Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has retired from International Football, according to close sources to the player.

The 30-year-old has brought his international career to an end in order to concentrate on Club football.

Sources reveal the midfielder is expected to officially release a statement announcing his latest decision.

Badu who represented Ghana at under-20, under-23 and senior level received his first call-up to the Black Stars in 2008 and made his first senior international appearance that same year in a game against   Lesotho. He went on to score his first goal against Congo in June 2011.

The former Udinese man also made history with Ghana’s U20 team by scoring the winning penalty which saw them clinch the FIFA U20 World Cup for the first time in 2009.

He scored 11 goals in 78 appearances for the Black Stars within a space of 12 years and also featured at four Africa Cup of Nations appearances as well as two FIFA World Cups.

From  Elizabeth Alhassan

After organizing the second Ghana League Walk, young enterprising female sports journalist Elizabeth Alhassan is coming up with the ‘Men Support Women’s Football’ Extravaganza at the McDan Park at La in Accra on January 9, .

The versatile reporter / broadcaster who operates Liz TV on Social Media – You Tube, Twitter and Facebook as well as researches for African Sports Media Network in Ghana said she feels the female game promotion is going on well but they need the men to support them reach their desired goals.

Now attached to the Communications Department of the Ghana Karate do Federation, she expressed that football can support other lesser known sports disciplines.

She appealed to companies especially the Women’s League sponsors to back her initiative.

Special guests invited for the event include the GOC President, SWAG President, Chairperson of the Women’s Premier League, Chairperson of the GOC Women In Sports Commission, the GFA President, Executive Director of WISA, Director of Girls In Love With Sports, Mrs. Mckorley, Dirctor General of the NSA. Female clubs executives, PfAG and others sports federation heads.

A live performance by female musician  Spency Diva and other entertainers is expected to spice the programme, before a match involving the sensational Ideal Ladies and other clubs.

Ms. Elizabeth Alhassan thanked the media who are promoting the event, which is ably supported by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) which she is a member and the McDan Foundation.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The remains of popular former football administrator and patron of Asante Kotoko, Assad Mallah were interred at the Osu Cemetery on Wednesday, December 30. This followed a strictly private family burial service at the St. Martin Catholic Church at Osu.

In attendance of the ceremony were veteran sports journalists Ken Bediako and Joe Aggrey who both had a close working relationship with Mr Mallah.

A family source said the final funeral arrangements of the late Assad Mallah who was also a patron of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), will be announced later.

Assad Mallah was the last of the three great Lebanese naturalised Ghanaians who loved Kotoko to the hilt.

The last two were I. J. Mourhkarzel and Naja David of Bondplex fame. Both lived in Kumasi and gave a lot of financial support to the playing body.

Mallah, however, cut his teeth in Accra where he mobilised the Greater Accra supporters group as a powerful force that specialised in organising massive support for the club, including hiring buses to the various league centres to fill the stands in matches involving Kotoko.

As far back as in the 1960s, he fully sponsored the group's executive meetings at the Kyekyeku Hotel.

The support base in Accra became so strong that they even formed an anon league football club and played for fun at the former Olympics park opposite Ambassador Hotel.

In Kotoko’s first entry to Africa in 1966, the supporters stormed Abidjan with more than eight STC Setra buses along with five more from Kumasi to make the 12-hour journey through Dormaa Ahenkro and Anibrekrom to watch the second leg preliminary match against Stade that ended in a pulsating 2-2 draw.

Unfortunately Kotoko had lost the home match 1-0 so were eliminated.

Not discouraged the supporters organised by Mr Mallah continued to back the team massively and after a few more failures Kotoko eventually won the cup in Jan 1971.

In celebration of this historic feat, Mr Mallah organised a road show in Accra that ended with a funfair at the Lebanon House, Tudu. He organised a donation box at the City Paints Supply where he was manager of his uncle's enterprise.

The box full of money was officially opened by skipper Ibrahim Sunday and the proceeds given to the players.

Perhaps it was this gesture that won the heart of Otumfuo Opoku Ware II to appoint Assad a patron of Kotoko alongside known football administrators like S.K. Mainoo.

Despite his new rank he maintained his club's fans base and made Accra New Town based Circle Eight a powerful group when Simms Mensah introduced the circles as the official supporters group of Kotoko.

Mr Mallah really came in the forefront in 1982 as Special adviser to club chairman Yaw Bawuah and he teamed up well with the likes of Allen Gyimah, Major Yaw Larsen, Antwi Gyamfi, Capt. Pattington and Agyemang Berko to win the Africa cup in 1983 after missing the cup narrowly the previous year.

On his retirement from active service, the late Mallah continued to support Kotoko in diverse ways and in his old age, wished to see the resurgence of the Porcupines Warriors both on the local scene and on the continent, but that did not materialise until his demise on December 19, after a short illness.

Graphic Sports

Former national welterweight titlist Isaac Aryee made a sweet come back on December 24, 2020 with R5 TKO win over Richard Dogbenya in their super welterweight contest at the Ga Mashie Hall of the TSEL.

The Chorkor / Bukom based boxer  made his ring return three years after being involved in a motor accident which nearly took his life.

Aryee thanked Box Office and ACE Power Promotions for giving him the chance

The fighter has been out of the ring since March 2017 when he stopped Charles Tetteh in five rounds. In these three years of absence, Aryee has been recovering from a surgery he underwent for breaking his neck in a motor accident.

Reports had it that the Bukom-based fighter was allegedly knocked down by a police vehicle from the Mamprobi Police Station on the Mortuary Road in Accra in May 2017.

However, lucky Aryee has fully recovered from his surgery and has been cleared by doctors to return to the ring.

“I am glad to be making a return to the ring and I want is to work harder to remain one of the toughest boxers in the country,” he added.

Aryee has not suffered from ring rust as he was impressive.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

18 year old Alfred Lamptey aka ‘Bukom Bomber’ proved to be a potential top contender in national featherweight division when he crashed Edward Kambassi in the third round with a KO on December 24, 2020 at the Ga Mashie Hall on the premier Ace Promotions Bill.

Rising Star, Holy Dorgbetor also won in a Round 2 KO against Billy Quaye in a featherweight contest.

Daniel Aduku stopped Sani Yidana Kugblie by a round 4 TKO in a super welterweight contest.

Pretty Boy Prince Oko Nartey (PON) pounded Prince Tetteh via a round 2 KO in a super middleweight contest.

Debutant Ahmed Abdullah was adjudged winner in his fight against Issifu Osman by disqualification for lack of effort in a six rounder light heavyweight contest.

Isaac Awuley Aryee returned to the ring for the first time after a carrier threatening accident in March 2017 to beat Richard Dogbenya in Round 5 TKO in a super welterweight contest.

Michael Dicardi-Nelson also improved his record, stopping his opponent while Robert Quaye also dropped Mouibi Sarouna twice to a second round stoppage.

Quaye (18 – 0, 15 KOs), delivered a short left hook to the chin and followed with a straight right hook to the chest sending his opponent to the canvas. Quaye attacked Sarouna after the count with a scathing straight right to his face falling heavily on the ropes and then to the canvas again. Refree Shadrack Acquaye counted and waved to signal the end of the fight.

The 26 year old former WBO Africa super lightweight interim recently signed a co-managerial contract with his new promoters (ACE POWER Promotions) and his former managers and very confident 2021 is going to be a very good year for him.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

AIPS President Gianni Merlo delivering his welcome speech at the AIPS Sport Media Awards 2019 ceremony in Budapest, February 3, 2020. Photo by Carlo Pozzoni/Nordcapstudio

Gianni Merlo - AIPS President

LAUSANNE, December 31, 2020 - 2021 will be the year of Hope. The Hope that a vaccine will help us wake up from the nightmare that we have been experiencing since last February. The Hope that the world will work together to find new solutions to go back to the normal life. The Hope that the word lockdown will be forgotten. The Hope of rebuilding the credibility of our profession, because fake news is our Coronavirus. The Hope of returning to work and living the sport life again…

We experienced the strangest and most complicated summer in the history of mankind - all involved in the nightmare of the Coronavirus, or rather Covid-19. Paradoxically, every country experienced the same problem and suffered the same consequences. Everyone talked about the Spanish flu, the disease that claimed millions of victims worldwide, but this time the drama was shared more – experienced by more lives. 

Our profession has also been hurt because sport is still undergoing a sort of lockdown. Empty stadiums and ban on journalists are the situations these days. Life in many countries is not back to normal, especially sport, because crowds still need to be avoided. We are experiencing the second and third wave of the deadly virus.

Last summer and in the fall, football clubs and even some sports organizations denied the press access to sports facilities, even if there would be enough space to avoid risky contacts. It almost seems like they are doing a dress rehearsal to eliminate our critical presence altogether. Of course, this is just my doubt for now and I really hope I'm wrong, but the facts have led me to this bitter consideration.

Many colleagues have lost their jobs, as newspapers have entered an even deeper crisis and freelancers have fallen into despair. It will not be easy to get out of it, but this is the moment we have to react and revitalize our profession by studying new solutions to also counter the wave of fake news, which has been artfully created to discredit our work. This is why it is now essential to defend our principles, which are also the basis of every civil society. Sport needs healthy and independent journalism to fight corruption, which is a more difficult Coronavirus to stop. 

Investigative sources say that some criminal organizations are already looking to acquire ownership of teams, clubs, image of champions so that they can manipulate results and make huge profits with betting. We must avoid it, because a “fake” sport would experience a collapse that would make millions of employees lose their jobs - another social tsunami. We too are out to defend our profession, our occupation and our principles.

AIPS

Through the ingenuity of James C. Nortey, a former goalkeeper at Right To Dream (RTD) who later became a top striker in Europe with AB Academis Board Club, ten juvenile boxers have been granted three years scholarships.

The boxers were discovered at the exciting Besesaka Boxucation Juvenile Tournament held on Boxing Day, 26 December, 2020 at the Bukom Square.

Making the presentation at the plus Royal Dede Golden Beach Hotel at Korle Gonno, C. Nortey said he had been a street boy before, and knowing what kids of Bukom and James Town go through, he has to show some love by supporting the education of some lucky ones and help them to influence others.

He said after passing through RTD to the USA for 10 years and now in Denmark for 4 years and still counting, he wants the future generation to cherish education and combine it with their sporting talent.

Some of his teammates are Majeed Warris, David Accam and Mohammed Abu.

According to C. Nortey sports can lead the kids and youth of Ghana to greater heights to become heroes and super stars, so they need to be supported.

The children who benefitted are Ebenezer Ankrah 14 of New Era, Emmanuel Doemoh 12 of Sempe, William Laryea 12 of Alko Int. Millecent Dodoo 10, Caleb Dadzie 13 of Sempe, Edward Bonah 11 of St. Mary’s, Najat Naa Norley Lokko 11 of Happy Days and Caleb Mensah 14 of Universal.

The programme was beneficial to Rahman Ablorh of the Reformers Boxing Club in 2019 and this year with the partnership of Delegate more kids are benefitting.

Present at the presentation ceremony were the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) President Mr. George Lamptey, Dr. Ofori Asare, Coach Carl Lokko, Coach Vincent Akai Nettey, Coach Charles Quartey, Coach Zico and Coach Eben Adjei.

Coach Lokko whose daughter was awarded the Best Female Boxer advised parents of the awardees to be thankful for the chance and support the programme to last long for more juvenile boxers to enjoy.

The GBF President cautioned the recipients against social vices and urged them to be disciplined and be obedient to their parents and coaches.

He promised them more honours if they stay committed and represent Ghana at future international tournaments like the Olympic Games.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Swedish Division One League side, FC Trollhättan has completed the signing of Ghanaian striker Frederick Ofori Acheampong, Modernghana Sports can report.

The former Unistar Academy forward last played for Swedish Division 2 outfit Västra Frölunda where he scored a number of goals.

On the back of his outstanding displays, his services have been secured by FC Trollhättan for the upcoming 2021 football season.

“We are extremely happy to present the highly coveted striker Frederick Ofori Acheampong,” an official club statement said on Tuesday.

At FC Trollhättan, Frederick Ofori Acheampong has been signed on a two-year contract and will be expected to play a key role to help the team seek promotion to the Swedish top-flight league.

Frederick Ofori Acheampong, 24, is a younger brother to Tianjin TEDA captain Franck Acheampong.

He has in the past played for clubs including NK Sesvete and NK Dugopolje.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Former Ghana youth players Emmanuel Toku and Eric Ayiah will lead a star studded side against a flying Kakraba All Stars side on December 31 at the Kakraba Zion Park at 3:00pm.

Toku and Ayiah now ply their professional football careers in Denmark and France respectively and will like to use this game to unite the people of Kasoa and its environs, as well as call for peace in the whole country with the current happenings.

Kakraba All Stars will be parading stars like former Hearts of Oak players Mosses Andoh, Bawa Mumuni, newly formed Accra Five Star Football Club trio of Kojo Alhassan, Steven Abbii (Boateng) and Aikins from Panthere in Cameroon

According to the former U-20 captain, Toku as part of talents from Kasoa getting to the international scene they are here to encourage these young talents to also flourish in all endeavors.

The former Ghana U-17 captain Eric Ayiah who was nominated for the  CAF Youth Player of the Year 2018 said the fans must come and watch the future Black Stars.

Meanwhile, according to organizers, Kingsley Sports Agency headed  by Kingsley Attakorah, this match will be an annual event if the maiden edition becomes a success.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Mr. Ali Ajami, Marketing Director of Twellium Industrial Company Ltd has pledged his company’s support for Ghana Amateur Boxing and promised to refresh boxers, officials and guests at all events organized by the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF).

After refreshing patrons at the Special Fight Night in honour of the late former President J.J. Rawlings, Twellium were on hand again on Boxing Day, December 26 to support the Special Juvenile Tournament staged by Besesaka Boxing Projects.

Mr. Ali Ajami, who has been appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations youth in Ghana said Ghana Boxing is a great brand, and they are proud to be associated with Ghana Boxing and hope Ghana wins a medal at the Olympic Games.

Twellium has through its products, Run and Rush Energy Drinks sponsored professional boxing events.

Mr. George Lamptey, President of the GBF also expressed his joy for the Twellium support as they are able to refresh many people who love the game.

He said Twellium has been supportive and wonderful since they associated themselves with Amateur Boxing.

According to him, two boxers have qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games, and they need motivation and inspiration to win medals for Ghana.

Samuel Takyi and Suleimana Tetteh have both promised to enter the medal zone and make themselves proud.

Meanwhile, Besesaka Boxing Projects has promised to award scholarships to some promising  juvenile boxers who were selected during their tournament.

By Sammy Heywood Okine