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World Star Media Services, Accra (2026)

15/09/2026

MTN Board Chairman, Dr. Yamson Honoured By Achimota Golf Club At MTN 30th Invitational Tournament
Dr, Ishmeal Yamson, the MTN Ghana Board Chairman was honoured with a citation by the Achimota Golf Club last Saturday during the 30th CEO Invitational Tournament.
The MTN 30th Anniversary Tournament brought together over 120 golfers, corporate executives and business leaders to celebrate three decades of operations and contribution to the country’s digital transformation.
Naval Captain Kwadjo Butah also received an award for long service at the Club.
In an inspiring speech at the event, 84 year old Dr. Yamson said the MTN’s 30-year journey had been shaped by resilience, consistency and its ability to learn and recover from challenges.
“Success comes from something deeper. It comes from consistency. It comes from judgment, from learning from mistakes, from recovering when things do not go according to plan, and, perhaps most importantly, from staying the course,” he said.
Using golf as a metaphor for MTN Ghana’s journey, he described the company’s first three decades as an “extraordinary front nine” characterised by connecting communities, empowering businesses, expanding financial inclusion and supporting Ghana’s digital transformation.
He stressed, however, that the journey was far from over, with the company now turning its attention to what he described as its “back nine.”
“Our back nine is already before us, bringing new opportunities and challenges, nationwide fibre expansion, the promise of 5G, artificial intelligence, greater innovation and a deeper, more sustainable partnership with the communities we serve,” he said.
He reaffirmed MTN Ghana’s commitment to expanding connectivity and digital opportunities, particularly for Ghanaians who remain underserved.
The company, he added, would approach its next phase with the same discipline, resilience and integrity that had underpinned its growth over the past three decades.
President of the Achimota Golf Club, Kwesi Amoafo-Yeboah, commended MTN Ghana for its contribution to Ghana’s digital development, stressing the importance of trust and partnerships to the company’s success.
“Technology can connect devices. Networks can connect places. But ultimately, it is trust and relationships that connect people,” he said.
The 18-hole invitational tournament provided a platform for golfers, corporate leaders and business executives to compete, network and celebrate MTN Ghana’s 30-year journey.
Beyond the competition on the course, the event highlighted the company’s evolution over the past three decades and its ambitions for the next phase of Ghana’s digital transformation.
Frederick Semenu Duvor produced an impressive performance to win the Men’s Group A category topping the category with 39 points, beating Isaac Asante and Kwame Boafo, who both returned 37 points to finish second and third respectively.
In the Ladies’ Group A, Julienne Afi Amezado won with 39 points, while Princess Nkansah-Boadu and Mary Agyeman Prempeh followed with 35 points each.
Yaw Mireku Jnr. delivered one of the tournament’s standout scores, recording 45 points to claim the Men’s Group B title. Frederick Andre Feraille placed second with 41 points, while Nathan Lee-Williams Annobi finished third with 39 points.
Kous Louanges Mang won the Ladies’ Group B category with 38 points. In Men’s Group C, Kofi Mangesi secured the title with 40 points after edging Derrick Morgan on countback, while Kwadwo Appietu-Ankrah placed third with 32 points.
Elorm R. Akuash Bonney dominated the Ladies’ Group C category with 42 points, ahead of Berlinda Boateng on 38 points and Afi Yayra Dunyo on 35 points.
In the Seniors Division, Jan Vogel won the men’s category with 39 gross, while Helen Appah topped the ladies’ category with 44 gross.
Simran Oberoi took the men’s Boobie Prize with 22 gross, while Christine Fuller claimed the ladies’ prize with 26 gross.
The auxiliary honours went to Rickie Hurtubise and Berlinda Dzifa Boateng, who won the Men’s and Ladies’ Longest Drive respectively on Hole 17.
Dennis Addo and Mary Agyeman Prempeh took the Men’s and Ladies’ Closest to the Pin honours respectively on Hole 18.
The Adaha Band and DJ Juicy entertained guests and patrons at the event.
By Sammy Heywood Okine

13/09/2026

MTN 30th Anniversary Invitational Golf Produces Fantastic Performances By Sensational Champions
The MTN CEO 30th Anniversary Invitational Golf Tournament at the Achimota Golf Club last Saturday, 12th September 2026 was a swing day fit for celebration for the 120 golfers who participated as everyone felt like a champion.
But the winners who took the prizes, including iPhone 17 pro max home were the most happiest at the Achimota Golf Club where veterans shared the podium with the youth.
Frederick Semenu Duvor took the prize for the Men Group A. while young Julienne Afri Amzado won the Ladies Group A both amassing 39 points to win.
Board Chairman of MTN, Mr. Ishmael Yamson shared some inspiring words with guests recommending the operations and achievements of MTN as a well functioning company.
"If Ghana had 10 MTNs, the country will change" he said.
He revealed his golf secrets and was honoured together with Naval Captain Butah for serving the Achimota Golf Club.
Kwesi Amoafo Yeboah, President of the Achimota Golf Club in his message said 30 years ago MTN started a journey and now the enormous benefits are being enjoyed by many people.
Ms. Efua Falconer of MTN Corporate Communications congratulated all the patrons and guests who participated in the '30 in full Swing' Tournament which had Adaha Band delivering music and Sun Lodge Hotel dishing delicious refreshments.
Full list of winners and results from the MTN 30th Anniversary Invitational Golf. Tournament results sheet dated 12th September 2026
MEN – GROUP A
1. Frederick Semenu Duvor** – 39 points
2. Isaac Asante** – 37 points
3. Kwame Boatfo** – 37 points
4. Michael Agyer** – 35 points
5. Michael Gosney** – 34 points
LADIES – GROUP A
1. Julienne Afri Amzado** – 39 points
2. Princess Nkansah-Boadu** – 35 points
3. Mary Agyeman Prempeh** – 35 points
MEN – GROUP B
1. Yaw Mireku Jnr.** – 45 points
2. Frederick Andre Feraille** – 41 points
3. Nathan Lee-Williams Annobi** – 39 points
4. David Boakye** – 39 points
5. Michael Darko** – 38 points
LADIES – GROUP B
1. Kous Louanges Mang** – 38 points
2. Anita Ohene Mantey** – 38 points
3. Romina Ahviz** – 37 points
MEN – GROUP C
1. Kofi Mangesi** – 40 points
2. Derrick Morgan** – 40 points
3. Kwadwo Appietu-Ankrah** – 32 points
4. Justice Cudjoe** – 28 points
5. Richmond Aboagye** – 25 points
LADIES – GROUP C
1. Elorm R. Akuash Bonney** – 42 points
2. Berlinda Boateng** – 38 points
3. Afi Yayra Dunyo** – 35 points
SENIORS DIVISION – MEN
1. Jan Vogel** – 39 gross
2. Adewale Adeoye-Famosa** – 38 gross
SENIORS DIVISION – LADIES
1. Helen Appah** – 44 gross
2. Hajia Zenabu Sulemana** – 40 gross
BOOBIE PRIZE
Men:** Simran Oberoi – 22 gross
Ladies:** Christine Fuller – 26 gross
AUXILIARY PRIZES
Longest Drive – Hole 17**
Men:** Rickie Hurtubise
Ladies:** Berlinda Dzifa Boateng
Closest to the Pin – Hole 18**
Men:** Dennis Addo
Ladies:** Mary Agyeman Prempeh
By Sammy Heywood Okine

11/09/2026

Yaya Toure becomes the first African coach to lead a team to the UCL league phase
The 43-year-old has made history as the first African coach to lead a European side into the Champions League league phase.
He has surpassed the achievement of another African, Nigerian coach Ndubuisi Egbo, who guided Albania’s FK Tirana to Champions League qualification, but fell short of reaching the league phase.
Touré’s achievement marks a significant milestone for African football. While several African players have enjoyed illustrious careers in the Champions League, no African coach had previously led a team into the league phase of the competition.
What makes this so impressive is that Touré achieved the feat in his first managerial job. He took over the club in July on a three-year contract. Now he is taking Slovan Bratislava into the group phase, only two months after joining the Slovakian club.
In the short period of time Touré has been at the club, he has made a quick impression, leading the Slovak champions to four wins in the league and ensuring a spot in the biggest club competition in the world. His Slovan side have won five of their six competitive matches under his guidance
Touré, who is counted amongst the greatest African footballers of all time, was serenaded with a rendition of the “Yaya Toure” chant made popular during his time as a key member of a successful Manchester City team of the 2010s.
The 43-year-old retired as a player in 2019, following a trophy-laden 18-year career as a midfielder in top European leagues. Born in Bouaké, Ivory Coast, Touré’s love for football began early. He played in street matches with his friends and brothers, including his older brother Kolo Touré. His breakthrough arrived when French coach Jean-Marc Guillou spotted his natural engineering of the game in a trial match at the famed ASEC Mimosas academy, noting, “Above anything else, it was Yaya’s technical ability and performance in that game which made me decide to take him on myself straight away.”
Prior to joining City in 2010, he played for Spanish giants Barcelona, where he won the Champions League (2008-09), two La Liga titles (2008-09 and 2009-10), the Spanish Super Cup (2008-09), the UEFA Super Cup (2009-10) and the FIFA Club World Cup (2010). He then went on to win three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and three English League Cups with City.
Toure is the joint most decorated African footballer, having won four African Footballer of the Year awards from 2011 to 2014. He later won the African Cup of Nations with the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire in 2015.
Prior to joining the Slovakian club as the manager, Toure worked as assistant manager in several clubs across Europe. He worked at Leyton Orient in the United Kingdom, then joined his former Manchester City manager, Roberto Mancini, as assistant coach of the Saudi Arabian national team in 2023.
Touré’s achievement marks a significant milestone for African football. While several African players have enjoyed illustrious careers in the Champions League, no African coach had previously led a team into the league phase of the competition.
Why Touré will succeed is due to his experience as an elite player. He won the Champions League with Barcelona and understands the mental demands of elite European football. His background also includes working in Tottenham’s academy and as an assistant with the Saudi Arabia national team, giving him diverse tactical exposure.
Touré’s campaign will kick off with a massive test on 9 September 2026, away against French giants Paris Saint-Germain
Yaya Touré’s tactical approach is a fascinating blend of Pep Guardiola’s structured possession, Roberto Mancini’s defensive discipline, and Jürgen Klopp’s aggressive counter-pressing.Having played as an elite midfielder, Touré naturally views football through the lens of controlling the pitch’s center and dictating the tempo. In-Possession Principles:”Touré favors a progressive 4-3-3 or a fluid 4-2-3-1 formation, heavily drawing from the positional play he mastered under Pep Guardiola at Barcelona.
During his time coaching Tottenham’s U16 academy, Touré emphasized constant, short-passing sequences designed to form continuous triangles. He instructs his players to always look for the “spare man” (the free player) through tight, rapid combinations. A core technical requirement in Touré’s training sessions is body shape. He demands his midfielders receive the ball on their back foot so they are instantly oriented to pass forward and break lines rather than playing safe, backward passes.
One of his fundamentals in any squad is midfield synchronisation. He believes his central midfielders must balance each other perfectly. When one pushes high, the other must drop to protect against turnovers, mirroring the relationship he shared with Fernandinho and Gareth Barry during his Manchester City playing days.
While he loves keeping the ball, Touré’s extensive coaching education has heavily shaped his defensive philosophy. He took inspiration from Klopp’s counter-pressing and integrated it into his team’s tactics. Touré has spent time observing Jürgen Klopp’s training sessions.
At Slovan Bratislava, he implements a strict rule: the moment possession is lost, the nearest players must immediately and suffocatingly press the opponent to win it back within seconds.
Working as an assistant coach under Roberto Mancini for the Saudi Arabia national team, he has instilled an appreciation for strict, Italian-style tactical discipline. If his high press is broken,
Touré quickly shifts his team into a compact, narrow defensive block that forces opponents wide and prevents central pe*******on.
“Touré rejects the hyper-aggressive, authoritarian style of coaching. Instead, his approach is built on psychological safety and calm trust. Calmness Under Pressure is an example of this that his teams constantly display.
Touré explicitly teaches his players how to block out external noise and pressure, a trait he leaned on during massive Premier League and Champions League matches. He has also focused on building mutual trust within his team.
He has noted that modern players respond best when they feel valued. His strategy relies on patience, clear communication, and creating a familial dressing room environment.
This was clearly evident in the viral videos of his Slovan Bratislava players passionately celebrating with him after their historic qualification.
The writer, Zephaniah lecosson is 13 years old

11/09/2026

Tampico Accra Inter-City Marathon winner to collect prizes worth $4,000
Winner of the Accra Inter-City Marathon flagship race: 21-kilometers will take home a total of prize package of $4000.
According to the organizers, Medivents Consult, the breakdown is $1500 in cash prize which is equivalent of GHC18,000 and travel package of $2500 to an international marathon in January.
Speaking to the press in Kumasi, Mr. William Ezah, the race director said the mentioned prize goes to both male and female categories of the 21k.
He expressed that second place or runner up will pocket GHC 10, 000, medals, gifts from sponsors among others whilst the third place takes home GHC 5,000
There would be prizes for other winners in the form of medals, certificate and gifts from sponsors.
"There will be cash and gift for other winners in all categories" he noted.
According to Mr. Ezah, for the para version, the winner of the 21k will take home GHC 5000, with the second place taking home GHC2,500, whilst the 3rd pockets GHC 2000.
He hinted that all participants will receive medals and wrist bands and refreshments from Tampico.
He said skaters are also performing in the event which hopes to generate lots of fun.
He assured that the organisers are in discussions for a fruitful insurance cover for all participants.
By Sammy Heywood Okine

09/09/2026

MTN 30th Anniversary CEO Invitational Golf Tournament Set To Tee Off At Achimota
The Achimota Golf Course will come alive on Saturday, September 12, as about 120 golfers from golf clubs across the country converge for the MTN 30th Anniversary CEO Invitational Golf Tournament.
The prestigious tournament, being held as part of activities marking MTN Ghana’s 30th anniversary, promises a day of competitive golf, networking and celebration as some of the country’s finest golfers take to the course for an 18-hole challenge.
The ceremonial tee-off is scheduled for 8:00 a.m., setting the stage for what is expected to be a keenly contested tournament, with golfers battling not only for honours but also for the pride and prestige associated with one of the major corporate golf events on the calendar.
Beyond the competition, the tournament reflects the deeper values that make golf a unique sport. The game demands exceptional mental focus, discipline and resilience, as players must remain composed, make calculated decisions and recover from setbacks throughout the 18 holes.
Golf also places a premium on integrity and personal responsibility, with players expected to uphold the rules and spirit of the game even when no official is watching. Its emphasis on problem-solving and strategic thinking further makes every hole a fresh test of judgement, patience and adaptability.
The Achimota course is therefore expected to provide more than just a sporting challenge. The tournament will create an opportunity for business leaders, corporate executives and golfers to strengthen social connections, build relationships and explore new networking opportunities in a relaxed environment.
Inclusivity and camaraderie will also be central to the experience, bringing together golfers from different clubs and backgrounds in the spirit of healthy competition and mutual respect.
As MTN Ghana celebrates three decades of connecting people, businesses and communities, the CEO Invitational Golf Tournament provides another platform to celebrate the relationships that have contributed to that journey.
But with 120 golfers expected on the course, the big question is: who will master the Achimota challenge, keep their nerve when the pressure mounts and emerge as the standout golfer of MTN’s 30th anniversary celebration?
The answers will unfold over 18 holes on Saturday, September 12, when the ceremonial tee-off launches what promises to be a memorable day of golf, competition, networking and celebration.
Source MTN Sports Media

09/09/2026

Retired Young Champion Isaac Dogboe Recollects Best Boxing Memories . At Olympic Games, World Titles Experience And Advice To Parents On Boxing
Isaac 'Royal Storm' Dogboe who announced his surprise retirement from boxing on Instagram September 1, 2026 spoke to the media on why he retired so early from the sport and his best memories.
According to Dogboe aka 'Neho', he had to pursue other things and never regrets getting into the ring to box.
He urged parents to encourage their kids to try boxing because it gives discipline, responsibility and other important characteristics.
He said boxing gave him a lot of positive attributes as he was very aggressive while growing up, but boxing calmed him down.
Dogbe share his three best moments in boxing as when he first fought in Ghana at the Bukom Boxing Arena which was massively attended, winning the WBO title and experience at the 2012 Olympic Games.
He expressed that the Olympic Games taught him a lot of things as he could not win a medal, so he focused much to winning a world title before calling it quits.
Dogboe represented Ghana at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where he competed in the bantamweight (under 56kg) division when he was only 17 years old, making him the youngest boxer at the 2012 Games.
His Olympic journey concluded in the first round following a highly controversial bout:
He faced an older and more experienced Satoshi Shimizu of Japan.
Dogboe aggressively dominated the first two rounds, leading on the judges' scorecards (4–3 and 3–2). Despite his strong start, the judges heavily scored the third round 5–2 in favour of Shimizu. This overturned Dogboe's lead, handing him a 10–9 final defeat.
The decision was met with heavy booing and jeers from the crowd at the ExCeL Arena, with many fans and pundits feeling that Dogboe was unfairly robbed of the victory.
Though his Olympic campaign was cut short, the experience served as a launchpad for his career. He turned professional the following year in 2013 and went on to fulfill his potential by becoming the WBO junior-featherweight world champion in 2018
He thanked his parents, especially his dad, Paul, a military officer who was his trainer, technical team and management as well as sponsors and the church.. He attended the Apostles Revelation Society (ARS) with headquarters inTadzewu, Ketu North Municipality, Volta Region.
"We were able to bridge the gap between the boxing, business and religion which was very good" he said.
According to Isaac Dogboe, there are some few boxing talents coming up in Ghana who must be guided to reach the top.
He said despite the lack of financial resources one must still strive to make it, because the end justifies the means.
"For me money is not everything, the glory is more important so I was focused and committed to achieve something significant in boxing" he noted.
He hinted pursuing new things in life and hopes to be remembered among the super stars in Ghana Boxing.
WBO World Champion: he won the WBO super-bantamweight title on 28 April 2018 by stopping Jessie Magdaleno in the 11th round at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Record Holder: Became Ghana's youngest-ever boxing world champion at age 23 and won the prestigious SWAG Sports Personality of the year.
Title Defense: he successfully defended his belt against Hidenori Otake before losing the title and a subsequent rematch to Mexican Emanuel Navarrete.
Isaac Dogboe announced his official retirement from professional boxing in September 2026 after a 13-year career.
He plans to stay involved in the sport by helping with youth development and mentorship in Ghana.
By Sammy Heywood Okine

09/09/2026

Ghana Sports Infrastructure Revival- Trust the RESET process not the sponsored negative propaganda
Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) is a man of style whose ways and means of doing things may be different but he likes to produce results which is the most important.
Since he assumed the hot seat at the NSA he has not had it easy but he has tried to find solutions to the maintenance and sustenance of the nation's sports facilities.
Ghana boasts of standard class facilities in Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast, Tamale and Essipong in Sekondi.
These facilities have one major problem which is maintenance and it does not come easy without funds and the culture of the people.
The Yaw Ampofo Ankrah administration has been able to hold the forts for Accra to host African Cup and World Cup qualifying matches.
The Cape Coast and Kumasi stadiums have also hosted some matches but the facilities must be polished.
Tamale has been in use by the local people and they also need to keep the facility in good shape.
But the fascinating news going round now is on the work going on at Sekondi.
According to Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, the majestic Essipong stadium is almost ready for a return to continental action, and it is part of the process to get existing facilities in good use even before the new stadiums promised by President John Dramani Mahama are constructed.
Over the past several months, the steady work that has been going on at the Essipong Stadium is finally about to yield results.
The majestic edifice was built by the Shanghai Construction Company Group of China as part of a dual-stadium contract with the Ghanaian government.
The joint package total was $77 million, which was split equally to build identical 20,000-capacity venues in both Tamale (the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium) and Essipong.
The construction wrapped up in late 2007 ahead of hosting matches for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.
The counties that were based in the Western region were Mali, Nigeria, Benin and Ivory Coast.
Unfortunately, the lack of a well structured, well trained and fully equipped maintenance department with accompanying maintenance funds, left the venue at the mercy of weather conditions, squatters, thieves, encroachers and almost complete neglect.
However, with the return of the NDC and the second coming of President Mahatma, the RESET is steadily and surely changing the narrative.
Now, with just a few minor changes remaining, Esipong will be an available option for major global sports events.
With the stadium back on its feet, big time sports in the Western region are also set to bounce back and feed the sports tourism economy.
Apart from the annex, there is also Gyandu park, Essikadu and Fijai which are all ready to be upgraded to serve as training pitches for teams in any international tournament.
Yaw Ampofo Ankrah said the cycle of repair and re-investment is expected to spread across other regions in due course.
He has appealed to the vociferous Ghanaian media to use the same energy to promote the good news about Essipong as they do in lamenting about challenges.
He urged the positive media not to be muted, but appreciation for ongoing construction, developmental works across the country as part of the resetting agenda.
Certainly Ghanaians love sports and what makes sports attractive is the facilities used, the athletes who perform and the spectators or fans who watch.
Ghana Sports is on a rebranding and rebuilding process and very soon the results will show.
But for now we commend and congratulate Yaw Ampofo Ankrah for his vision and job done so far.
By Sammy Heywood Okine and Wendy Naa Deide Sampah

08/09/2026

The Ballon D'Or has released the nominees for 2026

08/09/2026

Gerald Dah loses on points, deciding calling it quits to settle on coaching and marathon running
Top Ghanaian kick boxer, Gerald Kojo Dah has decided to call it quits in the sport he loves so much after he lost on points on September 5, 2026, at Pantai Batu Hitam in Kuantan, Malaysia against champion Hakim ATM in the 72kg category.
The great sports personality who has really marketed Ghana in Malaysia wants to keep fit by engaging in marathon races.
He said the Ghana media has not been fair to many sports and sportsmen who do not take part in popular sports like football.
“We love kickboxing and I feel the media must promote our sport, only a few journalists like Mr. Okine support us and we are very proud of him” he expressed.
Dah, who has been an ambassador of the sport of kicking and punching from Ghana over the years said he wants to consider coaching and teaching the kids and youth who want to do kick boxing and other martial arts sports.
“Maybe that can be my retirement after that, I will focus on teaching the young boys for future fights and also be more dedicated to my Marathon running to keep fit and healthy. Thanks to Ghana kickboxing authority and all board members for supporting the sports to grow and spread around the globe, we truly raise the name of Ghana flag internationally, may God bless you all for your encouragement and support to the Ghana fighters” he said.
By Sammy Heywood Okine

08/09/2026

“Let’s Make A Memory, Let’s Share A Memory At Tampico Accra Inter-City Marathon” Race Director Implores
Mr. William Ezah, Race Director of the 4th Tampico Accra Inter-City Marathon has called on fitness and healthy living enthusiasts to join in the walk, run jog event on October 10, 2026 and make it memorable.
Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive chat, he said the organisers are expecting at least 2,000 participants drawn from elite runners, amateur runners, leisure runners, keep fit clubs, churches, schools, families, friends and fans of fitness.
He expressed that all is set as the running vests with special chips, medals and certificates are all ready waiting for the D day.
According to him, the event is inclusive because athletes living with disability and skaters are going to take to the streets to join the elite runners to display, while the prize for the winner has been doubled from last year’s.
He hinted that October 10 should be a memorable day to promote healthy living and the fun will include the enjoyment of Tampico and free hot noodles.
“The event will be celebrated as "Tampico Day," an annual celebration dedicated to promoting health, fitness, and community engagement through sport” he stressed.
Two races will be run, 5km and 21km – starting and ending at the Trust Sports Emporium (Bukom Boxing Arena) and the winner of the main race will get the opportunity to represent Ghana at an international marathon.
Interested participants can dial *320*21 # and pay a registration fee of GHC100 to register for 21-kilometers and 5-kilometer categories.
The 4th Tampico Accra Inter-City Marathon is supported by the National Sports Authority (NSA), Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), Online Sports Journalists (OSJU), Ghana Athletics (GA), MYST Water, MAPHLIX, GWO SEVO, SOCCA BOX, Ethiopian Airways, Capelli Sport and Zimansky Hotel.
By Sammy Heywood Okine

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