Black Stars Head Coach Milovan Rajevac has described Felix Afena-Gyan as a promising talent, hence the need to hand him his first call up to the senior national team.

The 18-year-old Ghanaian wonder-kid has been very good for his club side AS Roma this season and has subsequently earned a place in coach Milovan’s 28-man squad for Ghana two matches against Ethiopia and South Africa in the African qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

He made his debut for the Giallorosso against Cagliari last week and has been touted by Jose Mourinho as a player with special qualities.

Speaking at a press conference, Coach Milovan said his decision to hand the player a call up into the national team was based on his qualities.

“I believe that AS Roma and Mourinho, who is regarded as one of the best coaches in the world were convinced of his quality before giving him a chance to play for the senior side of his club team, for example, the last match he played against AC Milan

“He is a young player, he has the prospects and definitely you can see everything from his performance that he is a promising talent and he should be a part of this squad because we have to always look towards the future and establish quality players for our upcoming challenges,” he said.

The door has been opened for host nation, Ghana to plan, prepare and organize the 13th African Games in Africa in August 2023.

Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu - Asare said Ghana has been granted the green light and very soon they will launch the logo, mascot and website of the African Games 2023.

Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive interview at the Accra Sports Stadium, he called on the media to have the right information and educate Ghanaians on the Games which the country will host for the first time since it's inception in 1965.

He disclosed that the Protocol Agreement between the African Union (AU) and Ghana has been signed in Addis Ababa last Friday after reviews and other arrangements.

He said the agreement had to be seen by the Attorney General of Ghana, Parliament and Cabinet before getting back to Parliament then to the AU.

He expressed joy that Ghana now has the Games, as it was signed on behalf of the nation by Ghana Ambassador to Ethiopia, Her Excellency Amma Twum - Amoah.

According to Dr. Ofosu - Asare, they have the Creative Identity Manual on how to operate and they are on course to advertise and get projects on the Games done.

He hinted that three contractors are on site, with Consar, upgrading the Legon Stadium, while Mawums and Contracta are working on the hostels, Games village and facilities at Borteyman respectively.

He said facilities for the Games must be ready three months before the opening ceremony.

Dr. Ofosu - Asare said the first visit by the AU was a favored one, as they had to consider Covid-19 and other issues that could retard progress of preparations.

"The follow up inspection has not been made due to protocol agreement not signed, but the AU team will be in Ghana again this month and we hope to impress them " he assured.

Mr. Reks Brobbey, the Deputy COO said warm up fields which are necessary for athletics and swimming would be put up, and they are involving national Federations to construct first class facilities.

He noted that the corporate world would be involved and other things like Accreditation, Security, Ambush marketing and all sectors would be considered, like the support of a Task Force by the Ghana Police, Customs and Immigration to strictly check all items on the Games not to be replicated, as they would be burnt.

"The media must know that we are working seriously everyday, as the University of Ghana is to be upgraded, and Borteyman a fresh project which some licenses must be secured before putting up the structures.

"Construction is more than brick and mortar, and we can assure Ghanaians that much going on behind the scenes" he expressed.

Mr. Reks Brobbey, an Olympian said the 2023 African Games will feature three para sports, would also be qualifier for the next Olympic Games in 2024 in Paris, France, and they are optimistic of meeting the deadlines and Ghana hosting the best Games ever.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Abdul Hayye Yartey is representing Ghana at the 2021 International Federation Of Bodybuilding (IFBB) Annual World Congress in Santa Susana, Cataluna Barcelona, Spain

Yartey who is president of the Ghana federation in pictures with the IFBB President, Dr Rafael Santonja as well as the Africa Federation of Bodybuilding (AFBB) President, Dr. Adeel Fahim and others.

Mr. Samson Deen the newly-elected President of the Africa Paralympic Committee (APC) has paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr. Mustapha Ussif at his office in Accra.

Mr. Deen used the opportunity to express his sincerest gratitude and utmost appreciation to the Sector Minister for the support he gave him towards his aspiration to become the President of APC.

He also thanked His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for approving his candidate and the best of assurances he gave him prior to the contest.

He also thanked all Ghanaians, from far and near, for their continuous prayers that ensured his victory.

The Minister also congratulated the President-elect and assured him of every support that he will need in the execution of his mandate and how the government of Nana Akufo-Addo has continously expressed the desire to promote and develop the least-financed sports in the country.

“I can assure you, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic is committed to seeing the least-financed sports grow and achieve laurels in Ghana, all geared towards the total promotion and development of sports.

Mr. Deen was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Evans Opoku Bobie who led the delegation to Rabat, Morocco to ensure the victory.

Also present at the meeting were the Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Alhaji Hafiz Adam, Director General of the National Sports Authority, Professor Peter Twumasi, Deputy Director (Technical), Mr. Kwame Amponfi Jnr and some executive members of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC).

The First Lady Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo has raised over one million cedis (GH₵1,250,000) for the development of women's football in the country.

The funds will be among others be used to establish the First Women's School of Soccer Excellence in West Africa and organise the inaugural edition of the First Lady's Cup, a tournament billed as the female version of the Ghana League Clubs Association's Presidents Cup.

Addressing the launch of the inaugural First Lady's Cup on Wednesday in Accra, Mrs Akufo-Addo said the School which is to be constructed in Ghana will train women's coaches and other technical staff to upgrade the capacity of women in the footballing industry.

She added that she was eagerly looking forward to the day when dug-outs would be filled with only women during women's football matches.

Donors who pledged to contribute towards the development of women's football included;

MD GOIL, Lawyer Kwame Osei Prempeh- GH₵100,000

Vodafone Ghana CEO, Patricia Obo Nai - Unspecified

Former Ledzokuku MP, Dr Okoe Boye - $1500

Akim Oda MP, Alexander Akwasi Acquah - GH₵10,000

Nhyiaeso MP - Stephen Amoah - GH₵10,000

Commissioner, Gaming Commission, Peter Mireku - GH₵10,000

Cheif Executive Officer (CEO) Hajia Abibata Shanni Mahama Zakariah - GH₵10,000

APEX BANK - Unspecified

Ghana Shipping Authority - GH₵5,000

GNPC - 200,000 advertising package for First Lady's Cup

CODA CEO, Jerry Ahmed Shaib - GH₵20,000

GHACEM - Unspecified

National Petroleum Commission - GH₵50,000

Ghana Commercial Bank - GH₵200,000

Agricultural Development Bank - GH₵100,000

TOTAL Petroleum - unspecified

Nana Dr ATO Arthur - GH₵10,000

Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority - $20,000

ARB Apex Bank- Unspecified

COCOBOD - GH₵250,000

Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive FDA - GH₵10,000

Vice President's wife, Samira Bawumia - GH₵30,000

The Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Mrs Akosua Frema Osei-Opare - GH₵20,000

First Lady Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo - GH₵50,000

SIC MD, Mr. Stephen Oduro - GH₵9,000

The newly elected President for African Paralympic Committee, Mr. Sampson Deen, who now doubles as national President of NPC- Ghana has returned from Morocco after successfully getting elected at a continental electoral congress.

He was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon Evans Opoku Bobie.

The team was met at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra by Director General of National Sports Authority, Prof Peter Twumasi, and his Deputies Mr Kwame Amponfi Jnr , Mr Majeed Bawa, President of Ghana Olympic Committee, Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, et al.

After interacting with the media, the group called on the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon Mustapha Ussif, to thank him and government for the maximum efforts to ensure that ECOWAS member countries supported Ghana's candidate.

A section of Ghanaian Sports Supporters were also at the airport to welcome him, and they said his victory will insipre Ghana to give African Paralympic the leadership it requires.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) held a National Forum on Government’s Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) Agenda on Friday 29th October 2021 at the at the Accra Technical Training Center.

The forum brought together the Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), Mrs. Gifty Twum-Ampofo, stakeholders drawn from the Private Sector, Industry experts, Sector Skills Bodies, Development Partners, Ministries and Agencies, policy actors and training institutions. The forum was open for all participants to share ideas.

Speaking at the forum, the deputy Educational minister, Mrs. Gifty Twum-Ampofo said, “The way the Government has equipped TVET is so good that universities are envious. Let’s all encourage our children to work with their heads, hearts and hands, which is what TVET is. This will drive the industrialization agenda of the country. If machines break down, we have the machines to fabricate the part instead of importing the same. Machines with no parts available to fix in case of a breakdown in Ghana is a thing of the past. To make this a reality you have be there as ambassadors and Career counselors to move the transformation Agenda.”

The deputy minister toured the fair to appreciate talented individuals who are displaying their talents at the CTVET competitions fair.

The four winners will represent Ghana in the Africa WorldSkills day in Namibia.

By Gabby Amoako

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games bronze medallist, Samuel Takyi aka ‘Ring Warrior” is hot favourite to win the 2021 Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) sports personality of the year award after being nominated alongside the country's 4x100m relay team which reached the semi finals in Tokyo and Accra Hearts of Oak goal poacher, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh.

Takyi is already confirmed as amateur boxer of the year, whilst Black Bombers trainer, Ofori Asare and Ghana Boxing Federation President, George Lamptey are also nominated for coach and administrator of the year respectively.

Boxing has been the strength of Ghana Sports and boxing is expected to top the awards in terms of quality presentation on the international front.

Most boxing writers and analysts believe this is the time for boxing to lead the SWAG Awards again.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Boxing Writers Association and Ghana Boxing Supporting Union have congratulated all the boxing nominees.

This year will be the 46^th Awards ceremony of the respected media body.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has named the top performers for honours at the 46th SWAG Awards in Accra.

The General Assembly after critiquing the work done by the Awards Nominations Committee, endorsed and approved the final list of top performers for the2020/21 calendar year which ended in September.

The list also includes the SWAG Top 5 where Federations that had little or no support but were active in the year under review will be ranked through voting.

Below is the shortlist of nominees: 

Sports Personality of the Year – 4X100m Relay Team (Athletics), Samuel Takyi (Amateur Boxing) and Daniel Afriyie Barnieh (Football, Hearts).

Footballer of the Year (Foreign) – Daniel Amartey (Leicester City), Mohammed Kudus (Ajax) and Jonathan Mensah (Columbus Crew).

Footballer of the Year (Home Based) – Diawusie Taylor (Karela United), Daniel Afriyie Barnieh (Hearts of Oak) and Ishmeal Ganiu (Asante Kotoko).

Female Footballer of the Year – Constance Agyemang (Berry Ladies), Janet Agyiri (Hasaacas) and Jafar Rahama (Northern Ladies/Hasaacas).

Coach of the Year – Abdul Karim Zito (U-20), Christian Nsiah  (Athletics), Samuel Boadu (Hearts), Coach Ofori Asare (Amateur Boxing) and Yussif Basigi  (Hasaacas Ladies).

Athlete of the Year (Male) – Benjamin Azamati, and Joseph Paul Amoah.

Athlete of the Year (Female) – Deborah Acquah.

Boxer of the Year (Professional) –Alfred Lamptey, Mohammed Aryeetey and John Abaja Laryea.

Boxer of the Year (Amateur) – Samuel Takyi (Featherweight).

Discovery of the Year – Constance Serwaa Agyemang (Football/Berry Ladies), Fatawu Issahaku (Football/Steadfast), Kamaldeen Sulemana and Unilez Takyi (Swimming).

Administrator of Year – Evelyn Nsiah-Asare (Hasaacas Ladies), George Okoe Lamptey (Ghana Boxing Federation) and Gifty Oware-Aboagye (Berry Ladies).

SWAG President Award – Ken Bediako.

Corporate Award – Betway Ghana.

Life Time Achievement – Stephen Appiah.

Decorative Award –Togbe Afede XIV and Nana Bayin Eyison.

Dedication and Valour – Coach Ofori Asare (Amateur Boxing), Lawyer Ntow Fiako and Oduro Nyarko.

Chess Player of the Year – Philip Selikem Yao Amoako

Badminton Player of the Year – Kelvin Alphous (Male) and Prospera Nantuo (Female).

Tennis Player of the Year – Samuel Agbesi Antwi (Male) and Naa Shika Mackorley (Female).

Swimming Athlete of the Year – Unilez Takyi.

The 46th edition of the unbroken SWAG Awards is scheduled for December 2021.

 Source - SWAG

Deep in winter, hurtling a few inches above the snow at 75+ miles an hour, round a spiral icy track is Akwasi Frimpong who has been adorning the Ghanaian identity in the face of a tough knot. The speed, the navigation, and the freezing ice of the Skeleton sport for the most part give an impression of a fast, scary, and dangerous sport. Yet he would not give up, even if there’s no snow in his native Ghana. Despite the game being uncommon to an average African unlike football, Frimpong has found a tenacious delight in the game and he’s fast becoming monumental.

He has been working hard on breaking the limits of the icy track, to put Africa on focus through the game. “I’m just gonna go all out and fight for my continent, fight for my country, to be able to get a spot for Africa,” he said in a video interview with CGTN Africa that theafricandream.net watched early in November 2021.

His story is a resounding inspiration from growing up in a single room in Kumasi, Ghana, to living as an illegal immigrant in the Netherlands, to finally becoming an international athlete. He made history in 2018 by becoming the first skeleton athlete from Ghana competing in the Olympics held in Pyeongchang, South Korea. He didn’t stop there, two years down the track in 2020, he became the first African to bag a victory in an elite skeleton race regulated by the USA Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation in Park City, Utah. This was a major stardom shoot for the tenacious athlete.

Currently, in his push for glory, he has bagged eight gold, four silver, and four bronze medals, in both other local and international events. He looks to mark more territory for himself in the forthcoming 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and scoring medals for Africa in skeleton sport soon too.

In his CGTN Africa interview, he described his weight lifting training. “For the push…you have to push the sleigh which weighs about 35 kilos” down a 50 meters run for the start before diving on it in speed navigation of about a mile long around the spiral, slippery icy track. He mentioned that there’s 17 of these different ice course in the world, with different shapes, corners “and you have to memorize all these different corners”. Explaining further how uneasy it is mastering the navigation around these unique tracks because they require “a lot of patience, a lot of focus.”

The facility to train for the sport is however not available in Africa. “I don’t understand it, it looks like a complex sport,” a Ghanaian local said to a CGTN correspondent. It may be uncommon in this part of the world, but the joy of having a son of the soil competing in the game is enough pride for many Ghanaians.

For Frimpong, he believes this shouldn’t hold Africans back from the sport. He said there’s a need to train more Africans in the skeleton sport and inspire many others, especially Ghanaians. He sees himself as representing Ghana and all of Africa against many other countries, saying “it’s not an easy feat.”

He emphasized that he would not give up because he has one major history to break, which is to become Africa’s first Winter Olympics medalist. An achievement he’s training hard to attain. All at theafricandream.net are so proud of him.

Source - Oral Ofori