The Grand Arena Dome was drenched in glory on Sunday night as thousands gathered for the 2025 edition of MTN Stands in Worship. But amid the sea of worshippers, one figure stood out—Maame Serwaa, a spirited trader who journeyed all the way from Amasaman to catch the divine wave of gospel fire that swept through the capital.

With arms raised and feet never still, Maame Serwaa danced with abandon from start to finish, her joy as infectious as the rhythms that echoed through the dome. “This is my second time attending, and it feels even more powerful than before,” she said, her face glowing. “I danced my heart out for God. That’s the only way I could express what I was feeling inside.”

And what she felt was shared by thousands more.

From the moment the MTN Viva Voices opened with a thunderous praise set, the entire dome was on its feet. Their harmonies, tight choreography, and sheer vocal power whipped the crowd into a frenzy. It was the perfect prologue to what would become a night of soul-filling, spirit-lifting worship.

The Tagoe Sisters followed with grace and legacy, their evergreen voices igniting nostalgia while still sounding fresh and spirit-charged. Worship quickly morphed into praise as Moses OK took the stage, commanding both presence and praise with his timeless hits that got the audience clapping, stomping, and shouting “Amen!”

Nacee, always the master of emotional delivery, took it up a notch—bringing raw passion, heartfelt lyrics, and a worship flow that silenced the room in reverence. “When Nacee sang, I felt my burdens melt,” one young woman said, wiping tears from her cheeks. “It was as if God spoke directly to my heart.”

The ever-energetic Bethel Revival Choir turned things up with rich, choral arrangements that gave the night a Ga-traditional twist, blending local flavor with deep spiritual intensity. Their performance had the crowd dancing and shouting praises in a unity that felt celestial.

Then came the queen of the moment—Empress Gifty—who brought the dome to a roaring climax. With her commanding stage presence, infectious energy, and powerful vocals, she delivered a show-stopping finale that sealed the evening in style. Her fusion of praise, choreography, and worship swept across the auditorium like a mighty wave. By the end, not a single soul remained seated.

“I didn’t win a phone or airtime,” Maame Serwaa said with a laugh, referencing the night’s surprise giveaways of GH¢1,000 MTN airtime packages and high-end devices. “But I won something even greater—a renewed spirit. MTN didn’t just give us a show, they gave us a touch of heaven.”

And that was the general feeling that echoed through the crowd as the lights dimmed. MTN Stands in Worship 2025 wasn’t just an event—it was a spiritual explosion, a glorious celebration of resurrection, renewal, and rejoicing. A sacred encounter wrapped in song, spirit, and soul.

Source MTN

Message of hope, inspiration and a new beginning ????

My dear federation officials, the GOC elections 2025 is over. Like the sportsmen and women, that we are we, after the competition we shake hands because we know that we can either win or lose.

As members of the Olympic family we stand for 3 important CORE values: EXCELLENCE, RESPECT AND FRIENDSHIP. These values are the foundation of the Olympic Movement, aiming to promote sport, culture and education for a better world.

Excellence – this value encourages individuals to strive for their best in all areas of life.

Respect – the Olympic Movement values respect for oneself, others, the rules of any game or competition and the environment.

Friendship – we are provided with a platform for fostering understanding and building bridges between people from different cultures and backgrounds. It emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and cooperation.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Olympic brand is the most cherished global sports brand. We must remember that once we represent the Olympic family we must strive to conform to its values.

If we want to get the respect and support of Ghanaians and the corporate world especially to fund our activities, we must do everything to remain united as the leading voice representing the interest of the many young people who play sports.

Working as a team or unit is therefore crucial to our success. There are too many disputes that is hindering progress and unity. There are several court actions involving federations and we cannot progress if we continue along this path. Most jurisdictions provide for a sports tribunal or arbitration panel to resolve sorting disputes.

One of the things we need to do is to get every federation to make provision for an alternate dispute resolution mechanism in its constitution or statutes.  We also need to provide for an ADR system at the GOC so that dissatisfied persons or federations can appeal to the GOC tribunal for redress. It must be mandatory such that if you don’t exhaust the ADR system at the federation level and at GOC the court should not entertain your case.

We must make a deliberate effort to take our disputes out of the traditional court system.

My federation leaders, in the coming weeks all federation presidents will be invited to meet for about 2 - 3 days so that together we can chart a path and plan for the next 4 years. We need to discuss important things and come to some consensus on how we want to achieve our objectives, especially funding of sports.

Let me just emphasize that I am passionate about athlete welfare and empowerment, women empowerment and safeguarding and protection of women and these will be top of my agenda. It is completely unacceptable that our athletes voices are not heard at congress and on the executive board. We have to change this immediately such that athletes’ voices will be heard not only at congress but on the executive board and on every GOC committee.

In this modern era it is sad that we have so many few women in leadership in the federations. In the next 4 years this must change. We must take deliberate steps to build the capacity of our women.

We want to thank you all for your support and remind you that this is a brand new day for Ghana sports. We must chart a new path and move sports in this country forward. I will be counting on ALL of you and remember we are a team. We are Team GOC and all the federations are members of this team.

With teamwork and hard work we shall achieve our goals.

Let me end by assuring ANOCA, the Hon Minister for Sports and Recreation and the Director General of the NSA and his deputies that we are determined to collaborate with you to make Ghana sports better.

Ghana Sports WE DARE TO DREAM AGAIN!!!!!

 *President Richard Akpokavie Esq.*

Entrepreneur and development strategist Freda Cooper says African expertise must take its rightful place in shaping global economic policy, as her firm, Africa International Business Consultancy engages at the 2025 World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.

“We are expanding not just geographically, but in vision,” said Cooper, who leads the Ghana- and Italy-based consultancy. “We believe that meaningful development happens when solutions are both locally grounded and globally informed.”

Speaking from the high-level meetings scheduled from April 21 to 26, Cooper emphasised the importance of African voices in global development conversations. “Our work in Ghana and Bridging has laid a strong foundation for understanding the unique economic challenges and opportunities across both African and European coastal regions,” she said.

“This accreditation is not only a recognition of our past efforts, but also a gateway to contribute more actively to global development conversations.

Africa International Business Consultancy was recently accredited to participate in the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund — a platform that brings together finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers and private sector leaders to address pressing global issues such as climate resilience, debt sustainability and inclusive growth.

The consultancy has earned a strong reputation for its work in sustainable infrastructure and regional economic planning. Its dual base in Ghana and Bridging, Italy, allows it to straddle two dynamic economic spaces, bringing valuable cross-continental perspective to its advisory work.

With its roots in development strategy and a growing track record in coastal infrastructure, the firm is now eyeing broader influence across Africa. “We’re setting our sights on other promising coastal areas with high development potential,” Cooper revealed. “This isn’t just about expansion—it’s about deepening our impact.”

The company’s participation in the global finance meetings highlights the growing credibility of African consultancies on the world stage. Cooper sees the moment as part of a larger shift. “It’s important that voices from Africa, particularly those that reflect real experience in local development, are present where the big decisions are made,” she said.

The 2025 World Bank and IMF meetings come at a time when Africa faces pressing economic and climate-related challenges. Cooper believes it is also a moment of opportunity. “A more inclusive global economy starts with us,” she said. “And we’re ready to represent Ghana—and Africa—on that journey.”

Africa International Business Consultancy specialises in development strategy, coastal infrastructure, and sustainable regional planning, and is now positioning itself to shape discourse well beyond the continent.

Source Gabby Amoakoh         

Richard Akpokavie polled 44 votes to beat off competition from his contender Michael Aggrey who got 19 votes at the Elective Congress of the Ghana Olympic Committee GOC which was held at the Accra International Conference Center.

Saturday's victory marked a turnaround in fortunes for Akpokavie, who lost the Presidential bid four years ago. That time, Akpokavie lost by seven votes to then-incumbent Ben Nunoo Mensah.

He previously served as General Secretary of the GOC between 2017 and 2021 before contesting Ben Nunoo Mensah in the 2021 presidential election.

The product of Achimota School was as an athlete, coach, manager and administrator.

Akpokavie captained Ghana's national hockey team.             

He is the first Ghanaian to be appointed as an arbitrator on the International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS), the governing body of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu was elected unopposed as 1^st Vice President just like 2^nd Vice President Frederick Otu Lartey and Assistant Secretary General Bawa Fuseini.

Ernest Danso beat Mohammed Mahadi to become the new 3^rd Vice President and Evans Yeboah edged Isaac Duah to take the post of Treasurer and Nii Lante Bannerman became the new Assistant Treasurer.

While Mohammed Baadae Sahnoon lost his Secretary General position to Mohammed Muniru Kassim.

Others were elected onto the board, like George Qwusu Ansah aka Nana Makattah, Mrs. Delphina Quaye, George Lamptey, Edwin Amankwah, Rafatu Inusah, Kamal Sulley, George Tettey, Nathaniel Johnson and Samuel Tetteh Ayer.

The new Team was sworn into office by the Sports and Recreation Minister, Hon Kofi Adams in the presence of ANOCA rep, from Nigeria the outgoing President Ben Nunoo Mensah, former President Peter Kpordugbe.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The race for leadership within Ghana’s Olympic movement is heating up, as the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) prepares to host its highly anticipated elective congress on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Over 20 candidates are set to contest various positions, with stakes high for the next four-year term of the committee's executive board.

At the heart of the elections is a closely watched presidential battle between two respected figures in Ghanaian sports: Richard Kofi Akpokavie, a seasoned sports administrator and former captain of the national hockey team, and Michael Odum Aggrey, the immediate past President of the Ghana Golf Association. Both men have mounted energetic campaigns, appealing to delegates with promises of progress, inclusion, and international competitiveness.

In a field where experience appears to dominate, some candidates have already crossed the finish line unopposed. According to Article 14(a) of the GOC election guidelines, “Where at the close of nomination for election to the Board of GOC; only one candidate is nominated for a position, the candidate shall be declared elected.” As a result, Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu (1st Vice President), Mr. Frederick Lartey Otu (2nd Vice President), Mr. Bawa Fuseini (Deputy Secretary-General), and Mr. Samuel Tetteh Ayer (Representative of Affiliated Bodies) have all secured their respective positions uncontested and now await formal swearing-in.

Outgoing GOC President, Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, whose term officially concludes at the congress, has urged delegates to consider merit above all else. Speaking at an extraordinary congress last weekend, he advised, “Vote for individuals based on their credibility, integrity, selflessness as well as their records and achievements. That is the only way the good brand of the GOC will be preserved and strengthened.”

Other highly contested positions include the Secretary-General slot, where Mohammed Baadae Sahnoon faces off with Mohammed Muniru Kassim, and the 3rd Vice President role, where Ernest Danso will battle Mohammed Mahadi.

In the Treasurer race, Evans Yeboah and Isaac Aboagye Duah are vying for the financial reins of the GOC, while the Assistant Treasurer role has drawn three contenders -Bernard Quartey, Edward Patrick Nii Lante Bannerman, and Aurora Commodore-Toppar.

Candidates will also compete for seats as Representatives of Olympic Sports, with five slots available among a pool of eight aspirants, including George Lamptey, Delphina Quaye, Prosper Harrison Addo, and others. The non-Olympic Sports Representative will be chosen between Abdul Hayye Yartey and George Owusu Ansah.

For the three additional membership positions to be elected by Congress, eight candidates are in the running: Emmanuel Djani Nikoi, Emmanuel Owusu Ansah-Asare, Michael Ntow Ayeh, Nathaniel Johnson, Edwin Amankwah, Rafatu Inusah, Philip Elikem Ameku, and Leonard K. Okyere.

As the GOC election day nears, all eyes remain on the delegates, who will have the final say on the individuals they believe can elevate Ghana’s Olympic dreams on the continental and global stage.

Here is a list of all the candidates and the positions they are contesting in the upcoming Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) elections on Saturday, April 26, 2025:

President;

Richard Kofi Akpokavie

Michael Odum Aggrey

1st Vice President (Unopposed - Elected);

Mawuko Afadzinu

2nd Vice President (Unopposed - Elected);

Frederick Lartey Otu

3rd Vice President

Ernest Danso

Mohammed Mahadi

Secretary-General;

Mohammed Baadae Sahnoon

Mohammed Muniru Kassim

Assistant Secretary-General (Unopposed - Elected)

Bawa Fuseini

Treasurer;

Evans Yeboah

Isaac Aboagye Duah

Assistant Treasurer;

Bernard Quartey

Edward Patrick Nii Lante Bannerman

Aurora Commodore-Toppar

Representative of Olympic Sports (Five to be elected);

George Lamptey

Delphina O. Quaye

Prosper Harrison Addo

Richmond Rexford Quarcoo

Albert Kyei Frimpong

George Tettey

Benjamin K.D. Asante

Kamal Sulley

Representative of Non-Olympic Sports (One to be elected);

Abdul Hayye Yartey

George Owusu Ansah

Representative of Affiliated Bodies (Unopposed - Elected);

Samuel Tetteh Ayer

Three Other Members to be Elected by Congress (Three to be elected);

Emmanuel Djani Nikoi

Emmanuel Owusu Ansah-Asare

Michael Ntow Ayeh

Nathaniel Johnson

Edwin Amankwah

Rafatu Inusah

Philip Elikem Ameku

Leonard K. Okyere

Source Graphic Sports

The Breaking Federation of Ghana has endorsed the Break Dance Girls Empowerment Project by Africa Breaking Academy (ABA) in Tamale, Northern Ghana.

As part of preparations towards the rollout of the Break It Girls Empowerment Project in Tamale, the Africa Breaking Academy team together with Nana Tufuor Okai aka B Boy Lyricx, President of Ghana Breaking Federation embarked on a strategic courtesy tour to key stakeholders in the Tamale metropolis.

Highlights of the visit included engagements with the Chief of Tamale at the Dakpema Palace, the Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service - Tamale, the Northern Regional Girl Child Education Officer, the Metro & District Directors of the National Youth Authority, Heads of Basic & Secondary Schools, Cultural Officers and other community leaders. 

Among the key takeaways of the programme, the stakeholders expressed strong support for the project and emphasized the need for security and safety as well as inclusive spaces for girls in the north. 

Other discussions focused on breaking gender norms, encouraging girls to take up leadership roles in schools and communities. 

The Dakpema Chief endorsed the initiative, highlighting its potential to build confidence and aspirations in young girls as well their physical and mental wellbeing.

“This project is about empowering today’s girls to become tomorrow’s leaders, we thank all stakeholders for their warm reception and belief in the mission which was supported by KGL Foundation, our major partner and sponsor” said President Nana Tufuor Okai.

He expressed that frantic efforts are being made to join the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) after meeting requirements of the National Sports Authority (NSA).

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Groupe Imperial in collaboration with the Functional Sports League Ghana will organise the maiden May Day Sweat Fest on May 1, 2025 at 6am at the Astro Turf Pitch near the Dr. Karikari Brobbey at Dansoman in Accra.

According to Mr. Charles Owusu Ansah, President of the Functional Sports League Ghana it is going to be another great fan event and expert many workers, fitness fans and practitioners to participate.

He noted that there will be various sports competitions such as aerobics, weightlifting, bar press, squats, hop overs, fun races and more like products activation and sales of High Protein Recovery.

There will be the Press Launch of GoFit Ghana and Functional Sports Contests

He announced that prizes will be given to some lucky participants and prayed that everyone interested will be time conscious and come early to have fun and make new friends and business contacts.

“It will not be only about sports and fitness, but socializing, making new friends, networking and creating new links and connections” he assured.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana’s Paralympian Zinabu Issah Wins Gold with 29.25 Record in Discuss Throw at WPA 2025 Marrakesch Grand Prix.

Zinabu Issah's achievement is impressive, Zinabu Issah is a Ghanaian para-athlete who competes in the F57 women's discus throw event. She won a gold medal at the 2024 Grand Prix Marrakech in Morocco with a throw of 26.66 meters, which positioned her well to represent Ghana at the Paralympic Games.

However, her throw of 29.25 meters at the WPA 2025 Marrakech Grand Prix, breaking her own record. Previous records show she threw 26.66 meters in Marrakech 2024 and 24.39 meters in the qualification event for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Zinabu Issah has indeed achieved a throw of 29.25 meters, it would be a significant improvement from her previous records. Her performance would likely solidify her qualification for major events like the WPA 2025 World Championship and the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Source NPC Ghana

The weigh in and medicals for Nana’s Promotions international bill dubbed ‘Redemption Fight Night’ came off at the Sunset Beach Resort At Korle Gonno in Accra this morning in anticipation for an amazing night on Friday, April 25, 2025 at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

The bout many fans want to see will involve Theo Lopez Allotey versus David Tagoe aka ‘The One’ for the UBO Africa Super Flyweight title belt.

Both boxers weighed successfully and promised to give boxing fans a classic show. Fans of both boxers bragged and boasted hoping for victory.

The camp of Theo Allotey led by Coach Dr. Ofori Asare was very sure and optimistic. The celebrated trainer said his boxer is hot to handle, and they are winning by a knockout to prepare for bigger challenges.

Tamba Merlin of Cameroon is eager to make a statement when he steps into the ring to face a tough cruiser weight challenge from the Ghana Armed Forces boxer David Akankolim Bawah.

Ernest Ampah will fight Abdul Rashid Tagoe, while Kelvin Oduro, a UK based boxer, will engage in an exhibition fight.

Other boxers on the bill include Michael ‘One Bullet’ Ansah who faces Bekzod Kholdorov, Jessie Lartey clashes with Gideon Nortey. They all weighed successfully.

Mr. Augustus Dodoo aka One Life, the matchmaker said everything is on course for a cool Friday night boxing. He stressed that the entry fee is 25ghc at some vantage parts of Accra such as the GBA Office, but will be raised to 50ghc at the gate on fight night.

By Sammy Heywood Okine          

Mrs. Joyce Mahama, President of African Women In Sports Association (AWISA) and the Women Sports Association of Ghana (WOSPAG) has made a passionate appeal to delegates who will be voting at the 2025 Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Elective Congress on Saturday to consider the women and put them into office.

Speaking at a special programme on GH One TV organized by the EIB media network, she expressed her sadness that the women vying for leadership at the GOC are only three.

According to Mrs. Mahama it is about time women take up leadership roles and become Presidents or Secretaries and Treasurers to be included in the decision making and not just serving tea in the background.

“Our ladies need to come forward and be heard, I am personally sad that the women contesting are not many, they don’t even reach 30% of the delegates and I feel very sad” she said.

The President of AWISA stated that there had been violence against some top sports women in recent times and they are trying to put a stop to it and give women athletes a chance to live their lives.

She hinted that AWISA will organize an event in Mauritius in May where she will deliver a message.

She commended EIB media network and the Communications Department of the GOC for their exclusive programme and prayed that women in sports will be respected, protected and supported.

She also hailed the candidates who have put themselves forward to lead the Olympic Movement in Ghana and prayed that the best person will win.

Mr. Richard Akpokavie, a former Secretary General and President of Ghana Hockey is contesting Mr. Michael Aggrey, Secretary General of African Golf and a former President of Ghana Golf for the President of the GOC.

About 30 persons are contesting with only three women in the race.

Delphina Quaye and Rafatu Inusah are contesting to be elected on the GOC Executive Board, while Aurora Commodore - Toppar is going for Assistant Treasurer.

By Sammy Heywood Okine