Ghana delivered a dominant performance to secure qualification to the next round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after a commanding 6-0 victory over Togo at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The emphatic win completes an 8-0 aggregate triumph for Ghana, following their 2-0 first-leg victory away in Togo, underlining their superiority across both legs.

The Black Maidens wasted little time asserting control, with Juliana Gyekye opening the scoring in the 13th minute before Zeina Shani struck twice in quick succession to put the hosts firmly in charge. Sekinatu Amadu added a fourth before the break as Ghana took a commanding lead into half-time.

The dominance continued after the restart, with Priscilla Mensah extending the lead in the 77th minute before Seidatu Wahab sealed the rout deep into stoppage time.

Togo struggled to cope with Ghana’s intensity and attacking quality, managing little resistance as the hosts controlled proceedings from start to finish in front of their home supporters.

The result sends Ghana into the second round of the qualifiers, where they will face Liberia, who advanced via a walkover against Libya.

The next round is scheduled for May, with Ghana expected to host the first leg between May 22 and 24 before travelling for the return fixture between May 29 and 31.

With this performance, the Black Maidens have sent a clear signal of their intent as they continue their push for a place at the U17 Women’s World Cup.

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Dreams FC are through to the final of the MTN FA Cup after edging past Medeama SC 3-2 in a thrilling semi-final clash at the Swedru Sports Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Dreams FC made their intent clear early, taking the lead through Kelvin Ahiable in the 23rd minute before Suraj Seidu doubled their advantage 12 minutes later. Medeama responded just before the break, with Prince Owusu pulling one back in first-half stoppage time to keep the contest alive.

The second half resumed with renewed intensity, and Medeama quickly found an equaliser through Richard Appiah in the 48th minute, setting up a tense finish.

However, experienced forward John Antwi restored Dreams’ lead in the 55th minute with what proved to be the decisive goal.

Medeama pushed forward in search of another equaliser but were unable to break through again, as Dreams held firm to secure victory.

The result sends Dreams FC into their second FA Cup final, having previously lifted the trophy in 2023. They will now face Nations FC in the final.

For Medeama, hopes of a domestic double come to an end, with their focus now shifting fully to the Ghana Premier League title race.

Dreams FC, meanwhile, move one step closer to another piece of silverware and a potential place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

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Mamelodi Sundowns will face FAR Rabat in the CAF Champions League final after both sides progressed from their respective semi-finals.

Sundowns booked their place for a second successive season following a 1-0 win over Espérance Sportive de Tunis in Pretoria, sealing a 2-0 aggregate triumph. Brayan León’s decisive first-half goal capped a controlled performance, as the South African side continued their strong run in the competition.

FAR Rabat, meanwhile, reached the final for the first time in their history after overcoming RS Berkane 2-1 on aggregate. Despite a 1-0 defeat in the second leg, their first-leg advantage proved enough as they held firm under pressure to advance.

The final will be played over two legs, with the first leg scheduled for May 15, 2026, in South Africa and the return leg set for May 24, 2026, in Morocco. Sundowns will host the opening encounter, while FAR Rabat will stage the decisive second leg.

The tie sets up a contrast in styles and experience. Sundowns are chasing a second continental title, having last won the competition in 2016, while FAR Rabat are seeking to crown a historic campaign with their first Champions League triumph.

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Kofi Ofosu-Ennin, an architect in his mid-30s and founder of K.O. Ennin, an architecture and design firm specialising in residential and office spaces, said winning the grand prize marks a happy ending to six months of daily participation in the trivia promotion.

“I feel very excited about winning the grand prize. Since I joined the promo, I was praying to win and I have. I had my eyes on the Hyundai Creta as that was my daily motivation,” the resident of Lakeside Estates in Accra, said.

Ofosu-Ennin revealed that the cycle was his second time taking part in the promotion, which he joined after receiving a text message inviting him to subscribe to the 14^th cycle through the official short code, ‘2018.’ He said seeing the previous cycle’s winner on social media strengthened his conviction that he too could win.

“After I saw the Cycle 13 winner on Facebook, something told me I should enter because maybe I could be next. I subscribed and kept answering the trivia questions via SMS.”

Run in partnership with Vasmol, the Dream Car promo is open to all Telecel customers. Participants subscribe by sending CAR to 2018 or dialing *2018#, after which they receive four trivia questions daily. Each correct answer earns 100 points, while incorrect answers earn 25 points. Weekly top scorers win up to GH?2,000 in cash rewards, and the overall six-month top scorer drives away in a brand-new vehicle.

Speaking at the presentation, Carlos Asare-Okoh of Telecel’s Consumer Business Unit said the promotion continues to reflect the telecom operator’s commitment to rewarding loyalty and engagement of customers in tangible and significant ways.

“Every cycle reminds us why the Telecel Dream Car promo matters. Our goal is to create life-changing opportunities for our subscribers and deliver engaging digital experiences. We appreciate our customers who participate daily with consistency and excitement, and winners like Kofi demonstrate that the opportunity is real,” he said.

Asare-Okoh added that beyond the grand prize, the Telecel Dream Car promo has consistently awarded cash prizes, gadgets and other worthy prizes to the highest weekly and monthly scorers of the promo, making it of the most rewarding consumer promotions in the industry.

The initiative is supervised by the National Lottery Authority (NLA) on their Caritas Lottery platform, ensuring transparency, integrity, and fairness in the conduct of the subscription-based SMS trivia. The 14th cycle ran from August 2025 to January 2026.

Marketing Officer at the National Lottery Authority, Bright Ofori said the promotion continues to follow approved regulatory procedures to ensure fairness, transparency and credibility.

“The Dream Car promo is supervised to ensure every eligible participant has an equal opportunity. The NLA ensures that the deserving winner takes the grand prize and Telecel has complied with all our standards for running this consumer promotion.”

Before emerging as the grand prize winner, Ofosu-Ennin had already won weekly cash prizes within the cycle of the promo, including GHS 1,000, which encouraged him to continue participating consistently.

“To those who don’t believe in the promo. I am a living proof that the Telecel Dream Car Promo is real and authentic. I do not know anyone at Telecel. Anybody can win. You could be the next winner so take your shot and enter the promo,” Ofosu-Ennin said.

With Cycle 14 concluded, Telecel Ghana says the 15^th cycle is underway, and customers can subscribe and stay active in the promo via the short code, 2018 to increase their chances of winning the weekly cash prizes and driving away the brand-new car.

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Ghana is increasingly recognizing the transformative potential of sports as a powerful tool for socio-economic development, youth empowerment, and national pride. However, recent reports and initiatives highlight the urgent need to combat the darker side of sports, namely, its exploitation as a conduit for human trafficking and other forms of illegal activity. Kofi Iddie Adams, a prominent advocate and government official, has been at the forefront of efforts to reframe sports as a positive force and to implement strategies that protect vulnerable populations from exploitation.

The role of sports in development

Globally, sports are acknowledged as a driver of development, capable of fostering social cohesion, promoting gender equality, and enhancing health outcomes. According to a 2022 report by the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP), sports initiatives have contributed significantly to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as education, health, and social inclusion. The report emphasizes that when properly harnessed, sports can create pathways for marginalized youth, improve life skills, and promote peaceful coexistence.

However, the intersection of sports and trafficking presents a complex challenge. A 2021 study published in the International Journal of Human Trafficking indicated that illicit networks often exploit the aspirational nature of sports talent, luring young athletes with promises of greener pastures abroad. These networks frequently operate outside regulatory oversight, utilizing unlicensed agents and informal recruitment channels that increase the risk of trafficking, abuse, and exploitation.

Ghana’s strategic response: The IOM initiative

In line with the nation’s commitment to leveraging sports for positive development, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is spearheading a high-level national forum titled “Play It Safe: Choose the Right Path in Sports.” Supported by the Development Fund, this initiative aims to galvanize multi-sectoral collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, sports authorities, and international partners.

The forum will serve as a platform to discuss strategies for safeguarding young athletes, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and raising awareness about the dangers of trafficking. It aligns with global efforts to combat trafficking in persons, which the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates to be a lucrative industry generating over $150 billion annually, second only to drug trafficking.

Findings from baseline research

At a briefing for the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Madam Fatou Diallo Hdiaye, IOM’s Chief of Mission, shared alarming findings from recent research into trafficking risks within the region. The study revealed that nearly 96% of respondents expressed an interest in pursuing sports careers abroad, citing aspirations for better facilities, training opportunities, and financial gains. Unfortunately, over 30% of these aspiring athletes reported falling prey to exploitative recruitment schemes orchestrated by unlicensed agents and intermediaries operating outside legal oversight.

The research also uncovered a troubling network of informal agents and unregulated academies that facilitate recruitment, often engaging in deceptive practices that increase vulnerability to trafficking and exploitation. Young athletes, sports staff, and volunteers are at heightened risk, especially when proper mechanisms for oversight and protection are lacking.

Hon Kofi Iddie Adams emphasizes the importance of proper immigration procedures and education in transforming sports into a tool for growth. “Ensuring athletes follow the right routes will help them benefit fully from sportsmanship,” he stated. “Proper immigration procedures are essential, and we must promote education to transform sports into a tool for growth and development, not trafficking.”

Global context, future outlook

Ghana’s proactive stance coincides with the upcoming global spotlight on sports, particularly with events like the FIFA World Cup 2026. The tournament presents an opportunity to strengthen vigilance and cross-sector collaboration, ensuring that development efforts are reinforced and trafficking risks minimized.

Recent months have also seen a surge in cyber scams targeting individuals seeking legitimate sports opportunities. Nearly 500 fake domains mimicking FIFA platforms have been identified, duping aspiring athletes and raising concerns that traffickers are exploiting major sporting events for their illicit networks. Such deceptive practices highlight the need for heightened digital literacy and robust enforcement of online security measures.

Conclusion

Ghana’s efforts to reframe sports as a catalyst for development rather than a gateway for trafficking reflect a broader global recognition of the transformative power of sports when properly managed. Through strategic initiatives, research, and international cooperation, the nation aims to protect its youth, promote ethical sports practices, and harness the full potential of sports to contribute positively to societal growth. As Hon Kofi Iddie Adams aptly states, “Sports should be a pathway to opportunity, not exploitation,” a vision that aligns with the global agenda of using sports as a force for good.

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Speaking at the official handing-over ceremony on Friday, Mr. Mahama outlined an ambitious development agenda aimed at reviving mining operations, creating jobs, and improving the living conditions of residents in Damang and surrounding communities.

He disclosed that Engineers and Planners had undertaken extensive technical and financial studies to assess the viability of the mine and had already secured strong backing from financial institutions to drive the project forward.

According to him, banks are showing confidence in the company’s plans, with one institution committing US$650 million and another offering US$600 million in financing support.

Mr. Mahama noted that Damang presents significant operational challenges due to the hardness of its rock formations, which he described as among the toughest on the continent. He explained that such conditions reduce the lifespan of mining equipment and increase operational costs.

Despite these challenges, he said the company has developed practical solutions and is prepared to make the necessary investments to sustain profitable mining operations.

Beyond mining, Mr. Mahama announced a comprehensive social intervention package for the area, including the construction of schools, hospitals, roads and an airport.
He revealed plans to build modern school facilities for communities around Damang, while efforts are also underway to secure approval for an airport in Damang within the next six months.

“In the next two years, we should be able to drive from here to Tarkwa on a concrete road,” he stated, drawing applause from the gathering.

Mr. Mahama further announced plans to construct two major hospitals to improve healthcare delivery in the area and support the growing population expected from expanded mining activities.

He stressed that the Damang Mine takeover was more than a business venture, describing it as an opportunity to demonstrate that Ghanaians have the capacity to invest in and manage strategic national assets successfully.
“This is real talk. I just want to prove that we can invest in ourselves in this country,” he said.

The takeover of the Damang Mine by Engineers and Planners is expected to mark a new chapter for the mining enclave, with hopes of renewed economic growth, job creation, and accelerated community development.

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Volta Region, Ho

Two ways lead to the lower Volta Region extreme south. One of the ways is connected by the Sokpoe–Sogakofe lower Volta bridge built by two German contractors; Allgemeine Baugesellschaft Lenz and Co and Held & Franckie between 1963 and1965 but commissioned by Gen. Ankra; leader of NLC in 1967. The other route to the Volta region is from Ada–Foa across the Volta estuary to Anyanui–torkor; east of the Anloga municipality.

This route is just about 7km long and takes just about 45minutes each by outboard motor to and from.  The landscape offers a very spectacular, refreshing and connection to nature. The green scene offered by the mangrove on your left from Ada and the golden sandy river banks on your right is memorial.

During the late 1980s to 1990S, there was a pontoon that transport market women and traders to and from Anyanui and Ada. Our lack of vision and maintenance culture as a nation grounded the ferries. The economic life line between Ada and Anyanui was severed. Traders couldn’t cope with nearly 75km travel to Ada by road and transport cost. It is about 40km from Anloga to Sogakofe and 15km from Sogakorfe to Kassie and 15km from Kassie to Ada Foa. Tell me who does that? Obviously, it doesn’t make business sense. Some who dares took the small wooden carpenters made boats perished. May their adventurous souls rest in a very perfect peace!

Then, tourism business and the economic so demanding as today wasn’t there. The hotels and glamorous holiday homes by the Volta River and the estuary by the societal elites wasn’t there.

This year’s Tortsogbeza activities of the good people of Sokpoe in the South Tornu municipality of the Volta region has sent an alarm demanding the revival of the Ada–Foa–Anyanui river routes. The Tema–Aflao highway wasn’t just blocked but was virtually rendered unmotorable. The 650 meters lower Volta River bridge was choked plus nearly half a km extra choke at both sides of the bridge taking travelers about 3 hours to cross the bridge.

Those who don’t know about the Tortsogbe festival of the people of Sokpoe and weren’t on hurry had the chance to watch the activities both in the river and on the river banks.

Food venders had a field day. As usual, the fluffy tsimebolo and fried shrimps was available, fired clam; popularly known as adordi, fried yam and choffy or turkey tail, known in Ewe as dokugbi shouted their presence from the sieves. Demand short changed supply on One mouth thousand and abolo last weenkend at Sokpoe and Sogakorfe. The essence of festivals;local economic boost was established.

From the bridge offers the best view to watch spectacles of the Tortsogbe festival. So,some people parked their vehicles on the bridge including those trapped in traffic on the bridge. That is very disastrous, you know? The bridge could lose its integrity and handover our joy to the devil. Saved by grace, organizers ought to avoid this from now on. Evil won’t spare us twice!

Easter celebration and its accompanying tourism boom is from year in year out especially along the coast growing from strength to strength. Norvikporgbe–za by the people of Kedzi–Agorta led the blaze as far back as 1950s. Far away East of Kedzi was Dzita in the 1980s and our Vice Prez. Prof. Naana Jane Opoku–Agyemang was at Norvikporgbe–za at Kedzi–Agorta,2026 some and was installed Mama Ngorgbe–Za.

Currently, every community in the Volta region is celebrating Easter in grand styles. All parts of our economy benefits from Easter celebration in the Volta region happens.

What is the challenge that has to be dealt with now is road and its accompanying traffics. It took travelers to the Volta region this year for the Easter festivity precious 6 hours to travel from Accra –Tudu alone to Dawhenya then another 3hours from Vume to Sogakofe. That is about 9hours to travel 165km. This doesn’t make any business sense at all.

Whiles the fears of some of the possible attendees that they may be trapped in traffic as indicated during weekends on this road has been justified, there is the fear that more may not want to celebrate the Easter in the Volta region again.

The worse of it all is why drivers were increasing their fares. Passengers were charged ghc100 instead of ghc60 from Tema Roundabout to Keta and Aflao.

The opening of the Ada Foa –Anyanui route with new pontoons and other more secure systems will ease tensions on the Tema–Aflao highways. It will shorten the travelling time for those going to the coaster towns especially Anyanui, Agbledomi, Dzita, Atorkor, Srogbe, Wuti, Anloga and Even Aflao shorter by nearly 72km less. Transport jobs shall also be created and the enclave will also be opened for more tourism patronage and investments.

Whilst travelling by water is cheaper and secured than air and road, Ghana has not paid attentions to the water transport sector over the years. Many communities along the water bodies use the rivers and the lakes as their medium of transport but in their native and risky small wooden boats. The few government owned and manned ones have grounded and even disappeared from their baths.

Once upon a time, Ghana has ferries from Ada–Foa– Sogakorfe–Adzidome–Bator–Dorfor to Akuse that was fueling businesses along those routes. The last time I saw a ferry on the lower Volta River for commercial purpose was in 2017 from Ada–Foa to Dorfor–Gborkpo in the North Tornu district towards Volivo, Asutuare and Akuse. Even that, it was rickety and environmentally dangerous smoky.

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