Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, has taken significant steps to ensure that Ghanaian football fans can support the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with greater ease. In a series of high-level meetings held in Accra, Mr. Ablakwa met separately with officials from the US Embassy and the Canadian High Commission to initiate discussions on visa facilitation for supporters traveling to the tournament. The engagements brought together representatives from Ghana’s key sports and foreign affairs institutions, including the Technical Advisor to the Minister for Youth and Sports, Miss Betty Krosbi Mensah; Ghana Football Association (GFA) President and CAF Vice President, Kurt Okraku; and senior directors from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Sports. The US delegation was led by Acting Ambassador Rolf Olson, while Acting High Commissioner Dennis Roussel headed the Canadian team. According to Mr. Ablakwa, the purpose of these meetings was to foster mutual understanding of expectations and requirements, improve coordination, and develop roadmaps for streamlined visa processes. “These engagements are about building practical frameworks that make it easier for Ghanaian fans to travel, celebrate, and support the Black Stars during the World Cup,” he noted. The discussions explored the possibility of special visa arrangements for football supporters and delegations—separate from the standard application process. The Minister also welcomed the recent reversal of US visa restrictions, which now allows for multiple-entry visas, enabling flexible travel between the tournament’s host nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The meetings ended on a cordial note, with GFA President Kurt Okraku presenting Black Stars replica jerseys to US and Canadian officials as gestures of appreciation. Mr. Ablakwa revealed that similar discussions were scheduled with the Mexican Embassy, completing Ghana’s diplomatic outreach to all three host countries. This initiative underscores Ghana’s proactive diplomacy and commitment to ensuring a smooth and memorable experience for its fans and officials as preparations for the global football showpiece intensify. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Jubilation echoed through the Jubilee House as President John Dramani Mahama warmly welcomed the victorious team and management of the University, who had stunned the world by defeating Brazil in the final to lift the coveted trophy. Addressing the delegation during their courtesy call, President Mahama described their victory as an extraordinary achievement that has brought immense pride to Ghana. “Your triumph on the international stage is not only a testament to your hard work and determination but an inspiration to the entire nation,” he remarked. In recognition of their remarkable feat, President Mahama announced a special reward from the presidency. “The presidency is also pleased to present you with something. We won’t let you go empty-handed. So this is GHS500,000. It is a reward to the team for the good job you have done,” the President stated, as applause filled the room. The ceremony underscored the national significance of the team’s accomplishment and the government’s commitment to celebrating excellence and perseverance on and off the field. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and Commonwealth Sports–Ghana have inaugurated 10 specialized committees. The initiative aims to strengthen grassroots and school-level sports while placing a strong emphasis on women’s participation and empowerment in athletics. The newly formed committees include Legal, Marketing, Fundraising and Sponsorship, Olympic Education, Culture and School Sports, Games and Technical, National Federations Relations, Medical and Anti-Doping, Events and Programmes, Finance, Women in Sports, and Government Relations and Stakeholders. Each committee is composed of carefully selected professionals and passionate sports advocates. At the swearing-in ceremony, Vice President of the GOC, Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu, praised the committee members for answering the call to serve. He encouraged them to bring dedication, innovation, and resilience to their roles, urging, “Be bold. Challenge every outdated assumption. Be accountable—not just to the GOC Executive Board, but to the young girl in Wa running barefoot who dreams of Olympic gold. Her dream is your KPI.” Mr. Afadzinu also reminded the committees of the challenges ahead, including bureaucracy, cynicism, and budget constraints, but urged them to view these as hurdles to overcome on the journey to sporting success. He congratulated all members, emphasizing their pivotal role in shaping the future of Ghana’s Olympic movement. Speaking on behalf of the appointees, Mr. Wisdom Kobina Woyome, Chairman of the Government Relations and Stakeholders Committee, pledged their commitment to leveraging their expertise and networks to drive sports development nationwide. The event also saw the presence of Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankra, Director General of the National Sports Authority, underscoring the collaborative effort to uplift Ghanaian sports at every level. Full List of Committees and Members Legal CommitteeMohammed Sahnoon, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Eva Okyere, Juliana Addo Yobo, Prosper Harrison Addo Marketing, Fundraising and Sponsorship CommitteeMawuko Afadzinu, Dr. Ben Asante, Adelaide Abbiw, Nathaniel Johnson, Ken Ashigbey, Mawuli Ocloo, Cynthia Ofori Olympic Education, Culture and School Sports CommitteeBawah Fuseini, Dr. Austin Luguterah, Michael Ntow Ayeh, Rafatu Inusah, George Lamptey, Cathrine Tukpe Games and Technical CommitteeFrederick Lartey Otu, Vivian Dougblor, Richmond Quarcoo, Prof. Sarpong, Iddrisu Gamel Ayambire, Shaban Mohammed National Federations Relations CommitteeGeorge Owusu Ansah, Delphina Quaye, George Tettey, Philip Ameku, Rafiq Mohammed Arthur Government Relations and Stakeholders CommitteeHon. Wisdom Kobina Woyome, Bernard Mornah, Aurora Commodore-Toppar, Richmond Quarcoo, Ali Shaib Tanko Women in Sports CommissionMrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, Mrs. Joyce Mahama, Madam Elizabeth King, Helena Williams, Christiana Ashley, Delphina Quaye, Rafatu Inusah, Phillipina Frimpong, Rita Odei Asare, Cathrine Tukpe, Ayishatu Farida Iddriss Finance CommitteeMawuko Afadzinu, Evans Yeboah, Edward Nii Lante Bannerman, Ato Van-Ess, Julie Asante, Rodney Oddoye, Robert Yeboah Amponsah Events and Programmes CommitteeKamal Sulley, Samuel Ayer, Isaac Abe Duah, Rita Odei Asare, Yaw Boakye Yiadom Medical and Anti-Doping CommitteeDr. Julia Derban, Dr. Akwesi Adomako, Prof. Jonathan Quartey, Paapa Kwesi Ampiah, Prince Azanu, Justine Sitsofe Dzadzetor, Dr. Beatrice Dwumfour Williams, Prince Addo, Dr. Abena Yeboaa Tannor Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court. The 32-year-old is accused of raping two women, as well as sexually assaulting a third woman. The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when he was an Arsenal player. Partey spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and his not guilty pleas during a 14-minute hearing on Wednesday. The Ghanaian midfielder, who now plays for Spanish club Villarreal, faces trial under a High Court judge at the same court on November 2 next year. Partey was first arrested in July 2022, though he was not named at the time and continued to play for Arsenal while investigations were ongoing before his contract expired at the end of June. Days later, he was charged on July 4. Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta said in July he was “100 per cent” sure the club had followed all the correct processes around the arrest and investigation. Partey’s latest court appearance comes the day after he came on as a substitute in Villarreal’s Champions League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur in London. At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Christopher Hehir told Partey: “Your trial will take place at this court on November 2 of next year, 2026. “I appreciate that it is quite a long way in advance. As you may appreciate, the crown courts have a huge backlog of work, which means that trials do take a long time to come on. “Because you have bail, effectively you are sitting behind a queue of people in prison who are waiting to be tried.” The judge granted bail on the same conditions as Partey was placed under at a previous hearing – that he cannot contact any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel. Source: skysports.com

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced that it will issue a detailed response to recent statements from the Ministry of Sports and Recreation regarding the Black Stars’ budget for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, promising clarifications on the issues raised. In a statement released on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the GFA, under the leadership of President Kurt Simeon-Okraku, acknowledged the ministry’s comments delivered at a press briefing the previous day. The Association assured stakeholders that, as the custodian of Ghana football, it would “in due course, provide clarifications to the issues raised.” However, the GFA stressed that its immediate focus remains on supporting the Black Stars as they prepare for their critical qualifying matches against Chad and Mali. “We deem it prudent at this time to maintain our collective focus on the immediate national task at hand,” the statement read, urging all stakeholders to rally behind the team. The GFA emphasized the importance of national unity and the unwavering support of Ghanaians, which it described as the Black Stars’ greatest strength. The Association assured the public that comprehensive remarks on the Ministry’s statements would be delivered after the match against Mali on September 8, 2025. “We extend our sincere appreciation to all Ghanaians for their understanding and their continued support for the Black Stars and all our national teams,” the GFA concluded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has unveiled significant cost savings on the Black Stars’ budget for the September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Mali, following a directive from President John Mahama to ensure transparency and prudent public spending. At a press briefing in Accra, Sports Minister Kofi Adams disclosed that the government approved a total budget of $1,320,490 for the two key fixtures—a sharp reduction from the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) original proposal of $2,053,240. The adjustment resulted in overall savings of $732,750 for the nation. Minister Adams detailed the four-stage budgeting process: the GFA submitted its estimates for travel, accommodation, bonuses, training, and logistics; the Ministry reviewed and adjusted these items to fit government fiscal policy; the Presidency vetted and approved the revisions; and finally, clearance was given for the Ministry of Finance to release the necessary funds. For the away match against Chad on September 4 in N’Djamena, the government approved $856,890—down from the GFA’s $1,239,090 request—delivering savings of $382,200. Funded items included player and official travel, a chartered flight, and accommodation and meals, while savings came from reducing imprest, scrapping certain fees, and halving player bonuses and staff allowances. For the home fixture against Mali on September 8 in Accra, the government approved $463,600 instead of the GFA’s request of $814,150, resulting in a savings of $350,550. The budget covered key expenses, including players’ accommodation, per diems, and medical costs, with further savings achieved through cuts to transportation, allowances, and bonuses. Minister Adams emphasized that these measures reflect the government’s commitment to accountability and value-for-money spending. “Across both match windows, we have realised total savings of $732,750. This demonstrates our resolve to protect taxpayers while still providing the essentials needed for the Black Stars to deliver,” he said. He commended the GFA for its cooperation and praised the players for accepting the revised bonus structures that reflect the country’s economic realities. Adams reaffirmed the Ministry’s ongoing collaboration with the GFA to ensure realistic national team budgets aligned with Ghana’s fiscal priorities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially appointed Maxwell Konadu as the new head coach of the Black Satellites, the country’s U-20 national football team. Konadu, known for his extensive experience in both local and international football, steps into the role with a clear mandate: to rebuild the youthful side and prepare them for upcoming continental and global competitions. With a background that includes serving as assistant coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars, Konadu is widely regarded for his tactical acumen and dedication to player development. The GFA expressed strong confidence in Konadu’s ability to lead, emphasizing that his expertise and leadership will be instrumental in restoring the Black Satellites’ reputation as one of Africa’s most formidable youth teams. The association looks forward to a new era of success under his guidance, as the next generation of Ghanaian football talent takes shape. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Alex Kotei, Referees Manager, Ghana Football Association (GFA), has broached the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology being introduced into the Ghana Premier League (GPL) again. His comment followed GFA revealing Adesa Production Limited (APL) as the GPL’s new broadcast partner to handle production, ahead of the 2025/2026 football season. “We could not implement VAR in the past because the league’s broadcasting was not up to standard,” Kotei said, speaking to Akoma FM. “For VAR to work effectively, you need excellent broadcasting,” he explained. “With the new broadcaster (APL), we believe that in the coming matches we will then know whether to start using the VAR or not,” he noted. GPL 2025/26 is set to begin on September 12. Read: VAR might rule on yellow cards in EPL in future Source: Citifmonline

Dennis Apusika, the creative force behind the popular “Visit Bolga” social media platform, has embarked on an extraordinary journey. Apexnewsgh.com As a tourism vlogger, he’s known for showcasing the beauty of Bolgatanga and the Upper East Region. But now, he’s taking a different approach to promoting his beloved region. It all started with a lighthearted bet. When Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) lost to Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup, Apusika was reminded of his vow to trek from Bolgatanga to Accra if his favorite team lost. True to his word, he set off on July 22, 2025, at 6:30 a.m. from Bolgatanga, determined to cover the long distance on foot. As Apusika treks along the Eastern Corridor route, he’s covering significant ground. From Bolgatanga -Walewale to Tamale, Yendi, Bimbilla, Damanko, and Kpassa, he’s spreading awareness about the need for sports infrastructure and tourism development in the Upper East Region. For Apusika, the journey is about more than just fulfilling a pledge. It’s an opportunity to advocate for the construction of a sports stadium in the region, which he believes will boost sports development and tourism. With every step, he’s working towards making his vision a reality. As he heads towards Nkwanta South in the Oti Region, Apusika remains committed to his mission. His trek is a testament to the power of determination and creativity in driving positive change. Will he reach Accra with his message? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Dennis Apusika’s journey will leave a lasting impact on the Upper East Region and beyond. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen