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Kurt Okraku named vice president of WAFU

President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has been appointed 2nd Vice President of the Union of West Africa Football Federations (WAFU) Zone B in accordance with the Statutes of the Union.

Prez Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku was elected President of the Ghana Football Association a year ago and has changed the narrative by being transparent and accountable to the football fraternity.

This coupled with the #bringBackTheLove agenda has won over the heart of many football loving Ghanaians.

He holds bachelor’s degree from the University of Ghana, trained as a journalist at the Ghana Institute of Journalism and also an MBA holder from the University of Liverpool. While in the UK, he also received various certificates in marketing, hospitality and tourism management.

He is an astute football administrator and has his name synonymous with football administration serving on various executive committees of the Ghana Football Association as well as the national team, Ghana Black Stars.

He again served as the administrative manager of Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) from 2008 to 2010.

Before ascending the eminent GFA Presidential throne, Mr. Simeon-Okraku was the Chairman of the MTN FA Cup Committee, a position he held flawlessly to the admiration of all and Sundry.

He is therefore in no doubt well-equipped to hold the fort on the West African Zonal front.

GFA Communications

StarTimes pleads with Kotoko fans ‘not to disconnect decoders and subscriptions’

The Chinese company has officially announced to the general public and especially Kotoko fans to remain calm amid the brouhaha over video rights

Ghana Premier League television right holders StarTimes has sent a heartwarming message to Asante Kotoko supporters following their decision to boycott their product due to the brouhaha with Ghana Football Association.

On matchday one of the 2020/21 league season, Kotoko clashed with Ghana FA after they were initially prevented from filming their home game against Techiman Eleven Wonders for technical purposes by new partners VEO.

Although, they were later allowed their way through, Ghana FA issued a statement few days later banning all clubs and individuals from filming any Premier League games since it goes against the TV right agreement they signed with StarTimes.

That communique has led to a protest by Kotoko supporters as they have began disconnecting their StarTimes packages, while others have resorted to laying off their decoders. This move has forced StarTimes to come out with a petition to the club and it’s supporters.

AshesGyamera.com understands that Kotoko are ready to refund the $5,000 part payment of television right fee they took from Ghana FA and have sworn not to allow StarTimes to telecast their home games henceforth.

Kotoko will play Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City Park in Berekum on Sunday.

‘Kotoko have wasted money on Fabio Gama since Ronaldinho will even struggle in Ghana,” Ollenu Ashitey insists

The midfielder believes his former club did not do due diligence before signing the Brazilian for the 2020/21 season

Former Asante Kotoko’s midfielder Ollenu Ashitey has insisted that the club’s top hierarchy were wrong to sign Brazilian midfielder Fabio Gama.

The 28-year-old signed a two-year deal with the Porcupines and although he missed the club’s pre-season tour, he arrived in Ghana on Monday evening.

He was introduced to his teammates and technical team later and began to train with the first team on Wednesday but Ollenu believes it was wrong to sign him since even former Barcelona star and Fifa World Best Ronaldinho will struggle in the local league due to its demands and conditions of service.

“The signing of Fabio Gama is a little waste of money,” Ollenu told Energy FM.

“We are in Ghana not Brazil or Europe. We play our local type of football here which is Ghana football and it is tough. Players can tackle you anyhow so I think I’ve not seen this kind of player from Brazil.

“Even if Ronaldinho and his likes come to play in Ghana Premier League, I will give them the typical tackles and treatment I give to locals. I don’t want to say anything bad but per what is going on at Asante Kotoko, I think it is a little waste of money because the system here and that of Europe are different.

“In Ghana, everyone is a good player just like in Brazil unlike when you go to Ethiopia and Sudan. Asante Kotoko is my team and I love them but I think continuous recruitment of players is the best. This is because they don’t give the players the time to settle and grow.

“The club’s decision to sack new players that just arrived every season is their problem. So I don’t see the reason why they should bring too many new players and especially a Brazilian who knows nothing about African football,” he added.

Gama is expected to miss Kotoko’s trip to Golden City Park in Berekum this weekend when they play Chelsea on matchday two after failing to pick a win on opening day against Eleven Wonders

Ollenu is currently plying his trade with Techiman Eleven Wonders after recovering from series of injuries which hampered his stay at Kotoko.

Fabio Gama: Oduro Sarfo to drag Kotoko’s Nana Yaw Amponsah to court over life threat

The Biribes chief has revealed that his life is under attack after a harmless phone call he made seeking clarity on Fabio Gama’s registration

Berekum Chelsea chief executive officer and Ghana FA executive council member Oduro Nyarko has revealed that he is prepared to take legal actions against Asante Kotoko CEO Nana Yaw Amponsah following threats on his life.

According to Oduro Sarfo on Oyerepa FM, he was shocked how Kotoko maneuvered their way through to register Brazilian midfielder Fabio da Silva Gama when his documents arrived after transfer deadline day.

Therefore, he placed a call to Amponsah to ask questions and that led into something terrible.

“You are stupid, old fool. I’m not like you who begs to eat, be very careful or else Ghana can’t contain both of us,” Sarfo claims these were portions of the statement from Amponsah to him.

“He further told me I have no sense and I should stop acting foolishly. I swear by my dead father, my children and the car i drive that these were the exact words he told me.

“I only asked how Fabio Gama was registered. since he just arrived in Ghana. It was harmless question asked.

“He told me i can take him to wherever i want to , even BBC and that am stupid and shouldn’t call his phone again.

“I have reported him to the GFA Prez, Mr Frank Nelson and EXCO members and the next is to report to the police for threatening me that he will show me the other side of him and that Ghana can’t contain both of us,” he added.

Kotoko will travel to Berekum to face Berekum Chelsea on matchday two of Ghana Premier League on Sunday.

Fabio Gama praises Kotoko supporters after ‘impressive’ reception in Ghana

The Brazilian was full of praise after he was given a rousing welcome in Kumasi by the club’s leadership and supporters

Asante Kotoko new poster boy Fabio Gama da Silva has heaped praise on the club’s top hierarchy and supporters after his first public appearance in Ghana.

The 28-year-old touched down in Accra on Monday and made his first appearance at the club’s training ground in Kumasi on Tuesday for official introduction.

And the Brazilian, who arrived in the country together with his wife and son, could not hide his Joy and hopes to repay the faith bestowed in him by the club.

“First, I want to thank God for the opportunity to wear the shirt of this great club Asante Kotoko,” the Brazilian posted on his Facebook page.
 

“I congratulate the board [and management] for being so careful with my arrival and that of my family, gratitude defines us.

 
“I also thank the coaching staff, and my work colleagues for the attentive reception. The porcupine crowd is fantastic, very warm, thanks to all the support,” he added.

 
Fabio Gama will likely not be part of Kotoko’s travelling contingent to Berekum this weekend when they face Chelsea at the Golden City Park.

Government to provide GH₵100,000 financial support to Ghana Premier League clubs

The top-flight clubs will be laughing to the bank after government’s decision to provide financial support

Ghana Premier League clubs will be receiving a relief package from government very soon to cushion them for the 2020/21 season, AshesGyamera.com understands.

Following government’s decision to only allow Premier League games to be played behind closed doors due to Coronavirus disease, clubs began to vehemently claim that they will be struggling to match their expenses since gate proceeds formed major part of their sources of income.

Therefore, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ghana FA and Ghana League Clubs Association have been able to negotiate with the seat of government to provide financial relief of GH₵100,000 cedis each of all the sixteen clubs.

AshesGyamera.com also understands that all 48 Division One League clubs that will partake in the 2020/21 season will likely receive half of the amount (GH₵50,000) before or after their season kicks off.

Ghana Premier League began last weekend with eight games apart from Aduana Stars’ home fixture against Hearts of Oak which was postponed due to COVID-19 cases the latter had in their camp.

Video: Fabio Gama joins Kotoko teammates at Adako Jachie training ground

The Brazilian arrived at the club’s training centre on Tuesday to familiarise with the new teammates he will playing with this season

Brazilian midfielder Fabio da Silva Gama was spotted at Asante Kotoko training ground on Tuesday to meet and greet the first team and technical staff of the club.

The 28-year-old arrived in Ghana on Monday after an initial delay as reports suggested that he missed his flight in Ethiopia due to rigorous Coronavirus disease tests in Ethiopia while making a transit in the Eastern African country.

Gama, who was in the company with his young son, was introduced to head coach Maxwell Konadu and assistant assistant coaches and all the medical team members in a fashionable style.

With Kotoko seriously eyeing the top-flight and aiming for at least qualification to the group stage of Caf Champions League, Gama is expected to bring on board his vast experience to help coach Maxwell Konadu to attain the desired results.
 

Gama previously played for Varnamo and Botafogo in his native country and he is expected to help the club to win the top-flight and reach the group stage of the Caf Champions League.

He will likely miss Kotoko’s away trip to Golden City Park next weekend to face Berekum Chelsea on matchday of Ghana Premier League.

Sudan 1-0 Ghana: Akonnor loses first competitive game in Afcon qualifiers

The Black Stars failed to win their fourth game of the competition after they were shocked in Omdurman

Ghana failed to secure their place in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations as they lost their first game in the qualifiers 1-0 to Sudan in Omdurman on Tuesday

A late mistake by John Boye gave the North African  country a crucial winner to open the group wide for any country apart from Sao Tome to qualify.

After a pulsating first-half, Sudan failed to capitalise on Ghana’s slow start to match an early goal.

Abdelrahman Mohamed came close to score by the 33rd minute but goalkeeper Fatau Dauda saved the day.

After the break, Jordan Ayew combined with Wakaso Mubarak to set up Caleb Ekuban but the striker could not find the target.

Christopher Nettey came on very late in the game to replace Tariq Fosu as the Asante Kotoko defender made his second appearance for the Black Stars in a row.

With few minutes remaining to full time, Abdelrahman rose above defender John Boye to head in the winner after meeting a cross from his teammate.

Despite the defeat, Ghana still lead Group C with nine points, tied with South Africa and they have two more games in the qualifiers to qualify for the Afcon.

Chief Director of Ministry of Youth & Sports Quist reported dead

The workaholic civil servant is reported to have died on Monday after battling with illness

Frank Quist, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, is reported dead on Monday evening according to sources close to the family, AshesGyamera.com can reveal.

Quist, who recently recieved items for fumigation of all Ghana Premier League centres from Tebel Ghana limited, a Ghanaian company which specialises in disinfection and fumigation, was reported to have been battling with illness many times before his unfortunate passing.

AshesGyamera.com understands that he was even on an admission at the 37 Military Hospital.

The family is yet to officially notify the Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as Ghana Football Association of the sad event.

May his soul rest in peace.

Christopher Nettey reveals Andre Ayew’s motivational words before Ghana debut

The Porcupine Warriors defender is full of praise after the words of encouragement from the Black Stars skipper before making his debut

Asante Kotoko defender Christopher Nettey has heaped praise on Ghana captain Andre Ayew for the inspirations he gave him ahead of his debut with the Black Stars.

The 22-year-old was handed a starting role in Ghana’s 2-0 win over Sudan in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations last week and although he admits that he was feeling nervous at a point, Ayew’s words gave him enough to inspire him to perform.

“Andre Ayew told me before the game that,you are the ambassador for the local league and local players,” Nettey told Fox FM.

“It’s either you make them happy or make them sad. Andre Ayew added that although they are senior players,they have the names, but on the field of play ,we are all equal,” he added.

Nettey is expected to retain his place as the Black Stars face Sudan in the return fixture in Omdurman on Tuesday