Ghana’s emerging canoeing programme announced its arrival on the continental stage with a historic bronze-medal performance at the ongoing Africa Youth Games, Angola 2025.

Making their maiden appearance in the history of the Games, the Ghanaian duo of Maxwell Ofoi and Okronipa Ohene Emmanuel powered through the waters with courage, discipline and determination to clinch third place in the highly competitive 12-nation 1000 metres Canoe Double (C2) event, securing a podium finish for Team Ghana.

Against more established canoeing nations, the young paddlers refused to be intimidated. Stroke after stroke, they matched strength with strategy, holding their nerve in a demanding race that tested endurance and mental toughness. Their bronze medal not only marked a personal triumph but also signalled a major milestone for a growing sport in Ghana.

President of the Ghana Rowing and Canoeing Federation, Mr Kamal Sulley, who also served as an officiating official at the event, described the achievement as a significant leap forward.

> “This is a major improvement on our performance at the recent ANOCA Schools Games in Algiers. The progress shown by these young athletes is remarkable and a clear indication that Ghana is moving in the right direction in rowing and canoeing,” he noted.

The duo’s impressive showing has not gone unnoticed beyond Africa. International observers at the Games have selected Maxwell Ofoi and Okronipa Ohene Emmanuel for a high-performance training camp in South Africa in January 2026, a crucial preparation phase toward the Junior World Cup Championship in Poznań, Poland.

For a sport still finding its footing in Ghana, this bronze medal represents more than just hardware. It is a story of belief, sacrifice and steady growth—proof that with commitment and opportunity, Ghanaian athletes can compete and excel on the global stage.

As Ghana continues to invest in lesser-known sports, the success of the canoeing team at Angola 2025 stands as an inspiration to young athletes across the country: that even on a first appearance, greatness is possible.

Source Theo Sampah GOC Media

FIFA has announced a new and more affordable ticket category for fans of qualified teams ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, introducing the Supporter Entry Tier priced at $60 per match.

The world football governing body said on Tuesday that the new pricing tier will be available for all 104 matches, including the final, and is designed to support travelling fans who wish to follow their national teams across the tournament, which will be staged in Canada, Mexico and the United States from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

According to FIFA, the Supporter Entry Tier tickets will be exclusively allocated to supporters of teams that have qualified for the World Cup. The allocation and distribution will be handled by each Participating Member Association (PMA), which will also set its own eligibility criteria and application process.

FIFA has urged member associations to ensure the tickets go to loyal fans with strong ties to their national teams.

Under the new structure, 50 per cent of each PMA’s ticket allocation will fall within the most affordable categories. This includes 40 per cent for the Supporter Value Tier and 10 per cent for the newly introduced Supporter Entry Tier.

The remaining tickets will be evenly split between the Supporter Standard Tier and Supporter Premier Tier.

FIFA also announced an added benefit for fans whose teams fail to progress beyond the group stage. Applicants who apply through their PMA allocation will have the administrative fee waived when refunds are processed for unsuccessful ticket applications.

The decision comes amid exceptionally high global demand, with FIFA confirming that 20 million ticket requests have already been submitted during the current Random Selection Draw sales phase, which opened on 11 December 2025. Interest has continued to rise following the release of the match schedule, venues and kick-off times.

The Random Selection Draw ticketing phase remains open until Tuesday, 13 January 2026, at 11:00 ET (17:00 CET). FIFA has emphasised that the timing of ticket requests within this window does not influence the chances of success.

Fans can apply for tickets and access full details via FIFA.com/tickets.

FIFA reiterated that, as a not-for-profit organisation, it reinvests revenue generated from the World Cup back into football development.

The world governing body expects to reinvest over 90 per cent of its budgeted investments for the 2023–2026 cycle into the game across its 211 member associations.

Source myjoysports

Accra, Dec. 16, GNA-Ghanaians living in the Netherlands have been encouraged to channel skills and capital into Ghana’s agricultural sector, citing the industry’s central role in the government’s 24-hour economy plan.

Speaking at the opening of GhanaFest Europe, a three-day trade and cultural expo in The Hague, Mr Francis D. Kotia, Acting Coordinating Director for Multilateral and International Organisations at Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, said agriculture and agribusiness are “pivotal growth pillars” for economic transformation.

“The 24-hour economy policy is designed to stimulate round-the-clock activity, expand employment and boost competitiveness. We urge the diaspora to leverage their expertise and resources to strengthen Ghana’s agricultural value chains,” Mr Kotia said.

The event, held at the Amare Convention Centre, showcased Ghanaian products and services and promoted partnerships between Ghanaian and Dutch businesses.

Mr Kotia said Ghanaians in Europe had acquired technological insights that could drive change at home. He encouraged businesses to use platforms like GhanaFest to expand market access and attract investment.

Organised by RAM Media Concepts with support from Ghana’s Chamber of Commerce and diaspora groups, the expo featured networking sessions, trade exhibitions and cultural displays.

Mr Augustine Mark, RAM Media Concepts CEO, described the expo as a “strategic crusade” to project Ghanaian products and culture globally, aiming to boost tourism and deepen economic cooperation with Europe.

He stressed that the expo aims to attract foreign direct investment, boost tourism and create new market access for Ghanaian businesses in Europe.

Mr Augustine added that the initiative is part of a broader push to deepen economic cooperation between Ghana and the European Union, positioning Ghanaian enterprises to tap into advanced technologies, financing opportunities and trade networks.

GNA

The southern end of the Accra Arts Centre or Center for National Culture where the famous Street Academy is sited was a venue of fun and enjoyment last Saturday, December 13 when the annual dinner of the Street Academy was held.

According to Ataa Lartey, Executive Director of the Academy, the event was successful.

"We had a nice dinner for the children and the community, the kids and some parents who attended were very glad to participate" he expressed.

Ataa Lartey the founder of the Street Academy said they welcome support in any form or kind to help an NGO and educational institution.

Among the guèsts who graced the dinner were Doctor Arnold of PPEP USA and Dr Hon Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, the board chairman of GIPC.

They all praise Street Academy for the good work they are doing.

Ataa Lartey also thanked them for their presence to join the children in a memorable event. He prayed for God's blessings for the Academy and everyone associated with it.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Top marksman Micheal Ayertey was on hand to save high flying Parin FC as they beat Prestige Heights 2-1 in the Accra North District Football Association (ANDFA) Division Three League at the Alajo Astro Turf.

In a match that saw both sides exhibiting a lot of aggression, good technique and desire to carry the day, Prestige Heights were more purposeful upfront and recorded the first goal.

A swift build-up by Prestige Heights saw them penetrate the defence of Parin FC, which handed a cool tap for Nuruudeen Hussein to open the scores.

Parin fought back and got a penalty after Ayertey was brought down but skipper Edward Ose’s kick hit the cross bar to deny them the equalizer, to end the first half in favour of Prestige Heights.

On resumption, Coach Eric Nyarko made some substitutions which gave Parin FC an edge over their opponents and ensured striker Ayertey cancelled the lead and secured the winner later.

Ayertey, took advantage of some defensive miss-up to level and just before the 90th minute scored the winner.

The victory did not go without a casualty as tireless midfielder Robert Ankrah passed collapsed in the dying embers of the game but was later revived.

Parin FC remains in a good position to win the league having recorded 15 points from seven matches.

From Willie Ezah

The Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) which is the national body in charge of amateur boxing in Ghana, as well as management and administration of the national boxing teams will go for elections to elect a new leadership for the next four years.

The Congress to hold the elections would come off at the Media Center of the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday December 27, 2025.

The candidates contesting for the Presidency are Bernard Quartey and Dauda Fuseni.

The Vice President has only one contestant, which means Adama Addy is going unopposed but must be endorsed by the electorate.

The Second Vice President is between Solomon Otoo and Ophelia Naa Okailey, while the Treasurer position is being contested between Mustapha Nettey and Michael Baffour-Awuah.

For the Executive Members, The personalities involved are former President George Lamptey, Foster Enam Dagadu, Mustapha Awal, Abdul Rasheed Williams and Sarah Lotus Asare.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The die is cast. The Arena awaits the contestants and fans for Iron Forge 2025 edition with ten fit men.

The Nation’s fittest are coming together for two days of pure power and competition.

Who will rise to the occasion, who will break limits, who will be crowned champion?

The date is Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st Dec 2025 at the Karikari Brobbey Astro turf Park Dansoman from 5pm prompt.

Come and witness an electric atmosphere you won't forget. Don't miss it! Be there!!

Meanwhile, The Functional Fitness League, Ghana has proudly unveiled the official logo for the Iron Forge National Championship, the mark of champions.

This marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards elite national competition.

The Iron Forge logo represents the spirit of endurance and strength that defines our athletes and our vision. It is a symbol of what it means to be forged through challenge and emerge stronger.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Hon. Kofi Adams, MP, the Minister of Sports and Recreation has sworn in a new Governing Board for the National Sports Authority.

The Minister expressed confidence in the calibre of individuals appointed and described the moment as pivotal, noting that "expectations around sports are rapidly evolving" and the NSA must rise to match the demands of infrastructure sustainability, athlete welfare, grassroots development, private sector investment, and digitised governance.

He said “in recent years, conversations around sport in Ghana have evolved; it’s no longer just about medals and national pride. It’s about how sport contributes to jobs, youth development, private sector confidence, and social progress. That’s why this new Board matters”.

According to the Minister, the Authority is the backbone of the national sports administration. If it functions well, the entire ecosystem benefits from grassroots talent to elite athlete welfare and facility management.

“We are entering a phase that demands results, reforms, and renewed thinking. The calibre of individuals appointed today gives me hope that we’re on the right track. Together, we must future-proof our systems, align governance with policy, and embed performance-driven accountability across the board.

I’ll continue to offer leadership and support, but I will also insist on delivery. Ghana sport deserves nothing less” he assured.

The inauguration follows Cabinet’s approval of nominees to the Board, in line with Section 4 of the Sports Act, 2016 (Act 934), which mandates the establishment of a Governing Board to oversee NSA’s operations and ensure efficiency.

LIST OF GOVERNING OF NATIONAL SPORTS AUTHORITY - 1. THE CHAIRMAN DR. FRED AWAAH, 2. MEMBER MR. YAW AMPOFO ANKRAH, 3. MEMBER MR. FUSEINI BAWA, 4. MEMBER MR. SAMUEL DUKU SARFO, 5. MEMBER NANA ADWOA OWUSU-AMOH, 6. MEMBER MR. IS-HAKU AL-HASSAN, 7. MEMBER COL. RICHARD KOFI AKOTOH, 8. MEMBER DR. LUGUTERAH  AUSTIN WONTEPAGA, 9. MEMBER MR.SAMSON DEEN, 10. MEMBER MR. RICHARD KOFI AKPOKAVIE, 11. MEMBER HAJIA SULEMANA ZENABU, 12. MEMBER ALHAJI IDRISU MUNTAWAKILU AHMED, 13. MEMBER PROF. EMMANUEL OSEI SARPONG, 14. MEMBER MS. THERESA OSAHENE, 15. MEMBER HAMILTON KWEKU NIXON

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The stage is set for elite continental competition as Ghana hosts the TIREC International Rugby 7s Tournament.

Top clubs from across Africa will converge at the UG, Legon Rugby Stadium in Accra on Saturday and Sunday to exhibit speed, stamina, skill, and high-impact rugby.

Featuring: are the Conquerors SC • ASFA • Alligator RC • Élite RC • Conakryka RC • TRUCK • Les Lions

It is going to be a fast, fierce international Rugby action. Do not miss the action.

Be at the venue and let the players feel your presence so that they will display.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Boxing Promoter Lord Eddie Coleman has made known the funeral arrangements for the late boxer, Ernest Akushey aka Bahubali.

Speaking on "The Big Fight Night' on Omashi TV, he said the dates fixed are Friday 19th December for the Wake keeping at Chorkor Tea Garden / Rangers and Funeral Rites at the Roman Boys School Park at Korle Gonno, then burial at the Osu Cemetery on Saturday December 20th.

He said Sunday afternoon would be for thanksgiving to celebrate the illustrious but short boxing life of Bahubali.

According Coleman, who is manager/ promoter of Ernest Akushey all donations must be directed to the family head at Chorkor Tea, Rangers.

He said due to the expected massive attendance, they (SEM Promotions and the family) have arranged security to protect lives and properties.

He however cautioned people to behave well and gently and disciplined before during and after the funeral.

Bahubali was a jovial and exciting boxer who pulled crowds to the Bukom Boxing Arena where he usually fought and attracted many followers from Chorkor and environs.

He passed on 12 days after a fight with Jacob Dickson from the Bronx Gym at Jamestown.

There would be a memorial boxing programme in honor of Bahubali at the Bukom Boxing Arena on December 28. 2025 with Olympian Samuel Takyi leading the pack of crack boxers.

By Sammy Heywood Okine