President of the GFA Mr. Kurt Okraku has announced at the Max TV Studio on Thursday evening that the winners of the 2020/2021 Ghana Premier League will take home 250,000ghc plus the trophy, 40 gold medals and shopping voucher from Melcom Ghana worth GHS10,000.

Launching the competition, he made known that 150, 000ghc and 40 silver medals will go to the runners up and 80, 000ghc and 40 bronze medals will be taken by the third placed club.

He said all the 18 Premier League clubs will receive GHS10.000.00 as seed money for preparation for the season.

Winners of the Division One League (DOL) and Women’s Premier League (WPL) will also take home handsome cash prizes, medals and sponsors products. The teams will also be entitled to shopping vouchers from Melcom Ghana

The GFA President thanked their sponsors and partners namely, MTN, Macron, Decathlon, Melcom, InterCity STC, Nasco, Puma and StarTimes.

With the launch out of the way, all is set for the opening weekend of the Premier League which is scheduled for the weekend of November 13-15.

The last football season had to be suspended in March as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Later, in June, the season was canceled following a ban on the sport by the government to help stop the spread of the virus.

After 10 months, a new football season is about to begin with the country’s football governing body tasked to ensure all safety protocols against the Coronavirus is strictly enforced in accordance with the guidelines provided by the government.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Vijay Badri and Rashadinho Salu of Voques International have paid a courtesy call on the handlers of Attram De Visser Soccer Academy and toured the world-class facility in Accra, Ghana.

Mr Vijay Badri is a scout and partner to Voques International, an European-based player recruitment agency in Rotterdam, Holland.

At the training session held at Attram De Visser Soccer Academy pitch on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, both men commended the president of the Academy Godwin Attram, the technical and management teams, and the entire staff for a great job done.

"I really like what I have seen here this evening especially the performance of the players. They are technically and tactically brilliant. Their quick ball passing, the skill of interposition play, pressing ability, and vision at goal shows clearly they are being trained by Ghanaian Football legends Godwin Attram and Eben Dadzie he added.

He urged the boys to continue working harder to achieve their career dreams which he believes will come in no time looking at the standard of play.

He praised the goalkeeper Richard Appiah, Nassiru and Martin for their sterling performance during Tuesday's training and promised to be at Mcdan Town park to watch them in their pre-season friendly match against Prestige Fc on Friday, November 6, 2020.

He later received an official autographed training jersey from president Godwin Attram.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Six beneficiaries of the MTN Bright Scholarship programme have graduated with first class honors from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Education and University of Cape Coast respectively.

These beneficiaries were supported by the MTN Ghana Foundation through its Bright Scholarship Scheme to pursue degree programs in various disciplines. The scholarship covered their cost of tuition, accommodation, a stipend for books and other relevant reading materials that were needed during their studies.

Mr. Samuel Appiah (B.Com Finance), Elvis Attah (B.Sc Biochemistry), Francis Chempa (B.Sc Information Technology) and Seth Kofi Pobee (B.Sc Physician Assistant Studies) all graduated from University of Cape Coast whilst  George Armeyaw (BSC Integrated Science Education) and Robert Atim Annab graduated from University of Education and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science Technology.

In his valedictory message as the best graduating student of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology,  Robert Atim Annab said “my special thanks goes to MTN Ghana Foundation for the award of Bright Scholarship, As someone coming from a less endowed background,  I would not have achieved this great success without their financial support.”

Commenting on this remarkable performance, the Corporate Services Executive of MTN Ghana, Samuel Koranteng said “MTN Ghana Foundation is proud to see how well our beneficiaries are doing. We are very excited about their future and we believe that all of them will work towards contributing positively to society”.

The MTN Bright Scholarship was initiated in 2018 and was in fulfillment of a commitment MTN made to Ghanaians during the commemoration of its 20th Anniversary in 2016. During the celebrations, MTN, through the MTN Ghana Foundation promised to award a total of 300 scholarships over a period of three years. The final batch of 100 scholarships were awarded this year for the 2020 edition of the Bright Scholarship scheme.

The MTN Ghana Foundation has over a 12-year period awarded over 1300 scholarships to students from basic school to the tertiary level through different scholarship programs.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Ace musician, Lady Jay says she has burnt down the door “of no return” and Africans should now think about preserving their liberty and heritage, knowing that they can also do much for the world.

She revealed to yours truly in an exclusive interview that she is inspired by strength, courage and bravely as she wants to give an impression Yaa Asantewa, the great Ashanti Queen who led and fought racism and colonialism,

She said it’s a song of emancipation.

“It’s a story about loving ourselves and believing in ourselves, and encouraging each other – empowerment” she expressed.

She said Africans are royals; Kings and Queens, so they should believe in themselves and know that they are not ordinary people as they can determine to achieve.

“I am happy to realize my dream as a musician and glad to be the first artiste in Ghana to fly on stage, I feel amazing and I thank all, the production crew, dancers and fire eaters who supported me” she added.

According to Lady Jay, two more singles are ready- ‘Marry You’ and ‘Social Media’ so there is more music and video coming up from the Wahala Studio for people who love good sound.

“My Album entitled ‘This is Africa’ will come out pretty soon, I am presently working on it, I thank Wahala Entertainment for the massive support” she disclosed.   

The international songstress said many lessons can be learnt from the video, ‘Fire’ which is now on @vevo and YouTube.

She encouraged people to watch and acknowledged all her fans, friends and family who have supported her in different ways.

She revealed that anger also moved her to do ‘Fire’ as she hates racism and wants people of all pedigree and ancestry to live in harmony and adoration.

Her latest video was premiered at the 4SyteTV Mansion in Accra on Sunday, November 1, 2020. It attracted some distinguished personalities, media and bloggers.

The video ‘Fire’ is now on @vevo and YouTube, https://youtube/AZSXE-2a4hm

Stream or download Fire by Lady Jay: https://ditto.fm/ladyjayfire © Wahala Entertainment 2020 - www.wahala.net

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Togo have withdrawn from hosting the upcoming WAFU ‘B’ U-20 championship.

According to a statement from the Togo football federation, the decision has been taken due to the rising cases of the deadly Coronavirus in the country.

The tournament was set to commence on November 14 and end at December 2, 2020.

Safety and Security officers for the 18 Premier League clubs will undergo a one-day training programme on Thursday, November 05, 2020 at the GFA headquarters in Accra.

The training is part of preparations towards the smooth take-off of the 2020/2021 football season.

The training is in two folds, theory and practical lessons, to be spearheaded by the Chairman of the safety and security committee, D.S.P Emmanuel Asante.

GFA COMMUNICATIONS

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), on Saturday October 31, 2020 inaugurated its Northern region branch with a short but impressive ceremony at the Pioneer Lodge in Tamale.

The inauguration which was performed by national President Kwabena Yeboah brought together about 40 sports writers and broadcasters from across the region who were all inducted into the membership of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana ( SWAG).

An interim Regional Executives chaired by Osman Hafiz were sworn into office with a two-year mandate to lead the region into an elective congress.

The rest of the interim executives are Abdulai Abdul Majeed – Vice Chairman, Abubakari Yussif – Secretary, Ibrahim Adam – Deputy Secretary, Mumuni Abdul Mumin – Treasurer, Mohammed Mutaka – Organiser and Sey Mubarick as the P. R. O, respectively.

Present at the ceremony were national exco member Ohene Brenya Bampoe, Regional Football Association chairman Alhaji Rhyzo and Shaibu Adam Wilberforce.

Before the inauguration, the SWAG leadership paid a courtesy call on the Tamale Chief Daa Kpema Fuseini Bawah.

The Northern region which is the 6th regional branch to be inaugurated by SWAG after Volta/Oti, Ashanti, Bono, Eastern and Western Region, is becoming a vibrant sports media landscape with over 30 radio stations, 2 television stations and print media with correspondents for national newspapers and portals.

SWAG, the umbrella body for sports journalists in the country, has been in existence for over 52years is noted for honouring sports excellence annually through the SWAG Awards and the SWAG Cup which is often contested for, by the top football clubs in Ghana.

Source : www.swagghana.con

The Ghana Football Association is pleased to announce the list of referees for the 2020/2021 Premier League season following medical and fitness test.

The list is for 40 Premier League referees and 40 Premier League Assistant referees.

There is a list of 10 Referees and 10 Assistant Referees who will be officiating in the Division One League but will also serve as support for the Premier League when needed.

These support referees, will officiate in the Premier League when any Referee drops from the list of 40 Premier League Referees due to either disciplinary, performance, ethical or medical issue.

These selected referees will take charge of the 306 Premier League matches in the upcoming season.

Attached is the full list of Referees and Assistant Referees.

APPROVED PREMIER LEAGUE REFEREES LIST 2020/21 SEASON

NO - NAME OF REFEREE - CLASS - AGE - REGION - STATION

1 Daniel Laryea FIFA 34 Gt. Accra Accra

*2 George Mawuli Vormawah FIFA 31 Western Takoradi

*3 Charles Bulu FIFA 35 Gt. Accra Tema

4 Benjamin Kwame Sefah FIFA 36 Western Takoradi

5 Abdul Latiff Qadir FIFA 34 Ashanti Kumasi

*6 Adaari Abdul-Latif FIFA 33 Upper West Wa

7 Julian Nunoo C. 1 30 Gt. Accra Accra

8 Samadji Joshua C. 1 31 Eastern Koforidua

9 Eric Owusu Prempeh C.1 34 Ashanti Kumasi

10 Eso Doh Morrison C.1 36 Volta Akatsi

11 Ali Musah C.1 36 Brong Ahafo Goaso

12 Kenny Padi C.1 41 Central Cape Coast

13 Maxwell Hanson C.1 39 Gt. Accra Tema

14 Maxwell Owusu C.1 36 Eastern Koforidua

15 Jones Akubiem C.1 41 Eastern Nkawkaw

16 Bashiru Dauda C.1 36 Brong Ahafo Sunyani

17 Abdulai Ibrahim C.1 37 Brong Ahafo Sunyani

18 Mohammed Misbau C.1 30 Northern Tamale

19 Opoku Arhin Gabriel C.1 32 Northern Tamale

20 Tampuri Emmanuel C.1 33 Upper East Bolgatanga

21 Clement Kwame Nkuah C.1 34 Western Sefwi

22 Patrick Okyere C.1 36 Western Takoradi

23 Eric Sefa Antwi C.1 33 Upper West Wa

24 Selorm Kpormegbe C.1 35 Gt. Accra Tema

*25 Phillip Atta Forson C.1 38 Central Cape Coast

26 Rustum Gameli Senorgbe C.1 36 Volta Ho

*27 Fredrick Samena C.1 37 Western Takoradi

28 Wiseman Ghansah C.1 40 Gt. Accra Tema

29 Akudzi Martins C.1 37 Volta Aflao

30 Bismark Appiah C.1 39 Eastern Oda

*31 Mahama Ewuntoma C.1 35 Northern Damongo

32 Musah Mubarik C.1 31 Upper East Bolgatanga

33 Alfaa Ba-Adey C.1 31 Upper West Wa

34 Isaac Osei C.1 33 Ashanti Kumasi

35 Emmanuel Otoo C.1 37 Ashanti Kumasi

36 Aduntera Jacob C.1 31 Upper East Bolgatanga

37 Maale Imgerde Ireme C.1 29 Upper West Wa

38 Imoro Osman C.1 36 Central Cape Coast

39 Awurisa Andrews C.1 26 Upper East Bolgatanga

40 Selorm Yaw Bless C.1 32 Volta Peki

2020/21 SEASON - PREMIER LEAGUE SUPPORT REFEREES

NO - NAME OF REFEREE - CLASS - AGE - REGION - STATION

1 Theresa Bremansu FIFA 38 Western Takoradi

2 Delight Alorbu FIFA 38 Volta Ho

3 Joyce Obeniwaa Appiah FIFA 37 Eastern Nkawkaw

4 Juliet Appiah FIFA 32 Ashanti Kumasi

5 Robert Mussey C.1 38 Gt. Accra Accra

6 Jacob Asafua C.1 38 Central Cape Coast

7 Hassim Yakubu C.1 32 Brong Ahafo Techiman

8 S. K. Mawuli Klu C.1 37 Volta Hohoe

9 Isaac Simmon Bassaw C.1 35 Western Takoradi

10 Azantilow Albert C.1 33 Upper East Sandema

PREMIER LEAGUE ASSISTANT REFEREES LIST 2020/21 SEASON

NO- NAME OF ASSISTANT REFEREE - CLASS AGE REGION STATION

1 Kwasi Acheampong Brobbey FIFA 36 Gt. Accra Accra

2 Emmanuel Dolagbanu FIFA 31 Ashanti Kumasi

*3 Tijani Mohammed FIFA 36 Upper East Bolgatanga

4 Papala Patrick FIFA 37 Brong Ahafo Wenchi

*5 Emmanuel Allou Tebson FIFA 32 Western Prestea

6 Paul Atimaka FIFA 32 Volta Aflao

7 Dawsa Peter C.1 34 Upper East Sandema

8 Roland Addy C.1 32 Gt. Accra Accra

*9 Courage Kuedufia C.1 32 Volta Accra

10 Gilbert Adom Mensah C.1 36 Western Tarkwa

11 Emmanuel Dei C.1 36 Brong Ahafo Sunyani

12 Isaac Odoom C.1 38 Central Saltpond

13 Mumuni Fuseini C.1 39 Northern Tamale

14 Balonguila Stephen C.1 35 Volta Ho

15 Ngindieye Thomas C.1 39 Upper West Wa

16 Richard Appiah C.1 42 Ashanti Kumasi

17 Isaac Opoku Antwi C.1 35 Ashanti Kumasi

18 Isaac Nyamekye C.1 34 Brong Ahafo Sunyani

19 Kofi Kyei Andoh C.1 36 Western Prestea

20 Frederick Danful C.1 35 Western Takoradi

21 Emmanuel Bakai C.1 34 Central Assin Fosu

22 Alex Osam C.1 39 Eastern Oda

23 Halilu Alhassan C.1 30 Upper West Wa

24 Isaac Asante C.1 36 Eastern Afram Plains

25 Francis Bondzie Arthur C.1 36 Central Cape Coast

26 Dakura Soglo Augustine C.1 35 Upper West Wa

27 Ali Timuah Baah C.1 41 Upper West Tumu

28 David Addico C.1 36 Gt. Accra Tema

29 Ato Yawson C.1 38 Gt. Accra Accra

30 Bawa Haruna C.1 39 Upper East Bolgatanga

31 Pascal Mawusi C.1 41 Gt. Accra Accra

32 Jasper Adenyo C.1 38 Western Takoradi

33 Alhassan Abdulai C.1 31 Northern Tamale

34 Sulemana Salau Deen C.1 32 Upper East Bolgatanga

35 Alhassan Abdul-Rawuf C.1 32 Northern Tamale

36 Freeman Awuloo C.1 39 Volta Peki

37 Prosper Avinou C.1 37 Ashanti Kumasi

38 Sintim Musah C.1 37 Eastern Kibi

39 Kenneth Tweneboah-Kodua C.1 29 Brong Ahafo Techiman

40 Ndebugri Eric C.1 29 Upper East Obuasi

PREMIER LEAGUE ASSISTANT REFEREES LIST 2020/21 SEASON - (SUPPORT)

NO- NAME OF ASSISTANT REFEREE- CLASS AGE REGION STATION

*1 Beatrice Thaud FIFA 38 Volta Aflao

2 Alice Farizua Chakule FIFA 33 Ashanti Kumasi

3 Doris Essuman Darko FIFA 34 Central Cape Coast

4 Mary Tei FIFA 32 Central Cape Coast

5 Akisboka A. George C.1 31 Upper East Bolgatanga

6 James Osafo C.1 38 Gt. Accra Accra

7 Abdulai Abdul-Salam C.1 32 Upper West Wa

8 George Owusu Amponsah C.1 34 Northern Tamale

9 Sheriff Kweku-Duah C.1 35 Western Bibiani

10 Amegbetor Moses C.1 33 Eastern Koforidua

GFA COMMUNICATIONS

Belfast fighter Michael Conlan has been forced to pull out of his world title eliminator against Isaac Dogboe on 5 December because of an ankle injury.

Conlan was set to face the former WBO super-bantamweight champion in London and was hoping victory would land him a world title shot in March.

“Absolutely devastated to announce I will no longer be fighting December 5,” said Conlan, 28, on Twitter.

Conlan said he “ruptured” his anterior talofibular ligament on Wednesday.

“Back home now recovering. Doc said I’ll be out for 8-12 weeks but I’ll be back sooner, just watch.”

The 2012 Olympic bronze medallist said that he sustained the injury in training.

Conlan was moving down from featherweight for what would have been a super-bantamweight contest against the Ghanaian-British fighter and was hoping victory would land him a world title shot on St Patrick’s Day in March.

The unbeaten 28-year-old secured his 14th consecutive career win by stopping Sofiane Takoucht in August.

Conlan said earlier this year that he would have expected to fight for a world title at Belfast’s Falls Park in the summer if it had not been for the coronavirus pandemic.

Six of Conlan’s 14 professional fights have been held in New York, with two bouts taking place in Belfast, including a sellout Falls Park show near his childhood home in the west of the city, in the summer of 2019

SOURCE: BBC

 Surprising results continue to be registered at 2020 Sydney Katz Junior Tennis Open going on at the Accra Sports Stadium courts.

7 year old Jefter Dowuona beat a taller and older opponent, but later lost to Henry Adevor, while 8 year old Nyamekye Omane defeated Lawrence Tofa (4-0) in an exciting game.

Priscilla Aboagye also defeated Chidinma Oriaku (4-4, 12-10) in the first round matches.

As the matches continue, there are expectations for some more outstanding performances and shocking results.

Picture shows Under 14 Girls Quarter Finalists and Under 12 Boys Quarter Finalists.

One of the organisers, Mrs.Carthy Morton of Activly Sports said she is happy with the level of play and the interest shown by the young Tennis players.

The tournament ends on Saturday.

By Sammy Heywood Okine