News
Bawa Mugis Defends Baba Rahman Amid Criticism Over Black Stars Recall
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Published: May 29 2026
Published at: 8:47am
Story by Saibu Terry
Sports journalist Bawa Mugis has strongly defended the decision to recall Ghana defender Baba Abdul-Rahman to the Black Stars squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the recent criticism against the player as unfair and hypocritical.
Baba Rahman’s return to the national team has sparked debate among sections of Ghanaian football fans, with critics questioning his inclusion due to his previous decision to step away from the Black Stars setup for nearly three years.
However, Mugis believes the backlash against the experienced left-back ignores the difficult circumstances that forced him to take a sabbatical from the team.
According to the respected journalist, Baba Rahman endured severe abuse after Ghana’s AFCON qualifier against the Central African Republic in Kumasi on September 7, 2023. The defender and his family reportedly faced insults, threats, and intense criticism from both traditional and social media platforms following the game.
Mugis argued that Baba Rahman is not the first player to temporarily distance himself from the national team due to public pressure and emotional distress.
He referenced past incidents involving former Black Stars striker Asamoah Gyan and his brother Baffour Gyan, who nearly quit the national team during the 2008 AFCON after harsh criticism from supporters over missed goal-scoring opportunities. Former President John Agyekum Kufuor reportedly intervened to convince them to remain with the squad.
The journalist also pointed to the Ayew brothers, who announced a temporary retirement from the Black Stars in 2013, stressing that such situations are not new in Ghana football.
Beyond the emotional arguments, Mugis maintained that Baba Rahman deserves his place in the squad based on merit and performance.
The former Chelsea defender has been impressive at club level, making 74 appearances across the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons while contributing nine goals and six assists.
Mugis further noted that since Baba Rahman stepped away from the national team, several players who were invited to fill the left-back position failed to make the role their own.
He added that there had already been growing calls for Baba’s return before the World Cup qualifiers due to his consistency and experience at club level.
The journalist believes the defender’s quality, technique, and leadership will be crucial for Ghana as the Black Stars prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
“In the final analysis, selection should be guided not by sentiment or noise, but by merit, consistency, and what best serves the collective ambition of the team,” Mugis stated.
He concluded that contribution to the Black Stars should be judged on present readiness and impact rather than subjective opinions surrounding a player’s past decisions.
News
NPP Annuls Constituency Executive Elections in Three Constituencies, Refers Disputes to Electoral Affairs Committee
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Published: July 15, 2026
Published at: 3:55pm
Story by Saibu Terry
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has annulled the purported Constituency Executive Elections conducted in three constituencies, citing violations of party directives, election regulations, and, where applicable, existing court orders.
In a statement dated July 15, 2026, the party announced that the National Steering Committee took the decision after reviewing the conduct of the constituency executive elections held across the country over the weekend.
According to the statement, the annulled elections were held in Bantama, Afigya Sekyere East, and Adansi Asokwa constituencies.
The NPP said the elections in the affected constituencies were conducted in “flagrant disregard” of party directives, the rules and regulations governing the 2026 Constituency Executive Elections, and, in some instances, subsisting court orders.
The party further disclosed that the Ashanti Regional Steering Committee has been summoned to appear before the National Steering Committee on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, to explain the circumstances surrounding the conduct of the elections in the affected constituencies.
Additionally, the National Steering Committee has referred election-related issues in Asante Akyem Central, together with all other unresolved constituency election disputes, to the Electoral Affairs Committee of the National Council for advice and recommendations.
The NPP reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring strict compliance with its constitution and regulations while preserving the integrity, credibility, and transparency of its internal democratic processes.
The statement was jointly signed by the party’s Acting National Chairman, Danquah Smith Buttey, and General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong.
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NDC Northern Regional Elections Directorate Takes Over Tamale Central Branch Elections
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Published July 15, 2026
Published at: 3:27Pm
Story by Saibu Terry
The Northern Regional Elections Directorate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that it has assumed full responsibility for all activities relating to the party’s branch elections in the Tamale Central Constituency with immediate effect.
In an official notice issued on Tuesday, the Directorate said the decision would remain in force until further notice, indicating that it will oversee and manage all aspects of the branch election process in the constituency.
The statement directed all party members, stakeholders, and interested persons to channel all communications, inquiries, and issues concerning the Tamale Central branch elections through the Northern Regional Elections Directorate.
While the notice did not state the reasons behind the decision, the Regional Elections Directorate appealed to members for their cooperation and understanding as it carries out its mandate.
The notice was signed by Dr. Arnold Mashud Abukari, the Northern Regional Director of Elections and IT of the NDC.
The latest development places the administration of the Tamale Central branch elections directly under the supervision of the regional leadership, pending further directives.
News
Ghana Drawn with Nigeria, Togo and Burkina Faso for WAFU B U-20 Championship
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Published: July 15, 2026
Published at: 2:15Pm
Story by Saibu Terry
Ghana’s Black Satellites have been drawn in a challenging Group B alongside regional rivals Nigeria, Togo and Burkina Faso for the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship, the qualifying tournament for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The draw was conducted on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the headquarters of the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The Black Satellites will renew their fierce rivalry with Nigeria in what is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the competition. Togo and Burkina Faso complete a highly competitive group, setting the stage for a demanding qualification campaign for the four-time African champions.
Group A consists of hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Niger, with the three nations also competing for a place at the continental championship.
The WAFU B U-20 Championship will feature all seven member associations of the zone and serves as the official qualifying tournament for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Ghana, adding extra significance to the Black Satellites’ campaign as they seek to qualify for the continental showpiece on home soil.
WAFU B U-20 Championship Draw
Group A
Côte d’Ivoire
Benin
Niger
Group B
Ghana
Nigeria
Togo
Burkina Faso