the Western Region Football Association.

Mr Sunner Wilson the founder, became its first chairman and a senior clerk from his office was appointed to the post of secretary.

The District Commissioner, Mr Wilson, was only a pioneer apostle concerned with the laying of the foundation for the Association and as soon as this was accomplished he handed over the affairs and administration of the Association to representatives of the clubs.

Sir Tachie Menson who was better known as chairman of the Public Services Commission, had the distinction of becoming its first elected chairman. Sir Charles represented the Eleven Wise Football Club.

The year 1925 also saw the birth of Fante United Football Club which later reforned into Hasaacas and became two formidable clubs in the Region. The Tachie Menson administration quickly settled down to business and organised local league and knockout competitions.

The Railway Apprentices Football Club was the nost fearsome and dominated the early competitions.

Football was flourishing at this stage in all the big towns and municipalites and the need to look beyond their area boundaries for exploits dawned upon the members of the Sekondi Football Association.

Contacts were quickly established with Tarkwa a mining town harbouring adventurous youth who  loved the crazy sport exceedingly. Cape Coast, Saltpond Accra and Kumasi also gained football in contacts with Sekondi/Takoradi.

In 1926 Sekondi Takoradi played her first inter district  match against Accra in the capital city. This game which ended in a 3-0 triumph for Accra was played on the Accra Government school pitch.

The return match which was played in Sekondi was another success for Accra Eleven but on this occasion it was a close 2-1 affair.

Football continued to progress in Sekondi at an alarming rate and it was not accidental that in the 1937 special inter provincial coronation football competition Sekondi/Takoradi were the runners up losing to Accra by a lone goal.

1938 was a proud year of sweet vengeance for Sekondi/Takoradi for they met and licked Accra Eleven in a match played in Elmina  For winning this matçh Sekondi/ Takoradi received a cash reward of 100 pounds sterling and Accra Eleven, the losers, had a brand new football.

From 1940 to 1957 the Sekondi Takoradi District Football Association passed through the throes of administrative difficulties with concommittant regular changes in leadership.

When Mr Kodwin succeeded Mr Dadzie as chairman in 1957 the administration became more stable and the regional expansion exercise was completed. A powerful regional association embracing all the towns and districts in the Western Region was organised.

The Kodwin regime became  the most faithful arm if Richard Akwei’s central administration and remained absolutely loyal during the glorious refomation of 1957.

Pursuing  a policy of unquestionable loyalty to constituted authority the Western Region quickly joined forces with the reformers after they had been recognized by the Ghana Amateur Sports  Council in 1958.

Credit: Ken Bediako

Verna Water which has supported BuzStopBoys since their establishment, will be once again support this great initiative come December 19, 2025 at Nautical Beach in Sakumono, near Accra.

The partnership will see Twellium Ghana providing hydration for volunteers participating in a clean-up exercise organized by the BuzStopBoys. The event aims to promote a cleaner, greener Ghana and inspire individuals to take action in keeping their communities clean.

Speaking at the ceremony, Kodjo Siaw, Verna Brands Manager at Twellium Ghana, expressed his delight in partnering with the BuzStopBoys.

“The BuzStopBoys have become a global brand, inspiring individuals to take action and make a difference in their communities,” he said.

“We’re honoured to join forces with them in this noble cause.”

Mr. Siaw also announced that he would personally sponsor 30 volunteers participating in the clean-up exercise.

“At Twellium Ghana, we believe in supporting great initiatives that promote a healthier and more sustainable environment,” he said.

The BuzStopBoys are a group of young Ghanaians passionate about keeping their communities clean and promoting environmental sustainability. Their mission is to tackle Ghana’s pressing environmental challenges, such as pollution, waste management, and climate change.

Heneba Kwadwo Safo, Founder and leader of the BuzStopBoys, thanked Twellium Ghana for their support.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Twellium Ghana, a company that shares our vision for a cleaner and greener Ghana,” he said.

December, 2025, at Nautical Beach Sakuono. Twellium Ghana is calling on Ghanaians to join in the effort to keep the country clean and beautiful.

Twellium Ghana Product Portfolio

Beverages:
– Verna Mineral Water
– Rush Energy Drink
– Bigoo range of carbonated soft drinks
– Planet Drink
– American Cola
– Bubble Up lemon lime
– Chale Fruit Drinks
– DrMalt
– Rasta Malt
– Run Energy Drink

Biscuits and Confectionery:
– McBerry Biscuits
– McBerry Cakes
– London range of biscuits
– Dextor’s
– Bless Biscuits
– Pure Delight Milk Wafer
– Twist cupcake
– Bella cake

Credit: Elizabeth Alhassan