Sports
GFA Foundation commemorates World Blood Donor day with Blood Donation Exercise
The GFA Foundation has organized a Blood Donation exercise to celebrate World Blood Donor Day.
The life-saving exercise, which was held at the Home of Football (GFA Head Office), was in partnership with the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) to stock its blood bank with safe and efficacious blood and blood products.
The event was graced by the General Secretary of the Football Association, Prosper Harrison Addo and two Deputies, Ama Brobbey Williams and Mr. Alex Asante.
Members of Supporters’ Unions, Club officials, students, staff of the GFA and its corporate neighbours, including the Ghana Tourism Authority, a section of the general public and the media checked their relevant vitals and donated blood.
The Blood Donation campaign manifests the GFA Foundation’s mission of positively impacting the lives of people through support for national and international development initiatives and goals.
This year’s edition was dubbed the “2nd Pint” because this is the second time the GFA was celebrating the International Day with a Blood Donation drive. The first edition was celebrated last year along with the Ghana Tourism Authority.
Since 2004, the World Health Organization (WHO), its partners and communities across the world, have celebrated 14th June as the World Blood Donor Day and this year, the celebration was under the theme “20 years of celebrating giving: Thank you, blood donors”.
The Director of the GFA Foundation, Malcolm Frazier Appeadu, indicated that the annual lifesaving campaign was the Football Association’s contribution to developing a safe, adequate and readily available blood service in Ghana.
“The blood donation exercise is a way to manifest to Ghanaians that indeed we care about the communities and truly the GFA CARES,” he added.
A Senior Medical Officer of Public Health at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Dr Emmanuel Addipa-Adapoe said blood was very vital in the treatment of jaundice in newborns, complications during pregnancy and childbirth, severe anemia in children etc. “I thank the GFA and all stakeholders for their support for the Greater Accra Regional Hospital,”he went on to say.
Donors, after the donation exercise, received donor cards and other souvenirs from the Ghana Football Association and the medical team from the Accra Regional Hospital.
The Blood Donation Campaign has become a permanent feature on the calendar of the GFA Foundation.
Sports
Jerry Afriyie Departs Camp to Rejoin Club in Spain
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially announced the departure of Jerry Afriyie from the camp of the Black Satellites to return to his club base in Spain.
This development is in line with a prior arrangement between the GFA and the player’s club, which had indicated that they would require his return following Ghana’s first two matches in the ongoing tournament.
The Association had to rely on such an arrangement because the tournament is being played outside the FIFA window for release of players.
Jerry Afriyie made a significant contribution to the team during our opening fixtures, playing a key role in securing valuable points that have positioned the Black Satellites strongly in the quest for qualification.
While the technical team and management would have preferred to retain his services for the entirety of the competition, the GFA remains committed to honouring all arrangements with clubs in the spirit of mutual respect, cooperation and professionalism.
“We are confident that the remaining members of the squad will build on the foundation laid in the first two matches and continue to push toward our collective objective of success in the tournament,” the statement added.
The GFA has taken this opportunity to express their heartfelt appreciation to Jerry Afriyie for his dedication and service during his time with the national team, and wished him continued success at his club.
“We also thank Ghanaians at home and abroad for the unwavering support shown to the Black Satellites and urge all to continue rallying behind the team as we pursue continental glory,” the statement concluded.
Sports
Black Satellites Hold First Training Session in Ismailia Ahead of Decisive Group C Encounter
Shortly after touching down in Ismailia, Ghana’s Black Satellites hit the ground running with their first training session ahead of Thursday’s Group C fixture against the Central African Republic at the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2025.
The training, held at the Tolip 1 training pitch, saw a divided workload. Players who started in the team’s second group match against Senegal were put through a light recovery session, while the rest of the squad engaged in a more intensive workout.
The energy on the pitch was positive, with players upbeat and fully engaged as they sharpened their preparations for the showdown at Ismailia Stadium which kicks off at 1800 local time (1500 GMT).
Head Coach Desmond Ofei praised the team’s mindset and professionalism in quickly adjusting to their new environment.
“The attitude today was spot on. The boys understand what’s at stake, and the tempo at training reflected that. We’re building toward Thursday with confidence,” Ofei stated.
With two games down and all to play for in the final Group match, the Satellites are hoping to harness this momentum and passion to secure the win that will cement their place in the quarterfinals.
