The first programme of the 2023 edition of the GNPC Ghana Fastest Human will be held at the Tamale Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium on April 29, 2023.

This was disclosed by Mr. Reks Brobby, Founder of the Concept, of the 100 Meters Dash Race aimed at presenting a unique platform for Ghanaian Spriters to leap on to greater heights like the Olympic and African Games and World Championships.

The competition is spread all over the year from the north, Tamale to Kumasi, Cape Coast and Accra.

The well attended launch on Thursday April 13 saw a lot of dignitaries and personalities including former top athletics, Mike Ahey, Ohene Karikari and Gilbert Okoe Addy who were presented with Adidas products.

From the business sector were people like Mr. Yaw Owusu, CEO of GRDA, Mr. Gaddy Laryea, Mr. Yoofi Grant of GIPC, Hon Joe Ghartey, Miss Ghana, the Secretary of the Asantehene, Justice Allan Brobbey a retired Supreme Court Judge / former Chief Justice of The Gambia and others including Nana Asante Bediatuo, Secretary of the President of Ghana and Deputy Chief of Staff, who declare the launch of Season 10.

Mr, Reks Brobby who represented Ghana in 4 x 100 meters at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA told the media his biggest challenge is those who think he cannot succeed and that urges him on to work hard to become better.

He thanked President Nana Akuffo Addo for supporting the Concept with trophies every year since he launched the event.

The fashionable Reks Brobby revealed that the 10^th edition will be extra ordinary as GNPC have promised to support even more, and there are other companies contributing to the Idea.

He thanked Prof, Peter Twumasi, the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) for his wonderful support and commitment to the development of Sportsin Ghana.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Seasoned Broadcaster and Ghana Premier League Anchor for StarTimes, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has called for a cease fire in the media war following recent comments by Ghana Football legend Stephen Appiah.

Considered as one of the most popular and highly respected former Black Stars captains, Appiah recently noted that many of his former colleagues feel sidelined and are not being given more room to bring their rich experience to the football table.

In response, Ghana FA Executive Council  member Nana Oduro Sarfo advised the three time World Cup participant and other footballers with such views to better themselves academically if they want to be considered for key roles in Ghana football.

"If Stephen Appiah wants to play a key role or wants to lead the GFA, he needs to have better academic knowledge and certificates.”

The comments by Oduro Sarfo have been met with a swift backlash of condemnation from fans, sports journalist, ex footballers and sports administrators.

The latest to wade in the debate is Ghana Beach Soccer Chairman Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.

"Whether Abedi Pele,  Kwasi Appiah, Tony Baffoe, CK Akonor, John Mensah or Asamoah Gyan, let's respect their opinions and be tactful when dealing with them".

Ampofo Ankrah who is also communications director of the Ghana Olympic Committee, said that naturally, a section of the media will stoke the fire of controversy at the expense of damaging the image of Ghana football and cautioned football administrators not to fall into that trap.

"I know my people very well. This is juicy news for some of them but we must all remember that former Black Stars captains are not ordinary people because they carry a certain mantle of favor from the masses. If you touch them wrongly, it will go against you. So we must stop the way we tarnish their image when their views are at variance with the establishment"

He appealed for calm and maturity on the side of retired footballers and has called on the GFA President Kurt Okraku to quench the fire by calling for an immediate truce especially from those considered to be his allies and appointees.

Source Yaw Ampofo Ankrah

Adoa TV, an Accra based broadcasting outfit on Thursday presented an undisclosed amount and cartons of mineral water to the National Female Boxing Team, The Black Hitters at The Gym.

Isaac Mortey, a journalist and Head of Sports of the station presented the items which were received by Mr. Dauda Fuseni, Vice President of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF).

Dauda Fuseini said the donation will motivate the female boxers who are preparing for a tournament in Turkey.

He appealed to other companies and media to emulate the gesture shown by Adoa TV.

According to Mr. Fuseni, their other counterparts in the national team, the Black Bombers and Black Rockets (Youth Team) also need support.

Coach of the Hitters, Abdul Rasheed Williams commended Adoa TV for the donation and asked for more.

Faruza Osman, skipper of the Black Hitters assured that they are ready to win medals and glory for the nation.

Present at the short but impressive ceremony were Messrs Frank Paintsil, Sam Kusi Appiah and Daniel Odartey all of Adoa TV.

GBF Treasurer, Mustapha Nettey and Communications Director Joojo Ephson were also in attendance.

The Hitters who were training on that day included Sarah Apau, Ramatu Quaye, Janet Adjei, Janet Acquah, Nasara Fuseni, Trudy Manteaw, Anatu Mohammed, Perpetual Okaija and Abigail Quartey.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Former WBO Africa Featherweight champion who was stripped off his title due to inactivity has been offered another opportunity to face fellow Ghanaian Solomon Martey for the vacant title on April 30, 2023.

The bout which will be promoted by the Bronx Boxing Promotions with the support of the Asamoah Gyan Foundation comes of at Dezone at Korle Gonno in Accra.

At the introduction Press Conference held at the venue of the bout, both boxers were given the opportunity to brag, and they promised to give boxing fans a good show.

Solomon Martey with a record of 15 fights with one defeat said he does not fear any boxer and he is prepared and ready to win the title.

“I have beaten better boxers, so this fight will be easy, I am just waiting for the night to show my skills and power” he stated.

John Laryea (13 - 0) also known as the Expensive Boxer noted that the title is for him, and his target is the world title.

“I will win the title again and go for the real world title. It is about time Ghana gets a world title, and I am the one to bring home the world title” he told the media.

Coaches of the boxers were also allowed to present their strategies for the bout, while CEO of the Bronx Boxing Promotions, Sammy Anim Addo assured of a memorable night. He hinted that there would be great entertainment by some of the best musicians in Ghana.

WBO African representative, Samir Captan said he is impressed by the records of both boxers and hoped the better boxer will carry the day.

“I wish all of them good luck and may the better boxer win” he stressed.

He advised the promoters to provide adequate security and ensure that fans and boxers are safe before, during and after the bout as he foresees a massive attendance due to popularity of the boxers.

Among boxers on the undercard is Daniel Gosh who will defend his National Super Bantamweight title.

Veteran boxing official Mr. Yoofi Boham was there to offer morale support.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Secretary of Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo President of Ghana, Nana Bediatuo Asante on Thursday launched the 10^th edition of the GNPC Ghana Fastest Human at the media center of the Accra Sports Stadium.

He commended Mr. Reks Brobby, Founder of the programme for his vision and commitment to the dream which is now a reality that has propelled many Ghanaian sprinters to greater heights.

According to Nana Asante who is a lawyer, the event is in line with the government’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) Policy and thanked GNPC and all companies supporting the Ghana Fastest Human.

Mr. Anthony K. Ampofo, GM Commerce of GNPC, the headline sponsors in a message said it has been ten years of discovery and new beginnings.

He expressed that Reks Brobby is doing something right that is why the programme keeps getting bigger and urged him to continue with the good work.

“Our partnership with the Ghana Fastest Human has brought development to Athletics” he stressed acknowledging athletes like Joe Paul Amoah, Ben Azamati and others.

Dr. Kwaku Ofosu – Asare Executive Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 13^th African Games which would be hosted in Accra, Ghana next year from March 8^th to 23^rd assured that the Games will definitely come on as the President and government of Ghana are extremely commited to hosting Africa’s best sportsmen and women for the first time in Ghana.

He said new sporting facilities are springing up at the Games Village at the University of Ghana, Legon where Athletics and Rugby would be held, and Borteyman where an aquatic center for swimming and tennis courts are being constructed together with a dome for indoor games.

According to Dr. Ofosu - Asare, 12 Olympic Qualifiers would be part of the African Games also known as ‘Accra 2023’ which the government has invested over two million dollars on facilities.

“Let’s grow sports, let’s invest in sports, because the benefits are enormous” he added as he called on Ghanaians to support the African Games financially.

Professor Peter Twumasi, Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) said the programme has had tremendous impact since it started, and the products have brought honours to the nation.

“The steam is increasing in Athletics, we hope to shine at the African Games, sports infrastructure is also overwhelming under the NPP government” he stated.

Mr. Reks Brobby aka Nana Agyeman, founder of the Ghana Fastest Human revealed that his networks has been his net worth which he has used to organize the programme successfully.

Chairman for the occasion, Justice Stephen Alan Brobby, a retired jurist, former Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana and former Chief Justice of the Gambia urged that Athletics and Sports should be used to pursue peace and tranquility.

The launch attracted a lot of dignitaries and personalities including former top athletics, Mike Ahey, Ohene Karikari and Gilbert Okoe Addy who were presented with Adidas products.

The first programme of the 2023 edition will be held at the Tamale Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

FIFA stated it has received applications from 6,586 candidates coming from 138 member associations representing all confederations via the FIFA Agent Platform, to undertake the FIFA football agent exam scheduled for 19 April 2023.

NEW LICENSED AGENTS FRAMEWORK This comes within the novel FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR), which came into force in January 2023. This reflects a massive endorsement of FIFA’s new football agent legal framework from all those working in the football agency market.

RAISING THE STANDARD The introduction of the licensing system is a key component of the FFAR as it raises the professional and ethical standards for the profession of football agents, thus leading to an increase in the quality of the service they provide to their clients across the football industry.

KEEN INTEREST The statement read: “The significant number of applications we have received confirms that many individuals across the world are looking forward to working within the new regulatory framework,” said FIFA Chief Legal & Compliance Officer Emilio García Silvero “which will ensure basic service standards for football agents and their clients through well-defined rules and increased certainty,” added.

2023-24 LICENSING EXAMS FIFA has scheduled additional exams for 20 September 2023, as well as for May and November 2024. Following a transitional period, the use of licensed football agents will become compulsory from 1 October 2023.

Further details on the process required to become an agent are available in the “Agents” section on FIFA.com.

UNDERSTANDING FFAR It is an integral part of the Football Regulatory Subdivision, the "Agents Department" is primarily responsible for leading FIFA’s strategic project of the re-regulation of the football agent industry in accordance with FIFA’s blueprint strategy: The Vision 2020-23. The project started in late 2017 with consultations with member associations, stakeholders and agent organisations and has now been implemented with the approval of the new FIFA Football Agent Regulations.

STABILITY, SOLIDARITY, INTEGRITY The FFAR introduce basic international service standards for FIFA football agents and their clients, thus managing procedures relating to disputes involving Football Agents decided by the Agents Chamber of the Football Tribunal and the licence applications to become and remain a FIFA-licensed Football Agent. This includes the limitation of multiple representations to avoid conflicts of interest and the introduction of a cap on football agent fees, with the objective of reinforcing contractual stability, promoting solidarity, protecting the integrity of the transfer system and achieving greater financial transparency.

The obligation to only use licensed football agents will be implemented on Oct. 1, 2023.

How much does the FIFA licence fee cost and what does it cover?

According to FIFA, the annual licence fee to be paid to FIFA is USD 600, due by 30 September each year, as stipulated on the Agent Platform. It is to be paid electronically via the Agent Platform. It covers the full licence fee and ensures free access to the Agent Platform, FIFA’s continuing professional development (“CPD”) programme and the relevant dispute resolution procedures within the Agents Chamber of the Football Tribunal.

The member associations may not charge a football agent any registration fee, unless permitted to do so by national law.

Source Nadine Alsheikh Hassan - AIPS MediaA

The new head coach of the Ghana women’s national team, Nora Hauptle has had a bright start to the task.

The Swiss tactician and former footballer was named head coach of the Black Queens at the beginning of the year.

“Nora Häuptle has been appointed as the Head Coach of the senior Women’s national team – otherwise known as Black Queens,” a Ghana FA statement said three months ago.

It added, “The 39-year-old former Swiss International is a product of the University of Bern where she attained her Masters in Sports Sciences – also a Bachelor of Philosophy and Minor in Theatre Sciences.

“Nora holds is a UEFA Pro Licence certificate and has previously worked as an Instructor for the Swiss Football Association.

“She will be assisted by Joyce Boatey-Agyei and Aboagye Dacosta.”

After the appointment, Nora Hauptle immediately started work and has been at it to build a formidable side for the Ghana women’s national team.

In her first three matches, the new coach has won all three. The Black Queens under the coach has scored seven goals and has yet to concede a single goal.

While coach Nora Hauptle admits that there is more work to be done, she is happy with the progress the Black Queens have made so far.

Source FootballGhana

Ghana international, Mohammed Kudus remains positive that he would be named African Player of the Year one day.

The Ajax attacker has been on good form for both club and country.

Speaking on the 'Ask The Pro' on Ajax TV, the 22-year-old was asked if he sees himself being chosen as the winner of the award in his career.

He said, “I believe everything is possible in this world so definitely yeah I will be chosen one day.”

The former FC Nordsjaelland attacker is currently nursing a knee injury picked up in Ajax’s’ 2-1 win over rivals Feyenoord in the semifinals of the Dutch Cup.

Kudus has starred in the 2022-2023 season for the Dutch champions scoring 11 goals and adding two assists in 26 league games in the Eredivisie.

He featured in both games for Ghana against Angola in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers prior to picking up the injury in the tempestuous game against Feyenoord.

Kudus scored two goals and had an assist in three games at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and was by far Ghana's best player at the tournament.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Football Association on Tuesday launched the Futsal Premier League at the GFA Secretariat.

16 teams will battle for the trophy at the end of the season.

Winners will take home GHS 10,000 for first, GHS 8,000 for second, and GHS 5,000 going to the third place.

The GFA has presented futsal balls and a sum of 10,000gh to the teams who will compete.

Futsal is a variant of football played on a hard court. It has gained popularity across the globe and competed intentationally with FIFA organized matches.

The League in Ghana will kick off on April 22 in Bawaleshie and Lashibi in Accra.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Mr. John Kennedy Koranteng, Secretary General of the Ghana Judu Association has disclosed that the secret of their young team is hard work and discipline.

Speaking to Yours Truly at the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Secretariat on Wednesday after the Judo team has returned from Togo where they won eleven gold and two bronze medals in a special West African Tournament, he said the judokas were really determined to perform and most of them won in record times not wasting time.

He said the boys and girls are the future of Ghana Judo so they should be supported.

He called on companies to adopt some of them, by awarding them scholarships so that they can learn and do sports at the same time.

“In fact these young guys are really good. All they need is motivation and encouragement and they will go places” he expressed.

He also commended the coaches who have time for the team, and sacrifice everything to make sure the judokas did the right things at the right time.

“Personally, I was very impressed with their performance, and I think the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Judo Association must encourage them not to stop midway, but take the sport to the highest competitions like the Olympic and Commonwealth Games as well as African and World Championships” he expressed.

Mr. Koranteng said the team is now preparing for the Olympic Games qualifier in Cote D’Ivoire and he is very sure they will do well again.

He thanked Kwabena Asamoah for presenting sportswear to the Judo Team

By Sammy Heywood Okine