Sports

Ghana sports not dead —Kofi Adams

Published

1 month ago

February 13, 2025

The Minister of Sports and Recreation (MoSR), Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, has stated that the fact that the sector may be facing a myriad of challenges does not mean it is dead.

Answering numerous questions on an Accra based Metro TV Morning Sports show, yesterday, Mr Adams said “Ghana sports is not dead; it is just facing challenges that needs to be addressed. It doesn’t make it dead.”

According to him, sports is confronted with serious problems including funding, infrastructure, corruption, and inadequate professionals and so on.

“Funding is not good and even when funding comes, it is clouded with corruption; this is a big problem. The lack of professionals is also a problem.

“Another problem is the over concentration on football to the detriment of the others; that is not good enough. We need to grow other sports with football together,” he added.

Mr Adams stated that the problem of inadequate professionals can be addressed by the establishment of the University for Sports to educate officials to understand their respective sports discipline.

According to the Sports and Recreation Minister, issues about youth and sports are very important to the government and could form the basis for their detachment from each other.

“President John Mahama is committed to the development of the youth and sports because the bulk of the nation is youthful. That explains why the government detached it even when it vowed to reduce the number of ministries,” he explained.

Again, he said the detachment will also ensure a direct focus on sports development and promotion which is no longer just entertainment but a huge business venture.

Elaborating on funding, Mr Adams mentioned that it was important to roll out initiatives to get the corporate sector involved and hoped that government can promote those policies to encourage corporate sector players to join.

“Secondly, we must wage a war against corruption in sports. We must curb it. Hooliganism must also end and ensure fans and other stakeholders would be safe at the venues.”

Mr Adams hinted that the MoRS will start issuing licenses to contractors that will put up sports facilities for the state.

Reason behind this, he explained, was to ensure value for money, having heard of reports about facilities, especially astro turfs that are not fit for purpose.

On the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mr Adams noted that government was committed to the Black Stars qualification and would do what was necessary to ensure that.

But before that, Mr Adams is planning for an engagement with leadership of the FA as well as the technical team led by Coach Otto Addo to know at first hand the challenges of the team.

He underlined that the President’s directive to travel on economy and business class would be extended to sports officials and players/athletes, and urged all to cooperate.

Moreover, commenting on the betting tax, Mr Adams described it as unfair, considering the number of times punters play and lose, adding that, “people will play for a long time but never wins, then the only time they win, you take 10 per cent; that’s not fair.”

He pledged to develop an excellent work relations with the media to develop and promote sports and also explain its agenda to Ghanaians.

Sports

Pitch Invader in Ghana-Chad Game Sentenced to 100 Days Imprisonment

Published

23 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Net News Ghana

Mohammed Huzeinu, 21, has been sentenced to 100 days in prison by an Accra District Court for invading the pitch during Ghana’s match against Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2022.

Huzeinu’s actions disrupted the game, an offense that has potential financial consequences for the Association (GFA), as the Association is likely to be fined whenever such incidents occur.

Pitch invasions are considered a serious breach of security and disrupt the smooth running of games.

The sentencing serves as a strong warning to fans to respect stadium regulations and maintain order during matches.

The FA has consistently urged fans to refrain from such actions, emphasising the importance of discipline and adherence to match day protocols to avoid fines and maintain Ghana’s reputation in international football.

Sports

Queensland Intl Sch wins maiden Rising Star Rugby League tournament

Published

1 day ago

March 25, 2025

Net News Ghana

Queensland International School made history by emerging champions in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions at the inaugural Rising Star Rugby League Tournament U15 held at the Englebert School in Accra.

The event, organised by the Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG) in collaboration with Futurestars Charity and Salford Red Devils, provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and passion for rugby league.

The all-play-all format tournament featured five schools, 100 children (50 boys and 50 girls), aged 9-15, and over 20 volunteers.

Queensland Boys began the tournament with a 2-2 drawn game with Future Leaders Boys before defeating Englebert Boys 4-0 and Twedaase Boys 2-1 to emerge victorious, with Twedaase School, Tema Cluster Boys, Future Leaders Boys and Englebert Boys following in that order.

The girls from Queensland followed in the footsteps of their male counterparts, beating both Future Leaders and Tema Cluster 2-1 before going down by the same scoreline to Twedaase Girls.

They, however, ensured the top spot with a 4-3 victory over Englebert Girls in the final game, leaving Twedaase, Future Leaders, Englebert and Tema Cluster Girls to follow in that order on the medal table.

Special guest of honour, Mr Keith McMahon, Deputy British High Commissioner, commended RLFG for the initiative, noting that the energy and talent on display were inspiring.

“The tournament is a fantastic platform for these young athletes to develop their skills and grow the sport in Ghana and I urge the RLFG to continue with their good works,” he added.

On her part, the president of RLFG, Madam Juliana Storey, congratulated all the participating teams for their stellar performance, adding that the passion, determination, and talent on display confirm that her outfit is on the right path in its mission to grow the sport.

She promised to We continue investing in grassroots development to ensure a bright future for the young athletes.

RLFG General Manager, Mr Jafaru Mustapha, said the enthusiasm from these young athletes during the tournament is proof that rugby league has a promising future and stated that they were going to expand the tournament and provide more opportunities for young players across Ghana to enjoy the game.

He thanked Mr Emmanuel Okyne-Tetteh, Futurestars Charity Country leader, for the opportunity to partner with his outfit to hold a successful tournament.

BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY

Sports

PHOTOS: Black Stars hold training at Grande Stade Al Hoceima ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifier against Madagascar

Published

2 days ago

March 24, 2025

Net News Ghana

The Black Stars held their official training at Grande Stade Al Hoceima on Sunday in preparation for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Madagascar.

Otto Addo’s men appeared sharp and lively during training under the lights, following their arrival in Morocco on Saturday. All 23 players are in good condition ahead of the crucial Group I game, scheduled for Monday, March 24, 2025.

Ghana recorded a resounding victory against Chad on Friday, climbing to the top of the table with 12 points. They aim to cement their position with a victory over Madagascar.

The Group I fixture is scheduled to kick off at 19:00 Hrs at Grande Stade Al Hoceima, Morocco. Our Chief Photographer sent us back these photos: