Mr. Merlo, who was in Ghana for the 50th SWAG Awards, took the opportunity to meet with President Akpokavie and discuss ways to strengthen ties between the GOC, SWAG and AIPS.

President Akpokavie welcomed President Merlo to the Olympic House and expressed his gratitude for the AIPS President’s interest in promoting sports journalism in Ghana.

He highlighted the GOC’s intention to partner SWAG in enhancing the development of sports journalists in Ghana.

President Merlo praised the GOC’s commitment to developing sports in Ghana and expressed his admiration for the country’s rich sporting heritage.

He commended the SWAG Awards concept for recognizing outstanding achievements of sportsmen and sports women in Ghana.

The AIPS President emphasized the importance of sports journalism in promoting athletes and sports development, and pledged AIPS’ support for initiatives that promote quality sports reporting in Ghana.

The two leaders discussed potential collaborations between the GOC and AIPS, and notably, they agreed to work together in the area of training.

The engagement aimed to enhance the capacity of sports journalists in Ghana through the AIPS Young Reported program and other creative ways, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively promote and report on sports.

Both leaders commended the 57years SWAG for the major impact on sports development and promotion.

The GOC Boss expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating that it would significantly benefit Ghanaian sports.

He thanked President Merlo for taking the time to visit the Olympic House during his stay in Accra and also praised him for his record 26 Olympic Games appearances.

Present in the meeting were leaders of SWAG and the GOC including President Kwabena Yeboah, Ms. Evelyn Asare Nsiah, Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, Nana Adu Mankata II, Mr. Kenneth Odeng Adade, Mr. Evans Yeboah and others.

Credit: Ghana Olympic Committee

Organised by Football Foundation Africa, the Summit convened influential stakeholders including federation presidents, sports ministers, investors, club executives, broadcasters, and marketing experts from across the continent.

In his keynote address, Hon. Adams outlined Ghana’s recent football reforms including the launch of a government-backed broadcast partnership, a GH¢1 million capital support package to each Ghana Premier League (GPL) club, and the introduction of a restructured prize system where GPL clubs earn end-of-season rewards, with the 2025/26 champion set to receive GH¢2 million – a fourfold increase from the previous allocation.

The Minister urged African federations to institutionalise national football business conversation, incentivise private-sector partnerships through tax reliefs and infrastructure assurance, and expand youth academies into viable talent and employment centres.

He also advocated for the commercialisation of local football data, digital storytelling, and merchandising to position grassroots development as both a sport and economic strategy.

“Africa must stop exporting raw talent and start exporting finished football products, with value chains built on the continent. From Accra to Algiers, Nairobi to Lagos – the future is African. But the market will only respond if we organise, invest, and execute,” Hon. Adams stated.

The Minister’s address sparked high-level engagements with continental stakeholders including:

• Brian Wesaala, CEO of Football Foundation Africa and Convener of AFBS25,

• Nick Mwendwa, President of the Football Kenya Federation,

• Urs Lehmann, CEO of Infront Sports,

• Marlon Glean, President of the Grenada Football Association,

• Majidane M’Djih, CEO of MRW Sport Capital, among others.

In closing, Hon. Adams reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to a new football economy that prioritises transparency, grassroots excellence, local value retention and continental collaboration.

Credit: Ministry of Sports and Recreation 

The landmark appointment crowns a stunning rise for the 53-year-old football administrator, who was only elected to the CAF Executive Committee last month, becoming the sixth Ghanaian to earn that honour.

His swift elevation was confirmed at CAF’s first leadership meeting under the new regime in Accra last Saturday.

Organisational reforms

It’s all part of sweeping reforms by the CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, designed to promote regional balance and inject fresh energy into African football’s top brass. Morocco’s FA boss, Fouzi Lekjaa, was named the first vice president, while Gabon’s Pierre-Alain Mounguengui (Central Africa), DR Congo’s Bestine Kazadi Ditabala (East Africa), and Mozambique’s Feizal Sidat (Southern Africa) complete the high-powered team.

“The beauty of African football is our diversity — it enriches, inspires and unites us. Our commitment to unity and cooperation is enormous, and it’s a legacy we want to leave for our children,” declared CAF boss Dr Motsepe, striking a hopeful tone.

In a particularly glowing tribute, Dr Motsepe described Mr Simeon-Okraku as “one of our finest who has made an enormous contribution to football in Ghana and across the African continent.”

In stepping up, Ghana’s football chief replaces Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya and assumes a crucial responsibility for West Africa — a region he already represents as President of WAFU Zone B.

More than just a personal triumph, his appointment symbolises a new era for Anglophone Africa, which has long played second fiddle to Francophone influence in CAF leadership circles.

Rise to high table

Mr Simeon-Okraku follows the path once taken by former GFA boss, Kwesi Nyantakyi, whose rise to CAF 1st Vice-President ended in scandal and disgrace with a lifetime FIFA ban (later reduced on appeal to 15 years) in 2018.

Determined to write a different story, Okraku is brimming with optimism.

“I am deeply honoured and truly encouraged by the confidence placed in me by President Dr Patrice Motsepe and the Executive Committee of our continent’s football governing body,” said an emotional Okraku.

“Their trust inspires me to dedicate myself even more to the growth and development of African football.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee will convene in Accra on April 26, 2025, at 10:00am.
This meeting is expected to take key decisions aimed at enhancing the development of the African game across all levels.

In accordance with the provisions of the CAF Statutes, CAF’s new Vice-Presidents will be elected at the meeting. The election of the Vice-Presidents is not only a fulfilment of a major governance requirement; their roles are of great importance for the development of African football.

The meeting will be chaired by the CAF President, who was overwhelmingly endorsed for a fresh 4-year term by the 54 Member Associations of CAF, and will discuss topical issues affecting African football, including development programs, competitions and governance.

The meeting will also focus on CAF’s various initiatives and programmes for the promotion of football excellence in Africa.

Ghana is ready to host the CAF Executive Committee meeting, which brings together seasoned CAF administrators from across Africa.

Credit: Ghana FA

During the gathering, Egyptian Football Association President and CAF Executive Committee candidate Mr. Hany Abou Rida delivered a speech warmly welcoming delegates and prominent figures, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Motsepe, alongside representatives from all 54 African member nations: “Egypt is proud of its African identity and honours its role as the long-standing home of CAF since 1957,” said Abou Rida. “We’ve always extended love, respect, and support to our African brothers, and we continue to do so with full dedication.”

He highlighted Egypt’s historic and modern ties with the continent, calling Africa the “continent of talent” that has, in recent decades, broken free from external dependencies and embraced a collective renaissance through unity and shared ambition.

Call for Hosting 2034 FIFA World Cup Group 
Abou Rida took the opportunity to propose that Egypt be granted the right to host one of the groups in the 2034 FIFA World Cup, coinciding with the centenary of its first participation in the tournament in 1934: “Our passionate football fans understand the love Africa holds for them,” he said, emphasising the deep bonds between Egypt and the continent. “We trust that our brothers in Saudi Arabia, who have earned the honour of hosting the 2034 edition, will welcome this idea with open arms given the historic relationship between our nations.”

He expressed hope that FIFA President Infantino would inaugurate the group matches hosted on Egyptian soil.

Praise for Infantino and Morocco’s 2030 World Cup Bid
Abou Rida also applauded FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s continued commitment to Africa, citing his efforts over the past nine years to ensure the continent has a real stake in global football progress.

He commended Infantino’s decision to involve Latin America in the centennial 2030 World Cup by awarding Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay the chance to host matches. He also celebrated Morocco’s successful bid to co-host the 2030 tournament alongside Spain and Portugal, noting that: “Morocco is more than capable of delivering an exceptional tournament. Egypt was also among the earliest supporters of the World Cup, having been invited to the original 1930 edition and proudly becoming Africa’s first representative at the 1934 tournament in Italy.”

Unity, Talent, and a Bright Future for Africa
Wrapping up his address, Abou Rida spoke with optimism about Africa’s sporting future, saying the continent’s true wealth lies in its people and their potential. He urged continued investment, collaboration, and opportunity to help African talent shine on the global stage.

He concluded with a heartfelt message to the guests: “May your stay in Egypt be pleasant, may this meeting be fruitful, and may all candidates succeed in serving the future of African football.”

Credit: AIPS Media 

President Issa Hayatou led CAF from 1988 to 2017 and passed on today, 8 August, 2024.

The President of CAF Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “I express my deepest personal condolences and the condolences of the 54 CAF Member Associations, on the passing of CAF former President, Issa Hayatou; to his family, the Fédération Camerounaise de Football, its President, Samuel Eto’o and the people of Cameroon.

“CAF and African Football will forever be grateful to President Hayatou for his enormous and far-reaching contributions, over many years to the development and growth of football in Africa. He will forever live in our hearts and minds.”

President Motsepe has requested that the CAF flag and the flags of all CAF Member Associations fly at half-mast for a period of five days, until 13 August 2024.

May President Issa Hayatou’s Soul Rest in Peace.

Credit: CAF

The Cameroonian spent 29 years at the head of the continental governing body, assuming the presidency in 1988 and leaving office in 2017.

He also held high positions within world governing body, FIFA.

Hayatou was a member of the Switzerland-based organisation’s executive committee, now known as the FIFA Council, from 1990 to 2017.

He had a brief spell as acting president of FIFA between 2015 and 2016 after Sepp Blatter was suspended.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino paid tribute to Hayatou, who in his youth was a track athlete and basketball player, in a post on Instagram.

“Saddened to hear of the passing of former CAF President, former FIFA President ad interim, FIFA Vice-President and FIFA Council member, Issa Hayatou,” Infantino wrote.

“A passionate sports fan, he dedicated his life to sports administration.

“On behalf of FIFA, condolences go to his family, friends, former colleagues and all who knew him. Rest in peace.”

In August 2021, Hayatou was handed a one-year ban by FIFA for breaching its code of ethics when signing African football’s largest ever deal with French media company, Lagardere in 2016.

The sanction was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in February the following year.

Credit: BBC Sport

Refaat, 31, suffered cardiac arrest a few months ago and died on Saturday, 06 July 2024.

CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe conveys heartfelt condolences to the family of Ahmed Refaat, Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and the Egyptian football family.

May Ahmed Refaat’s soul rest in eternal peace.

Credit: CAF Communication Department