Joseph Tetteh Zutah, former captain of Medeama SC and current administrative manager, has been appointed as the Director of the Ghana FA Elite Training Academy.
The announcement was made during the Ghana Football Association's Meet the Press event in Kumasi.
Zutah's extensive experience in football management, highlighted by his tenure with the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana and his role at Premier League champions Medeama SC, impressed the FA's leadership, leading to his appointment.
The establishment of the GFA Elite Academy in Winkogo, Upper East Region, underscores the association's dedication to grassroots football development. Under the leadership of Kurt Okraku, the FA is accelerating efforts to establish 15 additional Elite Academies nationwide, with the Winkogo center serving as the inaugural facility.
As Director, Tetteh Zutah will oversee the Elite Academy's operations, ensuring it delivers top-notch training to nurture the country's young football talents. The Ghana Football Association has entrusted Zutah to collaborate with industry experts to achieve the Academy's objectives and cultivate the next generation of football stars.
The Ghana Football Association has announced the appointment of Professor JK Mintah as the new Technical Director, succeeding Bernhard Lippert.
Professor Mintah brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served as the Head of Coaching Education at the FA’s Technical Directorate.
His extensive knowledge and expertise in coaching development make him a fitting choice for this key position within the organization.
With this appointment, the Ghana Football Association aims to further enhance and strengthen its technical capabilities, ensuring the continued growth and success of football in the country.
Professor JK Mintah’s tenure as Technical Director is eagerly anticipated, as he steps into this crucial role to guide and shape the future of football development in Ghana.
Kurt Okraku, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), remains resolute in his belief that Ghanaian football can be revitalized.
Acknowledging the public criticism following the disappointing performance of the Black Stars at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Okraku emphasized the need for collective effort and openness to transformative ideas to restore the sport's former glory.
Speaking at the Meet the Press event in Kumasi, Okraku asserted, "We need the collective effort of all and sundry. We take responsibility as leaders of the association but will count on the collective ideas to continue to transform the sport."
Highlighting the FA's commitment to reclaiming the passion and success of Ghanaian football, Okraku urged all stakeholders to unite in the endeavor. He emphasized the importance of listening to diverse perspectives and engaging with the public to solicit feedback and ideas for improvement.
"The FA is very much committed to bringing back the lost glory and the passion of our people. All our publics must stand shoulder to shoulder with us. In good times and in bad times, we are ready to listen to the other minds. We have to let people speak to us and tell us what they think," Okraku stated.
With a collaborative approach and a commitment to transparency and inclusivity, Okraku believes that Ghana football can overcome its challenges and regain its prominence on the global stage.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) organized a meeting with the press in Kumasi on Wednesday, February 7, at the Lancaster Hotel.
The Disciplinary Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has initiated proceedings against Alhaji Brimah Moro Akanbi, a board member of Hearts of Oak, following his recent public criticism of match officials.
In a televised interview on Mother TV, Alhaji Akanbi attributed Hearts of Oak's poor performance in the first round of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League to the decisions made by match officials during their matches.
He accused the officials of bias against the Phobians, suggesting that their decisions unfairly impacted the team's position on the league table.
In response, the GFA issued a statement accusing Alhaji Akanbi of misconduct and undermining the integrity of the Ghana Premier League.
The association cited a breach of Section 34(6)(d) of the GFA Premier League Regulations, 2019, pertaining to comments made about match officials in the media.
The statement further declared that Alhaji Akanbi's remarks constituted misconduct that tarnished the reputation of the sport.
“Hearts of Oak’s Amadu Moro Akanbi has been charged with a breach of Section 34(6)(d) of the GFA Premier League Regulations, 2019 following comments made about Match Officials in the media,” the statement read.
“It is alleged that his commentary on the Match Officials constitutes misconduct that brings the name of the game into disrepute.”
Alhaji Akanbi has been given until Thursday, February 8, 2024, to provide a response to the charges leveled against him by the GFA.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, expressed his disappointment at the Black Stars' failure to clinch the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, emphasizing that bringing the cup home was their collective hope and dream.
"Our hope, our dream was to bring the cup back home. It didn't work out and we can't be disappointed enough," Okraku stated during a press conference in Kumasi.
Despite the setback, Okraku maintained optimism about the future of Ghanaian football, highlighting the GFA's reflective approach and decisive actions aimed at enhancing the sport in the country.
"Management and technical decisions have seen us reflect on our work as a team. To reflect on what policies to help bring back the love and glory for the country," Okraku explained.
Acknowledging football's unifying role in Ghana, Okraku underscored the sport's significance in fostering unity among people of diverse backgrounds and religions.
"Football is the sport that unites our country Ghana. It is the sport that has brought us together, It is the sport that has brought religious and people from varied backgrounds together," Okraku noted.
He further disclosed that the GFA has been engaged in a reflective period, assessing their performance and identifying areas for improvement.
"It's been a reflective period for us and we have to be decisive and take far-reaching decisions that will impact positively in the game," Okraku added.
Okraku's remarks come in the aftermath of the Black Stars' early exit from the AFCON tournament, where they were eliminated in the group stages after failing to secure a single victory.
Despite the challenges, Okraku remains confident in the GFA's ability to instigate positive changes and elevate the sport's status in Ghana.
The latest figure to apply for the Black Stars vacant coaching role is George Boateng- who has served as the team's assistant gaffer for over two years now.
The Ghana Football Association per reports in the media, are monitoring Mauritania national team head coach Amir Abdou and are willing to hand him the Black Stars vacant coaching role.
Mauritania's head coach, Amir Abdou, currently engaged in negotiations with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has reportedly received a lucrative offer of USD45,000 per month, according to exclusive reports from AfricaSoccer.com.
This enticing proposal surpasses the USD35,000 offer presented by the Mauritanian Football Federation for a three-year contract extension, casting uncertainty over Abdou's future with his current team.
The Ghana FA is eager to secure the services of the French/Comorian tactician to fill the void left by the dismissal of Chris Hughton, following Ghana's disappointing campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Black Stars failed to progress from their group.
Abdou's discontent with the treatment he has received from the Mauritanian media has further complicated the negotiation process.
Moreover, reports suggest that the Mauritanian Federation is already contemplating Spanish trainer Aritz Lopez Garay as a potential replacement, indicating a proactive approach even before Abdou's potential departure for the Ghanaian national team.
With Abdou's current contract set to expire on March 1, 2024, time is of the essence in this unfolding situation.
Abdou has previously steered Mauritania to their most successful AFCON campaign, reaching the Round of 16 stage after securing a notable victory over Algeria.
His coaching achievements extend to Comoros, where he guided the team to their inaugural AFCON appearance, including a memorable group stage victory over Ghana in 2021, although they ultimately bowed out in the Round of 16.
Amidst the evolving circumstances, the prospect of Abdou extending his tenure with Mauritania appears uncertain unless significant developments occur in the negotiation process.
Amid mounting calls for Manchester United's rising star Kobbie Mainoo to join the Black Stars squad, former Ghana midfielder Laryea Kingston has advocated for patience and a strategic approach in considering the youngster's inclusion.
The buzz surrounding Mainoo intensified following his stellar performances in the English Premier League, notably his game-winning goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Thursday.
While acknowledging the Ghana Football Association's (GFA) interest in Mainoo, Kingston, currently serving as an assistant coach for the Black Starlets, emphasized the importance of a systematic approach.
Speaking to Graphic Sports, Kingston emphasized the need for engaging with Mainoo and creating a welcoming environment before rushing into a national team call-up.
“Here is a case where we have a young boy coming up and he is doing well with Manchester United and all of a sudden Ghanaians say we should bring him. Have we thought about integration, how many times has he even come to Ghana?” he said.
Highlighting his own experience in integrating overseas-born talents like Junior Agogo and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie into the national team, Kingston stressed the importance of making Mainoo feel at home.
He urged for personal visits to Manchester United to connect with Mainoo and ensure his comfort before considering him for the national team.
Kingston emphasized the necessity of evaluating Mainoo's playing style and its alignment with the Black Stars' strategy and philosophy.
Additionally, he urged caution in assessing Mainoo's connection to Ghana and the potential challenges of integrating a player who may not have strong ties to the country despite his heritage.
“We need to talk to him, visit him at Manchester United and let him feel that he is welcome then slowly you lure him into the environment. Agogo and Quincy and all those people, some of us were part of their integration. We helped them to fit in and feel comfortable,” he recalled.
The search for a new coach for the Ghana national team has garnered significant attention, with more than 600 applications received from coaches worldwide.
Following the dismissal of Chris Hughton due to the team's underwhelming performance at the AFCON 2023, where they failed to secure a single victory in the group stage, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) formed a committee to oversee the selection process.
Led by Vice President Mark Addo, the committee aims to appoint a coach who embodies Ghana's football ethos, possesses a winning mentality, and aligns with the team's philosophy.
Notable applicants include former Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath, ex-West Ham coach Nikola Jurcevic, and former Black Stars assistant coach Maxwell Konadu, among others. Michael Osei, former coach of Bibiani Goldstars, is also among the applicants.
The GFA set a deadline for applications, which has now passed, and the selection process is underway. Candidates must have a minimum of 15 years of coaching experience, along with strong disciplinary and tactical skills.
Coaches from various continents, including Europe, South America, North America, and Africa, as well as local Ghanaian coaches, are vying for the prestigious role.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the GFA's decision, expected to be announced later this month, as they hope for a new coach capable of leading the Black Stars to success on the international stage.
In the aftermath of Ghana's disappointing performance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Laryea Kingston, a former player for the national team, has expressed his eagerness to step into the role of the next Black Stars' head coach.
With coach Chris Hughton and his staff dismissed after Ghana's group-stage exit, Kingston, who currently serves as the assistant coach for Ghana's U17 team, sees an opportunity to contribute to the team's revival.
During Hughton's tenure, Ghana failed to secure a victory at the tournament, facing a defeat to Cape Verde and settling for draws against Egypt and Mozambique.
Kingston, with over 40 appearances for the Black Stars, emphasized the importance of considering a competent local coach or an experienced expatriate coach for the vacant position.
“Find a local coach or someone that we know is for us who is competent, then if you are bringing an expatriate coach, look for one who has the experience to support him [local coach].“
"I will accept and do it with ease. I know the level at which I am now," affirmed the 43-year-old, who holds a UEFA B coaching license acquired in February 2022.
Kingston has been actively involved in youth development, previously working at the Right to Dream Academy before taking up his current role with Ghana's U17s.
