Talented English-born Ghanaian teenager, Josh-Kofi Acheampong, has inked his inaugural professional contract with Premier League giants Chelsea Football Club.

The emerging star, who recently represented England at U-17 level, solidified his commitment to the club until the summer of 2026.

“Academy defender Josh-Kofi Acheampong has signed his first professional contract with Chelsea,” a club statement said.

“Acheampong joined the Blues as an Under-8 and has progressed through the youth ranks at Cobham.

“A versatile defender, he has been a regular for our Under-18s this season and has featured for the Under-21s.”

Acheampong, who turned 17 in May, was part of the England Under-17 squad that competed at the European Championships in the summer, and at the World Cup in November.

His international future is still open though England has the upper hand now after he featured for them at two different competitions at youth level.

The Ghana Football Association could again be mounting a late scramble for his future at the international stage.

Footballghana

"It's My Games, Your Games, Our Games" LOC EC Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare chants for Accra 2023 African Games

The Executive Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 13th African Games, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare has charged Ghanaians to embrace the up coming international sports competition which will involve 55 countries including Ghana.

Speaking to Yours Truly after the Special Health Walk / Float and Masquaraders Carnival, he urged companies to come on board to support the Committee.

He revealed that since 1965, Ghana has noted hosted the multi sports festival , meanwhile  former President of the republic, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was a founding father of the OAU now the African Union (AU).

Deputy Chief Operating officer, Mr. Reks Brobby said the nation stands to benefit as it is historic and opens up the way in advertising and marketing Ghana Sports, tourism and related businesses.

The Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah has also commended all persons behind the scenes to make the African Games a reality.

Meanwhile, construction of new sports complex is underway at Borteyman, and the University of Ghana, Legon will be the main administration and accreditation center for the Games Village.

Chairman of the Transportation Committee, Mr. Sampson Deen said plans and preparations are on course for a smooth shuttle.

Chairman of Accommodation Committee, Ms. Joyce Datsa says "It's my Games, it's your Games, It's our Games, we are ready".

The 13th African Games is scheduled for March 8 to 23, 2024.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana SWAG Awards is the most prestigious event every sports personality looks up to at the end of the season.

People who have excelled in the past year under review watch out for nominations to be selected as best players, coaches, referees, administrators and so on.

Even others who could not win anything also look out to be invited to grace the occasion.

Popular icons and reputable people in the society are also invited including ex top stars. Chiefs, Ministers and Presidents.

This time around again, the Vice President, HE Mahamudu Bawumia who has been supporting the event for the past three years will be at the Accra International Conference Center on Friday, January 12, 2023 as the Special Guest of Honour.

The great Sir Sam Jonah who saw to creation of Obuasi Goldfields Football Academy, now AshGold into a force in force in African Football will be there together with other personalities and friends of sports.

Also attending are top musicians, Kofi Kinaata, Samini and Wendy Shay who will entertain guests.

The 48th SWAG Awards will see over 40 sports personalities and organisations being honoured, including the top five sports federations.

Football Star of the moment, Mohammed Kudus of West Ham in England is tipped for the most prestigious SWAG Sports Personality of the year as well as Footballer of the Year.

Zaira Forson will receive Swimmer of the Year and Rose Yeboah will collect Female Athlete of the Year.

The Male Athlete of the Year is between William Amponsah and James Dadzie.

Judoka Evelyn Dzato of Accra Girls SHS will get the Discovery of the Year, while others like Special Awardees Kudjoe Fianoo, Captain (Rtd) Andy Sam and Mawuko Afadzinu, Sports Administrator of the Year will be there.

Some companies and brands like Malta Guinness; HD Plus will be honoured for their support to various sports activities.

This year SWAG will honour five of their members who have served the Association with distinction over three decades, they are Sammy Heywood Okine, Rosalind Amoh, Maurice Quansah, Barima Acheampong Sometymer and George Kuntu Blankson.

The SWAG Award has been held unbreakable since 1975.

Nguvu Mining, the headline sponsor will be offering free psychiatric services  and treatment for SWAG members who produce their AIPS cards.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghanaian lady Afua Asantewaa Aduonum has successfully ended the Guinness World Record for the longest singing marathon by an individual, exceeding the previous record set by India's Sunil Waghmare.

However she must wait for results from the world body that recognizes such activities. She said a lot of things must be submitted like her media interviews and number of songs done as well as the appeal or support from the general public.

Afua Asantewaa Aduonum, 33 who is a Journalist and Entreprenuer started her musical marathon dubbed “afuaasantewaasingathon” on midnight December 24, 2023, Afua Asantewaa’s journey spanned five days and a few hours, incorporating various positions such as standing, lying down, sitting, and squatting.

Undiscouraged by the physical challenges, Afua concluded the marathon on Friday, December 29, 2023, at midnight, accumulating 126 hours of continuous singing.

Afua's achievement eclipses the official record of 105 hours held by Sunil Waghmare, the renowned Indian singer. Unofficially, she sang for 126 hours and 52 minutes, surpassing Waghmare's mark by an additional 21 hours.

Sunil Waghmare, who achieved fame in 2012 as the Guinness World Record holder for the longest singing marathon, started his musical journey at 14. Unlike Sunil, Afua is not a professional musician but only has a passion for music, local media reports.

Now, with Afua Asantewaa Aduonum's extraordinary accomplishment, the musical landscape witnesses a new milestone, showcasing the indomitable spirit of individuals committed to pushing the boundaries of artistic achievement.

For her latest appointment, Afua Asantewaa has been appointed as the new Tourism Ambassador for Ghana by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).

Afua did it. She gave Ghanaians a new style to celebrate Christmas. She broke the record and has set a new record with 126 hrs 52 minutes.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Swavy Blu and Bronx Boxing Promotions are not too old in the business but have done much for Ghana Boxing in recent times.

The partnership of Mr. Mannasse Tagoe and Lawrence Carl Lokko has yielded positive results and put smiles on the faces of boxers, trainers, families, fans and supporters.

They are contributing to the development and promotion of not only Sports but Tourism and related businesses.

Staging bouts at hotels is exclusive, entertaining and excellent, making Dezone and Royal Dede Golden Beach Resort a cool choice, though it cannot carry the large crowd at the stadia.

Last Saturday saw another event dubbed Thunder Strike which gave Ghana two WBO Africa Champions.

Jacob Tetteh Laryea aka Chorkor Fire won the WBO Africa Super Welterweight belt, out punching Richmond Djarbeng in round two, while Haruna Osumanu was lucky to win by a close margin against Nigerian Iddris Affinni. The three judges all scored 38-37.

In other supporting bouts, John Abaja Laryea defended his WBO Africa Featherweight title against Isaac Dowuona, winning by a round seven Technical Knock Out.

National Cruiserweight Champion, Jacob Dickson won by a Knock Out against Gabriel Adoku in R2.

Veteran Raymond Commey could not stand the speed and power of National Bantamweight Champion, Daniel Gorsh and retired in round 4.

Lightweight Gabriel Cofie also won by a R4 KO over Samuel Danso.

Felix Nunoo earned a round two Knock Out against John Oblitey Commey in a Lightweight Contest.

Stephen Cofie beat Joseph Adu in another Lightweight Contest.

John Zile also beat by a TKO in R5 over Komlagan Houkpatin in a Super Bantamweight Contest.

Jonathan Mwango defeated Zakaria Salifu in round two in a Light Heavyweight Contest, while Wilson Daula lost to Modimo Keita also in R2. Awumey Nelson beat Emmanuel Annor is a Heavyweight Contest.

Coach Lawrence Carl Lokko, Head Coach at Bronx Gym described the event as great and good as the objective was achieved.

He called for more companies to sponsor Ghana Boxing.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Black Stars coach Chris Hughton has named his final squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, with many top players missing out.

Coach Chris Hughton called a 27-man squad for the tournament, which kicks off on January 13, 2024, in Ivory Coast. However, several noticeable players have been left out due to injuries, personal reasons, and poor form at club level.

Among those absent are;

Daniel Kofi Kyere (SC Freiburg): Ghanaiana are really looked forward to his recovery in time.

He is the typical team player. He can play everywhere in the attacking area and importantly, he doesn’t care whether he starts or is on the bench, he is always ready to do a job.

Thomas Partey (Arsenal): The Arsenal midfielder, a key figure in the Black Stars, will miss the tournament due to injury. Despite returning to training, his last match was in October, and his fitness isn't expected to be tournament-ready.

Baba Rahman (PAOK): Opting out for personal reasons, left-back Baba Rahman, who plays for PAOK, will not be part of the squad for AFCON 2023.

Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City): Despite enjoying success at club level with Leicester City and becoming a key player in their Premier League pursuit, the young talent has chosen to stay behind, uncertain about opportunities at AFCON.

Tariq Lamptey (Brighton): Another casualty due to injury, right-back Tariq Lamptey from Brighton will not be featuring in the tournament.

Kamaldeen Sulemana (Southampton): Sulemana, the Southampton winger, is also ruled out of AFCON 2023 due to injury.

Edmund Addo (Red Star Belgrade): Midfielder Edmund Addo has been dropped from the squad due to poor club form with Red Star Belgrade.

Abdul Manaf Nurudeen (K.A.S Eupen): The goalkeeper is set to miss out due to injury concerns.

Joseph Aidoo (Celta Vigo): He sustained an ankle injury during Ghana’s match against Mexico on Sunday, October 15, which the Black Stars eventually lost 2-0. Aidoo will be out for between six and seven months.

In spite the missing stars, Ghana is still expected to put up a strong performance at the tournament. The Stars will face Egypt, Mozambique, and Cape Verde in the group stage, with hopes of advancing to the knockout stages and making a deep run in the competition.

The Black Stars of Ghana have won the Africa Cup of Nations four times, and they always one of the favourites to win.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Black Stars coach Chris Hughton has named a 27 Ghana squad for the AFCON 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire.

He was at the Alisa Hotel on Monday together which the Communications Team of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

In attendance at the presentation of players list were some Black Stars Supporters and a few Media.

Goalkeepers

Lawrence Ati Zigi

Richard Ofori

Jojo Wollacott

Defenders

Alidu Seidu

Dennis Odoi

Kingsley Schindler

Gideon Mensah

Hamidu Fatawu

Daniel Amartey

Nich Opoku

Alexander Djiku

Mohammed Salisu

Midfielders

Samed Salis

Baba Iddrisu

Majeed Ashimeru

Elisha Owusu

Richmond Lamptey

Mohammed Kudus

Andre Ayew

Ransford Konigsdorffer

Osman Bukari

Joseph Paintsil

Jordan Ayew

Ernest Nuamah

Strikers

Iñaki Williams

Antoine Semenyo

Jonathan Sowah

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana Football Association (GFA) Kurt Okraku underscores the importance of rallying behind the Black Stars during challenging times, emphasising that this support is especially crucial ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Ivory Coast.

Addressing concerns over the team's recent inconsistent results, which included a 1-0 victory over Madagascar secured in the 95th minute by Inaki Williams and a subsequent 1-0 loss to Comoros, Okraku urges unwavering national support.

"Let us get behind the squad to deliver. All of us here have opinions on who must represent our country," he states, acknowledging the discussions surrounding player choices. "Whether the player is your friend, brother, or uncle, all of us here and beyond the confines of this premises have opinions. But at the end, Ghana decided on our own to give that mantle to Chris Hughton and the rest of the technical team, and that is why they are here."

"My plea to all of us is that once the squad is announced, the entire nation must get behind the squad. Even if I have to kneel down and beg the entire country, I will do so," he passionately asserts. "We have one senior men national team, and this senior men national team is called the Black Stars. Once the men for the job are announced, they are our warriors."

President Simeon-Okraku urges Ghanaians to unite and throw their support behind the selected squad heading to Cote D’Ivoire for the Africa Cup of Nations. "It is the only way the boys will feel the adrenaline levels of our countrymen and women. This is the only way they will then be very focused on delivering that target of envy."

Acknowledging the team's fluctuating performances, he states, "We all know that the performances of our dear team have not been too stable, but this is the moment that the boys need our undiluted support. When the times are very difficult, when the times are very unstable, those are the times that they need your support, my support, and the support of the entire country."

Ghana, with 24 appearances in Africa’s flagship competition, will face Cape Verde, record holders Egypt, and Mozambique in the Group stage of the tournament scheduled for Cote D'Ivoire from Saturday, January 13, to Sunday, February 11, 2024.

ghanasoccernet.com

Nigeria’s number one table tennis star, Quadri Aruna, will make his third appearance at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Final, which runs from January 3 to 5, 2024 in Doha, Qatar.

Aruna is the only African player to have featured in the WTT Finals since its inaugural edition in 2021.

With a few days to serve off of the $340,000 prize money first major WTT tournament of 2024, the ultra-modern Lusail Sports Arena in Doha will host the Nigerian and other top 15 players in the world, including world number one, Fan Zhendong of China.

Being the season finale event of WTT Series 2023, Aruna’s best outing was in his maiden outing when he beat the then world number six, Liang Jingkun of China, to qualify for the quarterfinal where he was beaten by Brazil’s Hugo Calderano.

In 2023, Aruna made a jaw-dropping win at Singapore Smash, defeating Tomokazu Harimoto of Japan for the first time in his career in what was one of the matches of the season.

Yet to move beyond the quarterfinals in the WTT Series this year, the ‘King of Africa’ will need to bring the same form shown in the Lion City if he is to challenge for the title in Doha.

Considered the lowest-ranked player among the competitors in Doha, the Nigerian is hoping to start the year on a good note in his quest to make his fourth Olympic Games appearance in Paris, France, later in the year.

For now, the 2023 African champion hopes to shore up his world ranking in his bid to qualify through his rating to Paris 2024.

In Doha, the Nigerian will face a Herculean task against some of the finest players in the world, including former world and Olympic champion, Ma Long of China, and French teenage sensation, Felix Lebrun.

The draws for the tournament will be held tomorrow, while the top seeds will square up against the likes of Aruna in the first round (round of 16) on Wednesday.

https://234sportsng.com/

Cape Coast popular football club, Ali Royals beat all opposition in various age category matches at 2023 edition of the Tsunagu Football Tournament which was held at the Bonkus Park at Cape Coast on Saturday 30^th December, 2023.  

The juvenile side of Ali Royals (U10) beat Kinshasha U10 by three goals to nothing in the first match to whet the appetite of football fans.

In the second game which was a female football display, Ali Royals Soccer Girls were too smart and skillful to win by four goals to nothing over Kinshasha Ladies

The final game of the day was between the old stars of Ali Royals FC who lost by a lone goal to the current stars of  Ali Royals FC.

The tournament was organise by Seiji Chihasa, Seiya Nakano & Jindo Morishita (former Ebusua Dwarfs FC and Accra Great Olympics player) and supported by Kurashiki Seiryo High School of Japan in collaboration with Ali Royal Surf & Soccer Foundation of Ghana as well as the Japan Community in Ghana.

The exciting event was supported by Abdul Wahab Musah (a former Play Soccer Ghana Director)

Top Central Region famous Juvenile Soccer Coach Ali Yakubu who is founder / Programs Director of the Tournament thanked all the players and football fans who came to watch to encourage the future stars.

He expressed that the Ali Royals Football and Surfing clubs are taking sports in the Central Region to high levels and the media must know what they are doing to promote sports and develop talents.

He said the future of Ghana Sports is very bright as the young players are very good and showed a lot of tactical performance and discipline.

He added that the collaboration with the Japanese Community is positive and hope the cooperation would benefit both Ghana and Japan.

By Sammy Heywood Okine