Former Ghana international, Raphael Dwamena who died on Saturday, November 11, 2023, after collapsing on the field during an Albanian Super League match will be laid to rest in his native Ghana today February 16, 2024.
Kurt Okraku, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has issued a stern warning, stating that players may refuse selection for the Black Stars if subjected to severe abuse following poor performances.
The Black Stars faced intense criticism after their disappointing showing at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, where they were eliminated in the group stage.
Addressing the media during the GFA meet the press event in Kumasi, Okraku pleaded with fans to refrain from abusing players, emphasizing the detrimental impact such behavior could have on player morale and willingness to represent the national team.
“If we excessively criticize our players when things go wrong, we risk losing their commitment and dedication. That's why I've consistently emphasized the need for unwavering support for our players, regardless of the circumstances,” Okraku stated.
He also stressed the importance of entrusting crucial decisions regarding player selection to the technical team, highlighting the expertise and judgment of the coaching staff.
Ghana's disappointing campaign at the 2023 AFCON saw them finish third in a group featuring Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique. Despite efforts to salvage the tournament, the Black Stars suffered a 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde and consecutive 2-2 draws against Egypt and Mozambique, sealing their premature exit.
This marked the second consecutive tournament where Ghana failed to progress beyond the group stage, extending the nation's AFCON title drought to 42 years.
Okraku's plea underscores the need for a supportive environment to foster player development and success, urging fans to rally behind the team during both good and challenging times.
Maxwell Konadu, former assistant coach for the Ghana national team, is reportedly being evaluated for a return to the Black Stars setup, this time as an assistant coach alongside Otto Addo.
Konadu, currently managing Nsoatreman FC, has recently expressed interest in the head coaching position for the national team. However, the Ghana Football Association is exploring various options following the dismissal of Chris Hughton, including the possibility of Konadu serving as an assistant coach.
With over a decade of experience with the national team, Konadu previously served as an assistant and interim coach from 2012 to 2022. The vacancy for the head coach position emerged after Hughton's departure following Ghana's early exit at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
While initial reports suggested Konadu's interest in the top coaching role, recent developments indicate that he could potentially join Otto Addo's coaching staff. Addo, currently a member of Borussia Dortmund's coaching staff, previously led the Black Stars in 2022, successfully guiding Ghana to qualify for the 2022 World Cup by defeating Nigeria.
Discussions regarding the coaching dynamics are ongoing within the Ghana Football Association's leadership. A final decision on the coaching staff, including the potential return of Otto Addo and the role of Maxwell Konadu, is anticipated to be made before the end of February.
The Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, has issued a cautionary message to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) regarding its search for a new coach for the Black Stars.
Expressing his views, the Member of Parliament for Suame advised against appointing a well-established coach for the team. "Let’s not go for already made coaches because they don’t add value to the national team. The up-and-coming ones can help in building a solid team for the Black Stars. It’s time to dwell on the young ones as it was previously done," he emphasized during parliamentary proceedings.
Following the disappointing performance of the national team at the recently concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where Ivory Coast emerged as champions, the Ghana Football Association took the decision to part ways with the former Premier League manager and the entire technical staff.
The domestic football governing body is currently on the hunt for a new coach to lead the national team.
Amidst these developments, allegations of interference in player selection within the various national teams have surfaced in recent years, with scrutiny directed towards the GFA.
Such claims resurfaced during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) when Richard Ofori, who was inactive, was chosen as the first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Jojo Wollacott.
Subsequently, Chris Hughton's team exited the tournament at the group stage without securing a single victory, leading to the dismissal of the Irishman from his role.
After reporting earlier that Ghana Football Association (GFA) are contemplating on reappointing Otto Addo as new head coach of the Black Stars.
As Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC prepares to face each other on Sunday, February 18, 2024 in the JA Kufuor Cup match at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, former Captain of the senior national team, Stephen 'Tonaldo' Appiah have thrown his weight behind the event.
In anticipation of the crucial third-round Olympic Games qualifiers against Zambia, Black Queens coach Nora Häuptle has revealed the squad tasked with representing Ghana in the upcoming showdown.
Following their underwhelming performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, the Black Stars of Ghana have experienced a significant decline in the February FIFA World Rankings.
Previously holding the 61st position at the close of 2023, the team has now plummeted to 67th globally, marking a notable slide down the rankings both globally and on the African continent.
In the CAF rankings, Ghana now occupies the 14th position, with Cape Verde, South Africa, and DR Congo overtaking the four-time AFCON champions.
These shifts in rankings come in the aftermath of the conclusion of the 2023 AFCON, hosted in Cote d'Ivoire, where the host team, the Elephants, emerged victorious on home soil.
Ghana's premature exit from the tournament occurred at the group stage, securing only two points from their encounters against Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique.
Meanwhile, Côte d'Ivoire (39th, up 10) basks in the rewards of their continental triumph at home. Despite their commendable progress, Nigeria, the tournament runners-up (28th, up 14), are surpassed by Angola (93rd, up 24), the team they defeated in the quarter-finals, making Angola the most improved side in the latest global rankings.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) per reports are contemplating on reappointing Otto Addo as new head coach of the Black Stars.
After the Black Stars' disappointing performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif disclosed that $3 million was spent on the team during the tournament.
Ghana's exit occurred following a third-place finish in a group alongside Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique.
Despite a 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde and back-to-back 2-2 draws against Egypt and Mozambique, the Black Stars failed to progress to the Round of 16.
During a session in Parliament on Wednesday, the minister disclosed that the Ministry had budgeted approximately $8.5 million, with $5 million released by the Finance Ministry for the initial phase of the competition.
"Our estimated budget for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament was $8,506,450.00 to cover the team’s pre-tournament and tournament phases," he stated.
"Out of this amount, $5,071,840.36 was released by the Ministry of Finance, of which $3,070,067.81 was allocated for per diems, flights, medical expenses, equipment, logistics, and hospitality."
"After our elimination from the tournament, we had a surplus of $2,001,772.55," he added.
He also noted the contribution of $400,000.00 from MTN Ghana, which significantly supplemented the government's expenses for the tournament.
"An amount of US$400,000.00 was received from MTN Ghana. This contributed immensely in complimenting Government’s expenditure towards the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.”
Additionally, Ussif refuted claims that each Black Stars player received $30,000 before the final Group B game against Mozambique as motivation.
This marks Ghana's second consecutive AFCON exit at the group stage without securing a victory, extending the nation's quest for its fifth AFCON title to 42 years.
Asante Kotoko head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum has shouldered full responsibility for his team's elimination from the Ghana FA Cup competition following a disappointing 2-0 loss to Karela United in the Round of 16.
Despite a strong first-half performance from both sides at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium, neither team managed to score. However, Karela United surged ahead in the second half, securing their spot in the quarterfinals with goals from Solomon Aboagye in the 47th minute and Giyas in the 65th minute.
In response to the defeat, Ogum has accepted blame for his team's elimination and expressed regret for falling short of the fans' expectations.
“I take full responsibility for our exit from the FA Cup. The team's performance fell short of the high expectations of our loyal supporters and friends,” Ogum stated on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Despite the setback, Ogum remains determined and has vowed to bounce back, pledging to focus on the pursuit of the Ghana Premier League title.
“We are sorry for the disappointment. We are dedicated and committed to come back and fight for the Ghana Premier League,” he affirmed.
Ghana's Minister of Youth and Sports announced on Tuesday that the state-of-the-art Borteyman Sports Complex will transform into the University of Sports and Development following the conclusion of the Accra 2023 African games.
