Sports
GFA hold 30th Ordinary Congress at Prampram
The 30th Ordinary Congress of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) took place on August 27, 2024, at the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence in Prampram.
The Congress was addressed by GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, who delivered a comprehensive speech highlighting the progress made in various aspects of the Ghanaian game whilst acknowledging challenges that require attention.
President Simeon-Okraku began by acknowledging the contributions of past Football Association Heads to the development of the game in Ghana. He also paid glowing tribute to Ghanaian football legends who graced the occasion. In a solemn mood, President Simeon-Okraku led the gathering to honour the memory of some football persons who had passed on during the course of the year under review.
Simeon-Okraku went on to laud Medeama SC and Dreams FC for the progressive performances that they put up in the 2023-24 CAF Inter-Club competitions.
He was effusive in his praise of the national Under 20 Male and female national teams, who won Gold medals at the 2023 Africa Games. The Black Princesses’ qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and the Black Stars’ resurgence under new Coach Otto Addo also received mention by the President.
He emphasized the importance of infrastructure development, citing the transformation of the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence, the renovation of the Headquarters of the GFA and new developments in infrastructure at the GFA’s Headquarters in Accra.
Youth development, refereeing, and coach education were also key areas of focus, with President Simeon-Okraku highlighting initiatives to improve the quality of these aspects in Ghanaian football. He made glowing mention of the Catch them Young Refereeing policy and indicated that the GFA would soon be announcing its first batch of 10 professional Referees.
Integrity and transparency were also emphasized, with the GFA President assuring delegates of the Association’s commitment to fair play and ethical conduct.
The relationship between Ghana Football and the government of Ghana was also discussed, with President Okraku expressing gratitude for the government’s support and collaboration. He laid out a number of areas in which the GFA believes that the Government can significantly boost Ghana’s Football industry, pointing at tax incentives, the creation of a Sports Fund, relaxing of the regulatory regime which prevents alcoholic beverages from sponsoring football.
In conclusion, President Okraku quoted Nelson Mandela, saying, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”
The congress was attended by delegates from various regions, clubs, and stakeholders in Ghanaian football, and marked the first time ever that the Congress had been held over a two-day period.
Sports
Ampem Darkoa, Sung Shinning seek crucial wins in Northern Zone of Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League
Ampem Darkoa Ladies return home after shocking exit from the Women’s FA Cup at the hands of Division One side Rootz Sistaz.
Despite this setback, the former champions remain unbeaten in the Women’s Premier League, following a draw with Northern Ladies in their last fixture.
Meanwhile, bottom-placed Sung Shining Ladies, based in Wa, will host Northern Ladies, aiming to secure maximum points and escape the relegation zone.
Here is what to expect in the Northern Zone:
Sung Shining Ladies FC vs. Northern Ladies FC
Sung Shining Ladies FC will host Northern Ladies FC, seeking to bounce back from their FA Cup quarterfinal disappointment. The home side has struggled to maintain leads in recent matches. Northern Ladies FC will look to continue their momentum and move up the table.
Ampem Darkoa Ladies vs. Kumasi Sports Academy
Ampem Darkoa Ladies will shift their focus to the premier league after a shocking FA Cup exit. They remain unbeaten in the league and will look to maintain their run against Kumasi Sports Academy, who are struggling in 8th position.
Tamale Super Ladies vs. Fosu Royal Ladies
Tamale Super Ladies will seek a second consecutive win when they host Fosu Royal Ladies. The Super Ladies are fifth in the table, while Fosu Royal Ladies are fourth. A win could push Tamale Super Ladies into the top four.
Dreamz Ladies vs. Prison Ladies
Dreamz Ladies will take on Prison Ladies in an electrifying encounter. Both teams have shown impressive form, and this clash promises to be a thrilling display of determination.
Supreme Ladies vs. Savannah Ladies
Supreme Ladies will clash with Savannah Ladies at the Bantama Astro Turf. Both teams are seeking to improve their standing in the league table. Supreme Ladies are bottom of the table and will look to pick maximum points at home.
Sports
Hasaacas Ladies face off against Police Ladies in Southern Zone as Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League returns
The Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League resumes this weekend with Match Day 12, featuring highly anticipated clashes. In the Southern Zone, leaders Hasaacas Ladies face off against second-placed Police Ladies in a thrilling encounter that promises to be a highlight of the weekend.
Two points separate the two teams as Police Ladies trail record holders Hasaacas Ladies in the title race. Meanwhile, Halifax Ladies will host struggling Berry Ladies, with the home team seeking maximum points to improve their league standing.
Here is what to expect in the Southern Zone:
Epiphany Warriors vs. LadyStrikers
Epiphany Warriors, currently 4th with 21 points, face LadyStrikers, who sit 6th in the table with 13 points. Despite their standings, LadyStrikers have shown they can compete against tougher opponents following an impressive showing against the top three teams.
Epiphany Warriors are poised to start as favorites, but they must remain cautious of LadyStrikers’ formidable quality.
Soccer Intellectuals vs. Jonina Ladies
Soccer Intellectuals, struggling with 2 wins and 2 draws from 10 games, host Jonina Ladies, who recently booked an FA Cup semi-final berth.
Soccer Intellectuals vs. Jonina Ladies
Soccer Intellectuals, struggling with 2 wins and 2 draws from 10 games, host Jonina Ladies, who recently booked an FA Cup semi-final berth with a 5-1 win.
Police Ladies vs. Hasaacas Ladies
League leaders Hasaacas Ladies face Police Ladies, who aim to reclaim the top spot on home turf. Hasaacas Ladies are favorites following their Women’s FA Cup quarter-final heroics. They lead the table with 24 points – two points ahead of their host going into this epic clash.
Halifax Ladies vs. Berry Ladies
New entrants Halifax Ladies, seeking consistency, face strugglers Berry Ladies, who are deeply, rooted at the bottom of the Southern Zone standings.
Faith Ladies vs. Army Ladies
Faith Ladies, with 8 points, host Army Ladies, who are enjoying a strong campaign in fifth place with 20 points. Army Ladies will aim to extend their unbeaten run.
