The Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Prof. Amin Alhassan, has clarified that the media house received $105,000, and not $3 million as stated by Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Prof. Amin Alhassan and Mustapha Ussif
Responding to a query from Sam Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, about the payment status for coverage, Mustapha had stated that full payment had been made.
“GBC was the official broadcaster for the 13th All African Games, and I can confirm that full payment has been made to GBC. I can’t remember the exact amount but I know that it is in the excess of $3 million,” he said.
But reacting to the comment, Prof. Alhassan refuted the claims made by the Minister in an interview on GTV.
“We facilitated payments to foreign third parties who came in to do the production and not for the benefit of GBC. GBC’s benefit, I repeat, $105,000 and that is what we got.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry is yet to react to the counter-response from GBC.
Prior to the Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup qualifying match against the Central African Republic on Monday night, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of Ghana, visited the players and the team management.
At the Baba Yara Stadium, the four-time African champions take on the Central African Republic’s Wild Beast at 7:00 p.m.
However, the Vice President, who doubles as the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has inspired the players to perform well in their matchup with Central Africa Republic.
He was accompanied by the Sports Minister, Ussif Mustapha.
The entourage was received by the President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku and head coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo.
“An incredible boost of support from the Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as he visits our team ahead of tonight’s game against Central African Republic” a post shared on the Black Stars platform on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Ghana’s group is widely open, with all teams having a fair chance after three rounds of matches. The four-time Africa champions are tied on six points with Madagascar and Comoros.
The aforementioned countries are closely followed by Mali with four points and the Central African Republic also with four points, while Chad is at the bottom with no points.
However, the Black Stars must ensure they secure maximum points over the Wild Beast on home turf to push them further on the standings in Group I.
As the match draws closer, fans are gearing up for what is expected to be a thrilling encounter. With the Baba Yara Stadium set to be filled to capacity, the atmosphere promises to be electric, providing the Black Stars with the support they need to secure victory.
A win for Ghana will see them claim nine points from their opening four games having lost to Comoros last year.
Returnee Black Stars coach Otto Addo on Tuesday expressed his excitement to be back at the helm of the senior national team as he announced a 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
“I’m really really excited, happy to be back. It was not easy but the FA had a lot of talk with Dortmund and even though I still have one more year contract, we managed to get out and I’m happy to be home and I’m back home now. I’m really really excited,
I’m looking forward to the first match, (it) will be difficult, very, very difficult especially as we are some points behind the first placed, and as you know only the first-placed will qualify, tough situation but yea, I’m looking forward for the game and I think we will manage it,” said Otto Addo shortly before he announced his squad.
Otto Addo
Otto Addo’s squad begins camping on Thursday, May 30.
The players are:
Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati Zigi, Wollacott, Frederick Asare.
Defenders: Gideon Mensah, Ebenezer Annan, Mohammed Salisu, Jerome Opoku, Abdul Mumin, Alexander Djiku and Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey
Midfielders: Mohammed Kudus, Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Salis Samed, Ibrahim Sulemana, Thomas Partey, Edmund Addo, Elisha Owusu and Abu Francis.
Forwards: Osman Bukari, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, Ibrahim Osman Kamaldeen Sumenana and Brandon Thomas-Asante.
Ghana will face Mali on June 6 before facing the Central African Republic on June 10.
Otto Addo resigned as Black Stars coach in December 2022 after the team’s elimination from the 2022 World Cup following a 2-0 loss to Uruguay in their final Group H match. He however insisted his resignation was in keeping with his then existing contractual terms with German football side, Dortmund, rather than the result of the match.
He had taken over the Black Stars coaching job back in February following the dismissmal of Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has charged the playing body of Asante Kotoko to turn their ailing season around in the final stretch of the campaign after their recent misfortunes.
Kotoko are winless in seven games in the Ghana Premier League and occupy the 11th position after 26 genes played.
The team met the Asantehene who opened discussions with the players and technical team to determine the issues accountable for their poor performances.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene
He also used the opportunity to address the team’s grievances.
In his discussion with the team, he stated explicitly that “no member of the team works for any individual but him, and therefore should put their differences aside and fight for the team, as he won’t watch the team go down under his reign.”
“I am expecting something better from you,” said Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
“Prove to me that you are capable and if the coach is the problem, then I will take a decision on him. But for now, make sure you go and play and win.”
The Porcupine Warriors take on league leaders FC Samartex on Sunday on matchday 27 of the league looking to bounce back to winning ways.
Firstly, I thank the Almighty God for His Grace and Blessings working at the National Sports Authority (NSA) as Director General well over five (5) years. I’m grateful to the President H E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for appointing me into such a high office, serving over 50 Sports Associations, developing grassroot sports in all the 16 Administrative Regions, managing all sports facilities in the country and creating new ones, and providing sports services to the over 32 million Ghanaians, and billions of people across the globe.
Prof.Peter Twumasi
In this period Ghana has seen unprecedented sports infrastructure development (over 150 Astroturfs constructed anew, 10 multipurpose stadia, infrastructure for hosting for the first time African Games etc), winning Olympic medal first in 30 years, increased medal winnings at African Games and Commonwealth Games, and so on and so forth.
It was during this period we successfully hosted all qualifiers in our stadia for AFCONs and World Cup, qualifying for Qatar 2022 after missing the 2018 World Cup.The NSA despite its financial constraints intensified innovative IGF activities to self-finance almost all of its activities.
The Authority in this era also increased its workforce by about 100%, making our presence felt in all the 16 Administrative Regions and some districts.
I thank my family for their support and patience as I got fully occupied and engaged with these national assignments. I thank the enthusiastic staff of NSA for their dedication to work and their support to realize all these achievements.
I also express my gratitude to the Media, especially those in sports for your effectiveness in transmitting the sports products and services to the enjoyment of our people.
I take this opportunity to wish my brother Hon Dodzie Numekevor the very best as he takes over the baton in leading NSA. I appeal to the staff and entire sports fraternity to support him to deliver on the mandates assigned him.
May God bless everyone who supported me in diverse ways to offer my services to our beloved country.
The recent edition of the President’s Cup held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium was marred by poor organization and missed opportunities. Despite being a free event, the stadium failed to attract a full crowd, and the overall ambiance and publicity surrounding the games were severely lacking.
This article aims to address the concerns raised by the disorganized event and shed light on how the organizers missed a chance to promote Ghanaian football and boost struggling clubs in the country.
Missed Opportunities:
One of the missed opportunities during the President’s Cup was the failure to mobilize supporters of the ruling NPP party to the stadium.
With effective organization, the event could have been an excellent platform for showcasing support for President Nana Akufo Addo and his Ivorian counterpart.
The absence of a passionate crowd impacted the overall atmosphere and enthusiasm around the games.
Another disappointing aspect was the overcrowding of media personnel around the president and their bodyguards. This unprofessional scene gave the event a disorganized and chaotic feel.
A more structured approach should have been taken to ensure that the media coverage was well-coordinated and that the focus remained on the football action rather than the prominent figures present.
Local Participation:
It is worth questioning the decision to invite a Togolese referee and an Ivorian team, ASEC to play against Kumasi Asante Kotoko, for the event. Ghana boasts talented referees and football clubs that could have been given an opportunity to showcase their abilities.
Inviting a local team would have not only strengthened the bond between the government and the local football community but also provided financial support to struggling clubs in the Ghana Premier League.
Financial Implications:
The money spent on inviting the foreign club that ultimately secured the trophy could have been utilized to support domestic clubs in financial distress. Ghanaian football has seen its fair share of struggles, with clubs often grappling with financial woes.
By diverting funds towards supporting these clubs, the government could have made a tangible impact on the state of football in the country.
Conclusion:
The 2024 President’s Cup highlighted a lack of organization, missed opportunities, and a failure to utilize the event to its full potential. By ensuring the involvement of NPP supporters, inviting local teams, and redirecting funds towards struggling Premier League clubs, the event could have fostered a stronger sense of unity and support for Ghanaian football.
It is imperative that future editions of the President’s Cup prioritize local participation and focus on empowering Ghanaian clubs to elevate the overall standard of football in the country.
Source: Isaac Justice Bediako broadcast Journalist EIB-Network
MTN Ghana, the official headline sponsor of the Ghana Black Stars, is set to thrill Ghanaians during the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast with unforgettable activities. MTN has outlined several initiatives to whip up excitement in Ghanaians for the enthralling action taking place in Ivory Coast.
163 Lucky Customers Fly to La Côte D’Ivoire.
One hundred and sixty-three customers of MTN Ghana have received an all-expenses paid trip to the Ivory Coast from 13th to 23rd January 2024 to watch the Ghana Group matches and cheer the national team to the next round.
This amazing offer comes as a special loyalty package to selected customers.
Customers and MTN employees who were selected were thrilled to have the opportunity to travel on an all-expenses paid trip to La Côte D’Ivoire for the tournament.
AFCON 2024 Updates via Ayoba
MTN Ghana will share regular updates from the camp of the Black Stars through the Ayoba Messaging App.
Supporters of the Black Stars and sports enthusiasts are encouraged to download the Ayoba app from the App Store or Google Play, so they don’t miss out on all the juicy stories from the camp.
Spreading the love of the Black Stars through Watch Parties
MTN in partnership with Max TV will host various watch parties in selected locations across the country.
The watch parties will provide enhanced viewing experiences on wide screens, coupled with immersive build up activities such as cheerleading and trivia as well as exciting prizes and souvenirs from MTN.
“We are proud to be the driving force in bringing Ghanaians closer to the Black Stars and the AFCON experience,” said Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana. “This is our way of celebrating our love for football and the unifying power it brings.
We can’t wait to witness the passion and unwavering support of Ghanaians, both in the Ivory Coast and across the nation, as we cheer on the Black Stars to victory”.
She reiterated MTN Ghana’s commitment to the national team. She said, “As headline sponsors, we are delighted to see the Black Stars after months of hard work qualifying for AFCON 2024.
We will continue to support national assignments that bring joy, unity, and a sense of pride to the country. Our brand emphasizes “Doing” and our sponsorship of the Black Stars is line with our strategic objective of shared value and brand values of Can-Do and Leadership”.
MTN Ghana is the headline sponsor of the Black Stars. The company’s sponsorship deal which was signed last two years covered the Black Stars for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 African Cup of Nations in La Côte D’Ivoire.
MTN Ghana remains committed to leading digital solutions to drive Africa’s progress.
End.
Media Contacts:
Adwoa Wiafe
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer
Email: MTNGhana.MediaOffice@mtn.com
One needs to understand the workings of an organization to be able to assess properly its performance and significance.
The National Sports Authority (NSA) currently operating under the Sports Act, 2016 (Act 934) is mandated to develop, promote and manage all sporting disciplines in Ghana and to oversee the National Teams that participate in international games and competitions.
NSA is thus the Sports Policy Implementing Agency of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. As part of the sports development and promotion, the NSA thus becomes Agency for establishment and management of all state-owned stadia across the country.
It must, however, be understood that due to the multifunctionality of our stadia , occasionally some non-sporting events take place in these facilities.
For instance, political parties such as NDC, NPP do hold their congresses in our stadia in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale abd Cape Coast stadia. Our Independence Commemoration on 6th Match in recent years with its associated display of heavy duty military equipment are hosted in our stadium facilities.
In fact, it is not the first time non-sporting events like concerts are held in our stadia. Stakeholders are normally informed far in advance to make room for such activities.
It must be placed on record that NSA receives meager funds from the Ministry. In 2022, NSA received only GHS 287,000 for its goods and services across the country to manage all sporting disciplines and facilities. It must be noted that Sporting Clubs don’t pay to use our stadia, but just pay 10% of gate proceeds to NSA per match day which in most times amounts to less than One Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS 1,000).
It costs NSA almost GHS 10,000 to prepare one major stadium for a match. We pay about GHS 80,000 per month for ECG bills in Accra Sports Stadium alone. Same in Kumasi, Cape Coast and Tamale stadia. Water, sanitation and security together cost NSA almost GHS 50,000 per month per each of the stadia.
NSA, without the innovative internal generation of funds (IGF) we embarked upon since our assumption of office in 2019, would have been declared bankrupt by now.
We inherited about GHS 30 million legacy debt, but today we have slashed this to under GHS 5 million, and still paying for running costs. This is so because we have been able to increase our IGF by over 30 times (IGF used to be about GHS 100,000 per year before we took over).
Daily usage charge for Accra Sports Stadium for events like football Premier League match is GHS 110,000. Same figure applies to Kumasi, Cape Coast and Tamale Sports Stadia per our 2021 Fees and Charges L.I. passed by Parliament. But these clubs say they are unable to pay, and thus use them almost free of charge.
Unfortunately, NSA gets less than 10% of the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ annual budget, and even with this, NSA hardly gets all its releases for the year.
We need to understand the workings of National Sports Authority to be able to appreciate its contribution to the development and promotion of sports; and also to be able to engage in constructive discussions aimed at accelerating development and promotion of sports at both grassroot level and across the over 50 Sports Associations and Federations in Ghana.
Prof. Peter Twumasi
DG, National Sports Authority (NSA)
The Director General (D-G) of National Sports Authority (NSA),Prof.Peter O.Twumasi,has announced the commissioning of the 151st Astroturf project at Kotei within the Oforikrom Municipality in Kumasi.
According to him, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Akufo’s administration since 2017 to date,.has for far completed 151 Astroturf projects across the country.
The announcement was contained in a Facebook post by Prof.Peter O.Twumasi,NSA Boss.
The post reads, ‘Government commissions the 151st Astroturf in Oforikrom Municipality (Location and still counting from two (2) in 2017.
Prof.Peter Twumasi and Francis Adomako (Francois),Ash.Reg.NPP organizer
Sports infrastructure widely distributed across the country will ensure effective harnessing of all God-given talents for nation building. Government is thus ensuring that such sports infrastructure is established in every district across the country for sports development and promotion.
