Connect with us

News

Prioritize Karela United over Steadfast – Ibrahim Gagbuni to Haruna Iddrisu

Published on May 10 2025

Veteran Football Administrator and Bankroller of FC Tamale, Mr. Ibrahim Gagbuni has called on Education Minister, Hon.Haruna Iddrisu who doubles as owner of Karela United to prioritize the campaign of the premier league club ensuring their stay in the Ghanaian elite Football Division, while also admonishing the lawmaker to reconsider the ambition of Steadfast FC in the Division One League, a club he bankrolls too.

According to Mr. Gagbuni, maintaining two clubs at the elite level is economically unsustainable, strategically counterproductive, and dilutes the potential of both teams.

In a long epistle on Facebook, the UK-based Football Administrator commended the efforts of the Education Minister for investing in football, but maintains that it is not sustainable.

“While ambition is commendable, maintaining two clubs at the elite level is economically unsustainable, strategically counterproductive, and dilutes the potential of both teams Here’s why: Economic & Managerial Strain, we all know what it’s take to run a club let alone running two competitive clubs and it’s demands, Double financial investment, salaries, logistics, facilities and general administrative cost”.

Explaining reasons for his advice, the FC Tamale Owner, believes splitting resources between two clubs makes no sense, rather weakening the potential of the two clubs, hence suggests that Karela FC, a Premier League club, should be well funded as it has the propensity to outperform two financially stretched clubs.

To further his call, Mr. Ibrahim Gagbunidoo intimated that Steadfast should serve as a feeder club for Karela, producing and nurturing young talents for the Premier League. Instead of competing for the same players, adding that
A United structure would streamline talent progression and reduce risk to both clubs.

“Steadfast should serve as a feeder club for Karela, recruiting and nurturing young talents for the Premier League. Instead of competing for the same players, a united structure would streamline talent progression. And reduced risk to both clubs, as we all know that both of them in elite leagues risk cannibalizing each other’s squad depth, leaving Karela weaker in the top-flight league”.

He recognized brand Consolidation and Regional Dominance as a competitive advantage that Karela FC can leverage to thrive.

“Brand Consolidation & Regional Dominance.
Karela has a unique opportunity to dominate the Northern Ghana football scene, utilising fans across all 4 Northern Regions. Two club split fans’ loyalty and sponsorship appeals, whereas one strong Karela can become the undisputed regional powerhouse, attracting bigger investment, commercial deals, and fan base”.

Karela United is currently under siege in the Ghana Premier League as relegation is staring in their face if performance is not improved as the league inches to an end. Karela lies 15th on the league log with 32 points, the same points as the 14th-placed team.

Below is the full epistle of Ibrahim Gagbuni

Hon Haruna Iddrisu must Stop the split, why Leader must choose between Karela’s glory or dual club failure.

A call for Resources on Karela United Over Steadfast FC, I strongly advocate for Hon Haruna Iddrisu to prioritize karela united in the Ghana premier league and reconsider steadfast Division One ambitions

In a long epistle on Facebook, the UK base Football Administrator commended the efforts of the Education Minister for investing in football but maintains that it is not sustainable.

“While ambition is commendable, maintaining two clubs at the elite level is economically unsustainable, strategically counterproductive, and dilutes the potential of both teams Here’s why: Economic & Managerial Strain , we all know what it’s take to run a club let alone running two competitive clubs and it’s demands, Double financial investment, salaries,logistics,facilities and general administrative cost”

Ghanaian football already struggles with funding, and splitting resources between Karela a premier league club and steadfast a division one club weakens both.
One well funded Karela will out perform two financially stretched teams

Player Development & Competitive Edge Steadfast should serve as a feeder club for Karela, recruiting and nurturing young talents for the Premier League. Instead of competing for the same players,
A United structure would streamline talent progression. And reduced risk to both clubs, as we all know that both of them in elite leagues risk cannibalizing each others squad depth, leaving Karela weaker in the top flight league.

These could be the beginning of
brand Consolidation & Regional Dominance.
Karela has a unique opportunity to dominate Northern Ghana football scenes utilising fans across all 4 Northern Regions .Two club split fans loyalty and sponsorship appeals, whereas one strong Karela can become the undisputed regional powerhouse, attracting bigger investment, commercial deals and fan base.

Leader must at all cost avoid self sabotage, steadfast rise directly compete with Karela for attention and resources and in a long run, both clubs loses their competitive badge. Ie, Karela struggles in the top flight and steadfast stuck in Division One.
A single focus on Karela ensures better management and a stand by replacement of upcoming talent . I personally feels so strongly about this and I hope that Leader will listen.
I have no doubt that Leader’s vision for football development is noble, but consolidation of Karela and steadfast is key.
Redirecting steadfast resources into Karela, Leader can build one elite club that is capable of winning trophies and competing in Africa which will definitely brings us all Northers pride and inspiration for the next generation.

Two struggling clubs make no sense . One dominant Karela does.
The choice is very clear .

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Hon.Hassan Tampuli hands over dining hall, Girls’ Dormitory facility to management of Gushegu SHS

Details

Published by Inusah Dondaliya

Date: 15th January

Member of Parliament for Gushegu, Hon. Lawyer Sulemana Alhassan Tampuli, has handed over two key educational facilities, a Dining Hall facility, and Girls’ Dormitory block to management of Gushegu Senior High School following successful completion of the projects.

The commissioning of the projects which took place on Wednesday, 14th January 2026 at the Gushegu SHS, aims to address infrastructural challenges faced the school which serve as a threat to learning environment of the students on campus.

The intervention by the MP became necessary when the Girls’ Dormitory block was destroyed by rainstorm, compelling them to pitch camp at the Dining Hall as temporal place of abode on campus, while also resorting to eating outside the dining hall due to infrastructural deficit.

This follows the MP’s initiative to rebuild the dinning hall too after it was also knocked down by a wind storm.

Addressing the students, the MP said ” I’m here to do two-in-one thing, because the dining hall that we had before was completely knocked down, it was nothing to write home about. So we have to rebuild the dinning hall entirely.Right from the scratch, we pulled all down and we raised it from the ground all the way to where it is right now today. Just as we were about to hand over the dinning hall, we had a disaster that struck the Girls’ Dormitory. So the girls have to be moved to the dining hall and the dining hall became the girls’ Dormitory and you don’t have have a dining hall presently.So you have been eating your meals outside.And that is not the appropriate thing.When I went to Tamasco I spent 5 years in Tamasco, I never for once ate outside so I don’t see why my lovely students will be eating outside”.

He further stated that “So I have to take quick steps to make sure that you go back into the dinning hall to secure your safety.Otherwise when it is raining, you are in the rains to eat, that is not proper. We owe you that responsibility. So as you are moving back to the your Dormitories you be freeing up the dinning hall for its appropriate use. So we are not just handing over the Girls’ Dormitory but we are also handing over the dinning hall to the school. So it is a two-in-one exercise we are undertaking today”.

At a short ceremony to hand over the projects to the school, Hon. Alhassan Tampuli reiterated his unflinching commitment to improving the infrastructure base of the school. While also with immediate effect donated 100 bags of cement, aimed at complementing the construction of the school’s fence wall as clear manifestation of his drive to develop the school most important solving its infrastructural issues.

On behalf of the students, the Girls’ Prefect of the school, in her speech heaped praises on the MP, conveying a profound gratitude to him for his intervention to mitigate their plight although she further asks for more interventions like Oliver Twist, as they are still in dire need of educational facilities.

Continue Reading

News

Continuing Hon.Murtala’s Legacy: Razak Golden appeals to President for appointment opportunity to Tamale Central MP

Details

Published by Inusah Dondaliya

Date: 15th January, 2026.

Tamale Central Communications Officer for the NDC, Umar Abdul Razak Golden, on behalf of the Constituents is appealing to President John Mahama to consider giving appointment to the Current Member of Parliament of the area, Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu in honor of the Late MP, Hon.Murtala Ibrahim Mohammed, who passed on in a tragic helicopter crash last year.

Mr. Umar Abdul Razak Golden is appealing for appointment opportunity to the MP with a capacity that can deepen the representation and development of the Constituency.

In a Facebook post shared on Wednesday night, the Tamale Central Communications Officer highlights immense contributions made by the late MP to develop the area through dedicated and selfless service to the people, describing his passing as significant loss not only to the Constituents but the nation at large.

Following the loss of the late MP, Mr. Razak Golden, noted that appointing Prof. Seidu Alidu would be a befitting tribute and a prudent step towards continuing his legacy in the Constituency.

“we believe that appointing (Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu) who has demonstrated commitment and dedication, would be a fitting tribute and a prudent step towards continuing his legacy”.

His statement also said that “We believe that an appointment at this juncture would not only honor Dr. Murtala Muhammed’s memory but also bolster the ongoing development initiatives in Tamale Central. It would ensure stability, continuity, and sustained progress in our beloved constituency”.

Below is the full statement

APPEAL FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF THE CURRENT MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR TAMALE CENTRAL IN HONOR OF THE LATE DR. IBRAHIM MURTALA MUHAMMAD

I am writing on behalf of the constituents of Tamale Central to humbly request your consideration in appointing our current Member of Parliament, (Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu ) to serve in a capacity that will deepen the representation and development of our constituency.

Your EXCELLENCY
As you are aware, Dr. Murtala Muhammed, our esteemed Member of Parliament, dedicated his life to serving Ghana and the people of Tamale Central. His untimely passing is a significant loss to our community and the nation at large. In recognition of his tireless efforts and vision for development, we believe that appointing (Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu) who has demonstrated commitment and dedication, would be a fitting tribute and a prudent step towards continuing his legacy.

We believe that an appointment at this juncture would not only honor Dr. Murtala Muhammed’s memory but also bolster the ongoing development initiatives in Tamale Central. It would ensure stability, continuity, and sustained progress in our beloved constituency.

We kindly appeal to your compassionate and visionary leadership to consider this request favorably. Your support would greatly motivate our community and reinforce our collective dedication to Ghana’s progress. Thank you.
Long live the National Democratic Congress long live Ghana our beloved country.

Sign :
Umar Abdul Razak Golden Boy
Communication officer TAMALE CENTRAL

Continue Reading

News

LIFE AFTER SPORTS/ NRFA GIRLS U-15 GALA EXTOLS THE VIRTUE OF GIRL CHILD EDUCATION

Tamale witnessed an inspiring celebration of youth football as Old Buddies/Life After Sports, in collaboration with the Northern Regional Football Association (NRFA), organized U-15 Girls Gala Matches to promote girls’ participation in sports. The two-day event kicked off on Friday, 2nd January 2026, and brought together nine vibrant female teams from across the region.
Participating teams included: Kanshegu Smart Ladies, Talented Ladies, Rising Sporting Club, Northern Angels, Din-Nani Ladies, Dalun Simli Ladies, Vision Ladies, Starlet Strikers and Tamale Future Ladies

After intense competition through the group stages and semi-finals, Kanshegu Smart Ladies and Talented Ladies made it to the finals. The final match lived up to expectations, ending in a dramatic penalty shootout, where Talented Ladies clinched the victory and were crowned champions.

In recognition of the teams’ efforts, Old Buddies/Life After Sports awarded:
Two sets of jerseys to the finalists
Silver medals to the runners-up
Gold medals and a trophy to the winners

Individual excellence was also celebrated with awards for: Best Player, Goal Queen, Best Goalkeeper

Present at the ceremony was the Chairman of NRFA, Alhaji Abu Hassan Rhyzo, who commended Old Buddies for their commitment to youth development through football. He promised to inscribe the name “Life After Sports” in the RFA’s special book of honor and called on other organizations to emulate such impactful initiatives.

Representing Life After Sports, Ali Alhassan encouraged the young players to blend sports with education, avoid drugs, and support their families. He further appealed to the NRFA Chairman to consider the inclusion of the group members in future GFA coaching license programs.

This initiative not only nurtures football talent but also reinforces the importance of discipline, education, and community support among the youth.

Story by Musah Abdul-Raheem

Continue Reading