Ghana Football Association (GFA) president, Kurt Okraku, has reiterated that the Black Stars will end the country's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy drought.

The Black Stars are making their 23rd AFCON appearance in Ivory Coast as they hope to win their fifth continental title.

Having lifted the last trophy in 1982 in Libya, the Black Stars have come close in 1992, 2010 and 2015 but finished as runner-ups. Ghana won in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.

Speaking during the visit of Ghana's Ambassador to Cote D'Ivoire, Okraku said the current players and the entire staff want to win the cup.

"This is a group of players who have sacrificed a lot to have come to this level. Indeed the qualification games were very, very challenging. Travelling alone from their various destination, I have always said is a big sacrifice by the lads and having come this far is a very big commitment on their part and on the part of the technical team and the rest of the technical staff to truly represent our country and to fight for glory," he said.

"Indeed this glory has been evasive for over 40 years but we are very much committed towards the course. They will give off one million per cent on the pitch and hopefully, the Almighty God will bless their big effort in this enterprise and bring us the joy and love we have all been looking for."

"So on behalf of the team, the captain, the leadership, the head coach and everybody, we thank you for coming through and we will be looking forward to seeing you at all the games, beginning Sunday till we lift the trophy on the last day of the tournament," he added.

Ghana will play on Sunday, January 14, against face Cape Verde before subsequently playing Egypt and Mozambique.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

… HE Mahamudu Bawumia To Be Special Guest of Honour

1. E Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will be the Special Guest of Honour at the 48^th Nguvu SWAG Awards night at the Accra International Conference Center on Friday January 12, 2024 at 6pm. It is Strictly By Invitation.

Musician Kofi Kinaata from Takoradi and Song -A-Thon Record Breaker Afua Asantewaa Aduonum will be performing on the stage at the event where over 40 sports personalities and organisations will be honoured for their hard work in the past sports season.

West Ham star Mohammed Kudus and 200 meters Record Breaker, James Dadzie have been nominated for Sports Personality of the year 2023.

The Footballer of the year (Foreign) nominees are Osman Bukari, Ernest Nuamah, Joseph Paintsil and Mohammed Kudus while the local best footballer competition is between Ernest Sowah, Vincent Atinga and Abednego Tetteh.

Evelyn Dzato of Accra Girls SHS will receive the Discovery of the year 2023 award while Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu takes the Sports Administrator of the year award.

This year, SWAG will honor five members for long and dedicated service. The four males and one female have really paid their dues in the sports media industry.

Sponsors of the 48^th Nguvu SWAG Awards are Nguvu Mining, SES HD+, Verna Water, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Stanbic Bank, GOIL Plc, Malta Guinness, National Lottery Authority, Esthacie Agency and Event Factory.

Below are the full list of nominees for the 48th SWAG Awards;

SWAG SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Kudus Mohammed – Football

James Dadzie – Athletics

FOOTBALL OF THE YEAR – FOREIGN

Kudus Mohammed

Ernest Nuamah

Joseph Painstil

Osman Bukari

FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR – HOME BASED

Jonathan Sowah

Vicent Atinga

Abednego Tetteh

FEMALE FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR – FOREIGN

Anastashia Achiaa

Princella Adubea

Blessing Shine Agbomadzi

Maafia Nyame

FEMALE FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR – HOME BASED

Mary Amponsah

Comfort Yeboah

Stella Nyamekye

COACH OF THE YEAR

Karim Zito – Dreams FC

Augustine Evans Adotey – Medeama SC

Nana Joe Adarkwa – Ampen Darkoa

Stephen Richard Obeng – Black Challenge

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – MALE

William Amponsah

James Dadzie

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – FEMALE

Rose Yeboah Amoanimaa

NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR

Black Challenge – Amputee Football

Black Sticks Men – Hockey

CLUB OF THE YEAR

Medeama SC – Football

Ampen Darkoa – Football

Dreams FC – Football

PARA-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Haruna Tahiru

TABLE TENNIS PLAYER OF THE YEAR (FEMALE)

Joanita Borteye – Table Tennis

SWIMMER OF THE YEAR

Zaira Forson

HOCKEY PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Charles Abbiw

TENNIS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Abraham Asaba

TOP 5 FEDERATIONS (In no order)

Ghana Cycling Federation

Ghana Cricket Association

Ghana Table Tennis Federation

Ghana Football Association

Ghana Tennis Federation

Ghana Boxing Authority

Ghana Athletics

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

1. Hlodzie – Handball

Capt (Rtd) Andy Sam – Football

MERITORIOUS AWARDS

Moses Armah – Medeama SC

Herbert Mensah – Ghana Rugby Football Union

Samson Deen – National Paralympic Committee

Nana Opoku Fosu Gyeabour II – Ampen Darkoa Ladies

Emmanuel Frimpong

Osei Boakye-Yiadom – Royal Ladies

Reverend Emmanuel Djanie Niiquaye

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

Mawuko Afadzinu – Ghana Table Tennis Association

DISCOVERY OF THE YEAR

Evelyn Dzato

DEDICATION AND VALOR

Cudjoe Fianoo – Ghalca

Agatha Hagan – Hockey

Joseph Addo – Football

SPECIAL AWARDS

Royal Ladies – Hockey

Baseball Youth Team

Fencing Cadet Junior Team

CORPORATE AWARDS

SES HD Plus Ghana Limited

Adamus/Nguvu Holdings

Malta Guiness

Long Service Award

Rosalind Koramah Amoh

Maurice Quansah

George Kuntu Blankson

Barima Boadaa Otuo Acheampong

Sammy Heywood Okine

SWAG Top Journalist Award

SWAG President Award

The SWAG Awards, an occasion and event to celebrate sports excellence, is the longest running award scheme in Ghana that rewards top performing Sports Men and Women consistently since 1975 and recognizes the efforts of persons involved in Sports development.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The University of Ghana, Legon Swim Center, poolside will host the third annual session of the special competition in Water Polo on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 10am to 6pm.

The event is under the auspices of the Ghana Swimming Association, and other partners.

It is hosted by the Awutu Winton Polo Club, and presented by Black Star Polo.

Water Polo is a very interesting sport, just like playing football or handball in water.

Meanwhile the World Water Polo Championship also comes up soon.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The captain of the Black Stars,Andre Dede Ayew and the Black Stars received a very warm welcome from Ivoriens when they landed on Wednesday.

The Stars who were clad in Kente over fashionable Kaftan shirt and shorts stole the show in dressing.

Some of the players danced to the drum beats of the fans at the airport.

The captain of the Black Stars is married to an Ivorien, Yvonne and she is backing Ghana to win.

Cote d’Ivoire has won the African Cup twice and they did it against Ghana at the finals.

Ghana has won the African Cup four times in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.

By Sammy Heywod Okine

With less than 48-hours to kick off, CAFOnline takes a look at all host venues of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

A total of six world-class stadiums spread across five host cities will be play host to the 34th edition of Africa’s biggest football tournament between 13 January – 11 February.

Alassane Ouattara Stadium

CITY                                                                 Ebimpe

STADIUM CONSTRUCTION                      2016 - 2020

CAPACITY                                                      60 000

Located in one of the country’s economic hubs in the city of Abidjan, the Alassane Ouattara Stadium will play host to the opening and closing ceremony of the tournament.

The 60 000-seater capacity arena headlines one of many infrastructure legacies of the tournament for the host nation and will bring a number of economic opportunities after the final whistle is sounded.

The erecting of the world-class venue began in 2016 with the breaking of ground for the multi-purpose venue.

It was then officially inaugurated on 3 October 2020 in a ceremony attended by senior government ministers and officials before an exhibition match between two of the nation’s biggest clubs, Asec Mimosas and Africa Sports Abidjan.

In addition to its large hosting capacity, the stadium is a multi-purpose venue that boasts a number of world-class amenities such as an athletics track, conference facilities, gyms, auditorium and VIP facilities.

Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium 

CITY                            Abidjan

BUILT                          1952

RENOVATION             2021 - 2023

CAPACITY                   29 000

Named after the nation’s first Head of State, President Felix Houphouet-Boigny, this is one of the country’s heritage venues and will play host to Africa’s biggest event for the second time, having been one of the two host venues back in 1984.

In line with meeting the required CAF Standards, the stadium underwent complete renovations to its structural set up, seating, pitch, dressing rooms and hospitality suites.

The seating capacity doubled to 29 000 for the tournament, along with other facility upgrades to the venue.

In addition to football, the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium boasts an athletics track and has also hosted a number of major sporting codes and events in Abidjan.

Stade de la Paix

CITY                             Bouake       

BUILT                          1983

RENOVATIONS           2019 - 2023

CAPACITY                   40 000

One of Côte d’Ivoire’s most iconic football stadiums, Stade de la Paix which is located in the nation’s second largest city of Bouake, will be hosting its second TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations after being one of the host venues back in 1984.

One of the venue’s most memorable events includes the dramatic semi-final 5-4 penalty win by Cameroon against Algeria in the 1984 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON where the Indomitable Lions went on to claim the title.

The stadium has since received a major facelift from its original 15 000 to the now 40 000 capacity-seating among other upgrades ahead of the tournament.

Additional upgrades include a fully equipped media centre, auditorium, and conference facilities as well as an upgraded spectator parking facility to accommodate the thousands of expected fans.

Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium

CITY                            Korhogo

BUILT                          2019 - 2023

CAPACITY                  20 000

Located in the northern part of Cote d’Ivoire’s city of Korhogo, Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly is one of the legacies that will come with hosting an international event of the magnitude of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

The newly built stadium covers a vast 20.17 hectares of land to add to the aesthetic beauty of the city.

The hosting capacity will be 20 000, with a quality natural grass field, an athletics track, media centre, broadcast compound as well as other stadium facilities required for hosting international events.

Stade Charles Konan Banny

CITY                            Yamoussoukro                      

BUILT                          2019 - 2021

CAPACITY                  20 000

Located in the nation’s capital of Yamoussoukro that is constantly abuzz with economic activity, the newly built Stade Charles Konan Banny forms part of the city’s monumental architecture and will add to the city’s economic hub of activity post the tournament.

After a two-year construction, the stadium hosted its first football match on 3 June, which served as a qualifier for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2023 finals as the hosts edged Zambia 3-1 at the grand opening.

The stadium has a seating capacity of 20 000, an athletics track, media facilities, hospitality suites and conference centres.

Stade Laurent Pokou

CITY                San Pedro                 

BUILT              2019 - 2023   

CAPACITY       20 000

An architectural beauty located in the culturally rich region of Poro, Stade Laurent Pokou also forms part of the infrastructure legacy of hosting the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

With construction having begun in 2018, the 20 000-seater is poised to be a jewel for San Pedro.

Covering 23.33 hectares of land, the stadium’s elegant design is complemented by its world-class facilities which include a state-of-the-art natural grass pitch, conference centres, media centre and other facilities that will drive economic activity after the final whistle is sounded.

Cafonline

Treasurer of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), Mr. Mustapha Nettey says all is not well and smooth with the current state of Ghana Boxing.

Speaking to Yours Truly in an interview, Mr. Nettey who is also a ring announcer said the future is bleak, because there is no plan or strategy to select the best boxers to represent the nation at international competition and the camping of national team boxers is not the best if they are to win medals for the nation.

According to Mr. Nettey is about time the right things are done at the right times.

He gave an example with Joseph Awinongya Jr. who is now a member of the United States Amateur team who are being groomed for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, while Ghana is struggling to get a team for the African Games and Olympic Games.

The Treasurer said he can not tell who and who are going to represent Ghana at the Olympic Games Qualifiers in Italy and Thailand.

“I know Samuel Takyi is serious now, but Freezy Macbones has not made up his mind after a successful professional promotion in Accra, and he seems to love it” he said.

According to Mr. Nettey the leadership of the Ghana boxing Federation (GBF) is not united and it is difficult to work in an unfriendly atmosphere.

He noted that the juvenile and youth boxers are the future and they should be guided with exposure, confidence and determination to succeed.

“We should always have a backup of boxers to replace aging or amateur boxers who want to turn professional; in fact we must make the Amateur Boxing very attractive , so that the boys will love what they are doing for the country” he expressed.

Mr. Mustapha Nettey noted that the relationship between the GBF and Ministry of Youth & Sports is like they are working but nothing is going on.

He announced working with some partners to support the Ghana Youth and Juvenile Teams.

“Very soon we will announce the package for the young boxers, we just want them to be happy, feel that they are loved so that they can also deliver, boxing is a hard sport, so the boxers need more motivation” he stressed.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

President of the Republic H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has extended his best wishes to the Black Stars ahead of the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire 2023.

The 1st gentleman of the land joined players and the technical team for a farewell dinner at the team’s camp in Kumasi Tuesday night ahead of our departure for Abidjan on Wednesday.

President Akufo-Addo was accompanied by Youth and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif (Hon.), Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensah (Hon.) and Hon. Seth Adjei Baah, Board Chairman of the Ghana Tourism Authority.

President of the Ghana Football Association Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku and Vice President Mark Addo were on hand to welcome President of the Republic H.E Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo to the farewell dinner.

Others included International businessman and entrepreneur Kwame Ofosu Bamfo who doubles as a member of the interim Management Committee of the Black Stars and Akwasi Agyemang, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority and a member of the Management Committee.

His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was represented by Nana Kusi Agyekum Ababio, Oyokohene of Kumasi.

Black Stars sponsor MTN also had in attendance, Guido Sopiimeh Ag. Chief Commercial Officer, Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer Executive, Simon Amoh. Senior Manager Sales and Distribution, Charity Darko Corporate Communications Officer and Akosua Mansah Klutse Regional Marketing Officer.

The colorful ceremony brought together people from the corporate world and the entertainment industry. Afropop and Dancehall artist Stonebwoy thrilled guests, players and coaches with some beautiful renditions while Efua Asantewaa Aduonum of Singathon fame sang the national anthem to usher in the President.

President Akufo-Addo tasked the players to believe in themselves and go into the tournament with the can do spirit, saying that It is possible to accomplish the long awaited dream of bringing home an AFCON trophy that has eluded Ghana for more than four decades.

The Black Stars wrapped up their pre-tournament camping in Kumasi with a goalless draw against Namibia Monday night.

Ghana are drawn in Group B alongside Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique. Chris Hughton’s side will face Cape Verde in their opener before they take on record champions Egypt and Mozambique in the other group games.

GFA COMMUNICATIONS

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee (“COCAN” will introduce the Main Media Centre (“MMC”) concept in Abidjan as the main ‘nerve’ centre for media services during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

The Main Media Centre will be at Palais de la Culture de Treichville in Abidjan.  It will officially open its doors on Wednesday, 10 January 2024 – three days before the opening match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

The MMC, which is being introduced at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON for the first time in its 67-year history, is strategically located in the heart of Abidjan and designed to provide the media including photographers and broadcasters with a unique working environment.

All pre-match press conferences (Match day -1) for both matches in Alassane Ouattara (Ebimpe) and Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium will be held at the Main Media Centre.

This will include all non-match day media events and press conferences. Media in Abidjan will also be able to follow press conferences from other venues at the Main Media Centre daily.

This is yet another way of CAF and COCAN to make work easy for more than 3 000 media that have been accredited for the competition.  The Main Media Centre can accommodate over 500 media and has as press conference facility.

CAF General Secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba said: “Media plays an important role in making the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations a success. It is important for CAF to introduce the best possible conditions for media to do it’s work. The Main Media Centre will centralize media events and services. This means media do not need to travel between the two venues for pre-match media conferences.”

Operational Hours: 10h00 – 23h30 Daily

Key Features of the MMC:

Centralized Approach: The MMC represents a centralized approach to media coverage, bringing together journalists, broadcasters, and photographers in one dedicated space.

Photographers Section: A dedicated area with two rows exclusively for photographers, recognizing the crucial role of visual storytelling in sports journalism.

Agencies Space: An exclusive space designated for media agencies.

Media Café: A dedicated catering area for media professionals to ensure a comfortable working environment.

 Press Conferences: All Matchday-1 press conferences for teams, as well as other CAF press conferences and media briefings, will take place at the MMC.

Broadcast Hub: MMC serves as the central hub for broadcasting, with live feeds from all matches delivered to the facility. Even non-approved media for Match Telecasts can watch matches at MMC.

For further inquiries, please contact:

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CAF | Communication Department

Seth Gyamfi aka Freezy Macbones, the middleweight boxer who represented Ghana Boxing Team, the Black Bombers at the African 2024 Olympic Games Qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal has announced his decision to quit amateur and return to his professional track.

He has issued a statement thanking all who supported his when he wore the Ghana national colours as an amateur and now returning to concentrate on his Macbones Promotions

He has promised to defend the flag of Ghana in the professional ranks of boxing.

Freezy Macbones as he is normally called is based in the United Kingdom.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

 President Akufo Addo has implored the Black Stars to do anything possible to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Having won the last AFCON trophy in 1982, Ghana has struggled to lift the prestigious trophy despite coming close in 1992, 2010 and 2015.

Addressing the playing body at the farewell dinner in Kumasi, Akufo Addo told the players the target is to bring the trophy home.

"The target is to bring the AFCON trophy home," he said.

Ghana, who are seeking to end its 42-year trophy drought is in Group B for the tournament and will face Cape Verde, Egypt and Mozambique in the tournament.

The Black Stars of Ghana will first come up against Cape Verde at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on January 14, 2024, then face Egypt at the same venue four days later and then Mozambique at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on January 22, 2024.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars have departed the country for the tournament in Ivory Coast which will kick off from January 13 to February 11.

Source FootballGhana