Arsène Wenger, FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, has suggested that Ghana, along with other African countries, will benefit from a standard football academy built by FIFA.

His comments came after attending the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Ivory Coast emerged victorious.

The former Arsenal manager revealed that FIFA is working on improving football worldwide and plans to open academies in 75 countries by the end of 2026.

"We are nearing the opening of new academies in Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Ghana, and Zambia within the next six months to a year. By 2026, we expect to have 75 academies worldwide. This represents a significant step forward in football education, which is our current focus," Wenger stated as reported by FIFA.

He continued, "Our objective is to raise the standard and competitiveness of the game, which can only be achieved through improved football education and higher-quality competitions."

Source footballghana

The Michigan Aerospace Manufacturing Association (MAMA) is poised to support Ghana in many areas especially aerospace.

The MAMA has held consultations with experts and citizens on development as the global focus is now based on digitalization.

MAMA serves interest in space ecosystem encouraging private / public partnerships that will affect standard of living of all residents.

MAMA members focus on all phases of aerospace manufacturing from tool to assembly and provide a wide range of services such as business development, education, networking, legislative updates and industry events.

MAMA is committed to positioning Michigan as mid - America's Space Harbor ensuring to play leadership role in the growing commercial and government aerospace industry.

Ghana provides a strategic, geographical advantage because it is close to the Equator, and as the earth rotates, the rotation provides a natural advantage to put satellites into orbit. The further away from the Equator, it takes more energy which means more financial cost.

European and Canadian space companies have been putting launch facilities into African countries including Ghana.

Amazon, Space X and European  broadband internet companies are seeking launch sites that are politically safe, can be guaranteed to be secured from any threats, and fuel sources can be obtained from locally and maintained.

The companies are working to put their satellites constellations into low earth orbit (LEO). There is a race to put thousands of micro satellites into orbit.

MAMA representative Mr. Emmanuel Quaye says Ghana stands to benefit and urged the citizens to be aware and conscious of current global developments with technology.

Mr. Gavin Brown, CEO of the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturing Association hopes the government and people of Ghana would offer the space of opportunity internally and externally for support to gain the benefits from space technology.

He will lead a powerful delegation of MAMA from the United States of America to discuss the next steps to build a spaceport in Ghana since Ghana is closer to the Equator.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Mr. Evans Yeboah. President of Ghana Badminton believes the 13^th African Games will be massive and interesting.

Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive interview on Ghana’s preparations, he noted that everything is on course and the facilities are ready to host one of the best multi sports event in Accra.

“We have beautiful facilities at Borteyman and Legon for our sports and we should maintain them very well” he stated.

He commended the Minister of Youth & Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) led by Dr. Kwaku Ofosu - Asare for their hard work.

Mr. Yeboah who has been supporting the organization of the Games due to his expertise in sports management, administration, accreditation, selecting volunteers was very optimistic that the Games would be successful.

He acknowledged that many people thought the Games could not be held or would be taken to another country, but the vision and mission of the government was committed to hosting the first African Games in Ghana since 1965.

He said over 700 journalists have applied for accreditation, and over 5,000 athletes and officials are expected to attend the event slated for March 8^th to 23, 2024.

“As for the volunteers, they are plenty as everyone wants to contribute, especially the students” he said

He expressed that the various sub committees under the LOC are working tirelessly around the clock to deliver the best African Games.

29 sporting disciplines would be competed to determine the sports super power on the African continent.

49 nations have confirmed their participation which will include some of the best sportsmen and women.

Mr. Evans Yeboah called on the media to give positive reports on the Games to attract sponsors.

“It’s all about Ghana and Africa, so let’s be positive and believe in ourselves that we are capable and we can do it” he stressed.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Newly elected Vice President of the United Boxing Coaches Association, Coach Lawrence Carl Lokko has called on the LOC for the upcoming 13^th African Games to support the Ghana Boxing Supporters Union (GHABSU) to cheer the national boxing team, the black bombers through out all their competitions at the boxing venue.

In an exclusive interview shortly after he was elected, the Ghana Boxing Authority and Ghana Mixed Martial Arts Board member thanked all the coaches and urged them to come together to position Ghana Boxing well on the African map.

He observed that there would be no Ghanaian among the officials, referees and judges and the only way the Black Bombers can win is by getting moral support from the fans.

The experienced technical man appealed to the LOC, NSA and the Ministry of Youth & Sports to aid GHABSU to be at the Bukom Boxing Arena to cheer the Ghana national team, so that they can have the energy and confidence to claim many medals in boxing.

“All they need is their transport, water, food and per diem and they will deliver” he said.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Osibor Boxing Promotions is coming up with their second promotion headlined with the LBO Super Bantamweight Championship between John 'The Monster' Zile of Bronx Gym against vs good old stylish veteran Raymond Commey also known as ‘Chorkor Banku’ on Saturday, 24 February at the Awudome Park in Accra.

According to Mr. Gordon Frimpong, MD of Osibor Mangement, they have come to take boxing and business to a higher new level to boast tourism.

He noted that Osibor has discovered some talented boxers from the Bronx Boxing Gym who need to be pushed to win titles for Ghana.

He said the gate fees will be very moderate to enable more fans to come and watch.

Meanwhile, Mr. Frimpong wishes to thank all supporters of the Stanley Nyantekyi aka Ashanti Warrior who won the LBO Intercontinental Featherweight belt at the Golden Beach Hostel at Korle Gonno.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The 10^th edition of the biggest international race, Millennium Marathon has been launched at the KGL House at Cantonments in Accra on Thursday February 15, 2024 by the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon Evans Opoku Bobie MP.

He congratulated organisers and sponsors of the KGL Millennium Marathon, 21km which has been sustained over the years with increased participation and mouth watering prizes for winners.

He expressed that the event which would be held on September 7, 2024 promotes healthy living, tourism, business and investment, while drawing local and international athletes to Ghana since 2015.

Hon. Bobie mentioned and commended the first winners and current winners as well as Ethiopian legend Haile Gabreselasie who brought much excitement and attention to the country in the premier race.

Mrs. Cathy Morton, the Race Director said the Millennium Marathon is a vision that has become a reality, and beacon of excellence attracting runners from across the globe, symbolizing unity, health and community spirit.

She revealed that World Athletics has confirmed to feature the Millennium Marathon on their calendar, while timing chips will be introduced this season.

She announced the prizes as 75, 000ghc for 21km male and female winners, 50,000 for runner ups and 35,000ghc each for third placers, while fourth to 25^th position will also be rewarded.

5 km race winners will also go home with attractive prizes.

Present at the launch were Mr. Hubert Mensah and Ms Philippina Frimpong of the National Sports Authority (NSA) who assured of support towards the event, Chief Superintendent Maxwell Antwi who assured tight security, Mr. Edwin Lamptey of headline sponsor KGL Foundation, Ms. Mavis Asante of Interplast, also a sponsor and Prince Oko Nartey, a boxer who won a raffle attached to the Millennium Marathon last year.

Registration to participate can be done by dialing the shortcode *800*17# or through the website millenniummarathon.com.

Interested athletes must register with GH₵ 100 for the 21km category or GH₵ 70 for the 5km.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Charles Quartey, founders and head coach of Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation has been elected new President of the United Boxing Coaches Association of Ghana.

He defeated Coach Believer aka Rashid Williams by 52-13 in the elections which was held in Accra today Thursday 15^th February, 2024.

Coach Lawrence Carl Lokko of the Bronx Boxing Gym was elected first Vice President, while the second Vice President went to Michael Benjamin Addy.

Coach Ebenezer Adjei aka Killa of Black Panthers got the Organiser position while Augustus Dodoo and Gabriel Allotey were elected Executive Members. The position of General Secretary went to Ernest Ofori of the Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

It is 100 acres of land acquired from the University of Ghana.  It was supposed to be a one stop sports complex with a 50k seater Stadium.

But COVID-19 delayed the project so the stadium was shifted to the second phase. 

In its place, University of Ghana stadium has been upgraded to an Olympic Stadium Standard to be used for the 13th African Games.

*The African Dream is Ready At the Borteyman.*

1) 1000 seater 10 lane competition and warmup swimming pool

2) 5 tennis courts including a Centre Court

3) Multi Purpose Hall for indoor sports

4) A Multipurpose Dome. For indoor games that require bigger space like handball

5) Athletic Track and field.

6) Administrative block.

Sod cutting took place on 31 August 2021

Commissioned on 13th February 2024

Number of Days 896 days

31 August 2021 – 13 February 2024

Experience The African Dream!!!

#Accra2023 l

#AfricanGames

#Accra2023Transport

Vice President Bawumia is special guest of honour for J.A Kufuor Cup

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will be the special guest of honour for the highly anticipated J.A Kufuor Cup at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday, February 18, 2024.

The fixture will be between premier league giants Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC who would both fight for the coveted trophy.

The Vice President, together with other dignitaries from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, National Sports Authority, Ghana Football Association (GFA), members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), have all pledged their support to grace the occasion. 

The J.A. Kufuor Cup is organised by the John Agyekum Kufuor foundation to raise funds and honour the profound legacy of the former President.

Former Black Stars Captain, Stephen Appiah, GFA President Kurt Okraku have all pledged their support for the match and have purchased over 5000 match tickets to be distributed to football fans for the match on Sunda.

This is the second edition of the JA Kufuor Cup match.

The maiden edition was between Asante Kotoko and Ashantigold at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Stephen Appiah, former Black Stars Captain has purchased a total of 1000 tickets to support the J.A Kufuor Cup which will be played between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC on Sunday February 18, 2024.

The competition is part of arrangements by the John Agyekum Kufuor Foundation to support the noble works of the foundation by raising funds and honour the profound legacy of the former President.

Speaking at the unveiling of the J.A Kufuor Cup, Appiah said “With the support you showed us during my time as a captain, on Sunday I want to purchase 1000 tickets to also support the game”.

He expressed appreciation to the former President following the role he played in developing sports during his tenure as President of Ghana.

He recalled years back when the Black Stars qualified for their first World Cup tournament after much effort by President Kufuor who was always at their aid in times of need.

Stephen Appiah, who was a key member of the  2006 squad said the former President built a friendly relationship with the Black Stars which motivated the boys put up an exceptional performance both on the continent and at the world stage.

The former Juventus man wished the two teams, Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC goodluck ahead of the high-anticipated clash at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium this weekend.

Source William Ezah