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RTU CEO Questions FA’s Selection Criteria for 2026 Division One League Super Cup
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Published: July 17, 2026
Published at: 12
Former sports journalist and Chief Executive Officer of Real Tamale United (RTU), Zakaria Safianu, has criticized the Ghana Football Association (GFA) over what he describes as an unfair selection process for the 2026 Division One League (DOL) Super Cup.
In a strongly worded statement, Safianu argued that while the automatic qualification of the top two teams from each of the three Division One League zones is widely accepted, the criteria used to determine the remaining two slots is flawed and discriminatory.
According to him, the GFA selected the two best third-placed teams from Zones Two and Three to complete the eight-team competition, leaving out the third-placed club from Zone One.
Safianu questioned the rationale behind the decision, insisting that the exclusion of Zone One reinforces long-standing concerns that clubs from Northern Ghana are often treated unfairly in national football competitions.
He acknowledged the FA’s desire to maintain an eight-team format but suggested that expanding the tournament to 10 clubs would have been a fairer solution, particularly with a major corporate sponsor now backing the competition.
To support his argument, Safianu pointed to the final league standings of the third-placed teams. Attram De Visser SC from Zone Two finished with 54 points from 30 matches, while Nsuopun Fidelity from Zone Three accumulated 51 points from the same number of games. RTU, however, collected 47 points after playing only 28 matches due to the shorter schedule in Zone One.
He argued that comparing clubs solely on total points is misleading because the three zones did not play an equal number of matches. In his view, RTU could have accumulated as many as 53 points had the club also played 30 matches, potentially surpassing one of the selected teams.
Safianu believes the current system creates a structural disadvantage for Zone One clubs and makes it extremely difficult for any northern team finishing third to qualify for the Super Cup.
To address the issue, he proposed two alternatives. The first is for the GFA to conduct a ballot involving the three third-placed teams from the respective zones to determine the final two qualifiers. The second is to expand the competition to 10 teams by including all three third-placed clubs alongside the reigning Ghana Premier League champions, creating what he believes could be rebranded as an FA Super Cup featuring clubs from Ghana’s top two divisions.
The RTU CEO also recalled that his club missed out on a promotional bus last season despite winning the Zone One title after the GFA revised its reward policy to benefit only the top three clubs across all zones. He described the latest Super Cup exclusion as another setback for the Tamale-based club.
Safianu has therefore called on the Ghana Football Association to review the selection criteria before the tournament begins, insisting that a fair and transparent process is essential to preserving the integrity and credibility of Ghana football.
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Mossi Community in Ghana Pays Tribute to Late Yaa Naa Mahama Abubakari II
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Published: July 18, 2026
Published at: 10: 45Pm
Story by Saibu Terry
The Mossi Community in Ghana has paid a glowing tribute to the late Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Dr. Mahama Abubakari II, describing him as a towering symbol of peace, unity and traditional leadership whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.
In a statement issued by the Office of Naba Wobgo II, the Mossi Naaba of Ghana, the community expressed profound sorrow over the passing of the Dagbon King, saying his death is not only a loss to Dagbon but also to the Northern Region and the wider traditional fraternity.
The statement noted that the relationship between the Mossi and Dagomba people transcends diplomatic ties, describing it as a sacred brotherhood built on shared ancestry, history and centuries of mutual respect.
“Our ancestors rode the same savannahs, established great empires of unparalleled organizational strength, and protected the dignity of our people through centuries of change,” the tribute stated, adding that whenever Dagbon mourns, the Mossi people also share in that grief.
The tribute praised the late Yaa Naa for successfully blending the rich traditions of Dagbon with the demands of modern governance. It highlighted his role as a steadfast advocate for reconciliation, peace and stability, noting that he remained a unifying force throughout his reign.
According to the statement, Yaa Naa Mahama Abubakari II also championed education, agriculture and sustainable development while ensuring that his people remained firmly connected to their cultural heritage.
The Mossi Community further commended the late King for his inclusive leadership, saying he created an environment where all ethnic groups living within and around Dagbon felt respected, secure and valued.
Offering final prayers, the community wished the departed monarch a peaceful transition into the ancestral realm and prayed that his spirit would continue to watch over the kingdom he served with distinction.
The statement also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Regent, the elders of Dagbon and the entire traditional area, assuring them of the Mossi Community’s solidarity and support during this period of mourning.
The tribute was signed by the Palace of Mossi Naaba Wobgo on behalf of the Mossi Community in Ghana.
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Maccasio x Mr P Concert Cancelled Following Traditional Ban on Entertainment Activities in Gulkpegu
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Published: July 18, 2026
Published at: 8:54Pm
Story by Saibu Terry
The organisers of the Maccasio x Mr P Live Concert 2026 have officially cancelled the event after the Gulkpegu Traditional Council suspended all outdoor entertainment activities within the Gulkpegu Traditional Area.
The cancellation was announced in a statement released by the organisers, who cited “circumstances beyond our control” as the reason for calling off the highly anticipated concert, which was scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026.
The decision comes after the Gulkpegu Traditional Council, in consultation with the Dagbon Traditional Council, issued a directive suspending all outdoor entertainment events until further notice as part of the mourning period following the passing of the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari Gariba II.
In a letter dated July 15, 2026, addressed to the Northern Regional Police Commander, the Gulkpegu Traditional Council requested the enforcement of the ban, stating that allowing entertainment events during the mourning period would be considered an affront to the people of Dagbon and a violation of the kingdom’s customs and traditions.
The council further urged the police to ensure that the scheduled concert did not take place, noting that the suspension would remain in force until a Regent is installed and the appropriate traditional directives are issued.
Following the directive, organisers of the concert expressed regret over the cancellation and apologised to fans, patrons and stakeholders for the inconvenience.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and continued support,” the organisers said in their statement.
It is not yet known whether the event will be rescheduled or when information regarding ticket refunds and other arrangements will be communicated.
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Maccasio x Mr. P Live Concert 2026 Cancelled
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Published: July 18, 2026
Published at: 8: 36Pm
Story by Saibu Terry
The much-anticipated Maccasio x Mr. P Live Concert 2026 has been cancelled, organisers have officially announced.
In a statement released on Saturday, the organisers expressed regret over the cancellation, attributing the decision to circumstances beyond their control.
The event, which was expected to feature Ghanaian rapper Maccasio alongside Nigerian music star Mr. P in what promised to be one of the year’s biggest entertainment shows, will no longer take place as scheduled.
“We regret to announce the cancellation of the event due to circumstances beyond our control,” the statement read.
The organisers also apologised to fans, ticket holders, and other stakeholders for any inconvenience caused by the unexpected development.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and continued support,” the statement added.
No further details were provided regarding the specific reasons behind the cancellation or whether the concert will be rescheduled. Information on ticket refunds or future arrangements is also yet to be announced.
Fans are expected to await further communication from the organisers regarding the next steps.