Sports
No local broadcaster was interested in the GPL when we took up the rights – Startimes
Mrs. Akorfa Banson, General Manager of StarTimes Ghana, recently remarked about the vital role her firm has done in revolutionising television coverage of the Ghana Premier League (GPL).
She emphasised StarTimes’ debut into the Ghanaian football scene in 2016 and the good impact their investment has had on the league and its stakeholders in a video released on the broadcaster’s social media sites.
She stated that the GPL had no TV partner or sponsor at the time of StarTimes’ participation. The previous TV partner had cancelled their three-year contract due to the league’s lack of profitability. StarTimes chose to invest in the GPL after recognising the untapped potential of local football content. They purchased the rights to broadcast the league and hired the state broadcaster to create live games on television.
Mrs Banson stated that StarTimes went above and beyond their own platform by providing free access to these games to the state broadcaster Ghana Television, which was telecast on GTV, GTV Sports Plus, and eight additional free-to-air channels. The purpose was to broaden GPL’s market reach and boost its commercial position in Ghana. Previously, just one or two games were accessible on TV every match day, but StarTimes boosted that number to four or five games per match day, sometimes even showing games concurrently.
Mrs Banson emphasised that several African nations have local leagues on privately held pay-TV platforms, citing the Tanzanian Premier League, Kenyan Premier League, and Ethiopian Premier League as examples.
She emphasised that football rights have become a business, bringing revenue to associations, clubs, and the competition itself and that the notion that domestic leagues should only be broadcast by state broadcasters is out of date, as evidenced by Sky Sports holding the rights to the English Premier League rather than the BBC.
Mrs Banson emphasised StarTimes’ commitment to raising Ghanaian football, despite the fact that no Ghanaian broadcaster or media organisation had initially shown interest in the GPL. The corporation substantially engaged in production and advertising, spending an average of one million dollars every season on game production alone. They also conducted substantial promotional initiatives through different media outlets such as radio, television, and billboards.
Mrs Banson urged stakeholders and Ghanaians to contrast the GPL’s present wide TV coverage with its earlier restricted exposure.
She emphasised that StarTimes had helped the league overcome a time in which it lacked support and associations. She went on to say that Startimes’ investment in Ghanaian football has been critical in improving the GPL’s image and drawing greater viewership and attention.
Mrs Banson concluded by reiterating Startimes’ commitment to providing Ghanaians with digital experiences and emphasising their commitment to supporting and developing local football.
Source: graphic.com.gh
The Accra Sports Stadium, located in the centre of Ghana’s city, is more than a sporting arena; it is a symbol of national pride, athletic achievement, and a shared love of sports. The stadium has a rich history stretching back to its opening in 1952, and it continues to be a focal point for sports aficionados and communities alike. In this detailed study, we will look at the Accra Sports Stadium’s history, architecture, events, and significance.
Historical Significance
The Accra Sports Stadium has played home to several important events and celebrations throughout Ghana’s history. Originally built to host the 1963 All-Africa Games, it has subsequently evolved into a multipurpose stadium for a variety of sports and cultural activities.
Prior to the African Cup of Nations in 2008, the Accra Sports Stadium had a substantial refurbishment in terms of capacity and amenities since its inception in 1961 to fulfil the standards of CAF and other international tournaments. However, given that CAF has cancelled its licence to host any FIFA-sanctioned match, its current situation is nothing to write home about.
Architectural Features
The architecture of the stadium combines modern design with aspects that represent Ghana’s cultural culture. The Accra Sports Stadium, with a seating capacity of about 40,000 spectators, is a tribute to the country’s dedication to supporting athletic growth and community participation.
Sporting Events
- Football: The facility is the home grounds of several premier and division one league clubs namely; Accra Hearts of Oak, Accra Great Olympics, Accra Lions and a host of others who have chosen the Accra Sports Stadium as a befitting home grounds for GFA-sanctioned matches.
- Athletics: The edifice’s original architecture was intended to host track and field events such as various athletics competitions, marathons, boxing, badminton, steeple chase, and a few others; however, according to information at the Architectural & Engineering Service Limited (AESL), space for the construction of athletic tartan tracks became limited, so it was relocated to the El-Wak Sports Stadium with expert advice.
- Cultural Events: Aside from sports, the Accra Sports Stadium has hosted cultural events, concerts, and national festivities. Because of its central position and capacity, it is a perfect venue for big meetings, generating a feeling of community and shared experiences.
Renovations and Upgrades
The Accra Sports Stadium has undergone repairs and modifications throughout the years to match current requirements and improve the overall spectator experience. These initiatives have included renovations to the stadium’s seats, amenities, and overall infrastructure.
Significance in National Identity
The Accra Sports Stadium is a symbol of national identity and solidarity, not merely a sports stadium. The crowd’s screaming applause, the waving of national flags, and the shared enthusiasm throughout events all add to a communal sense of pride and belonging.
Future Developments
As Ghana continues to invest in sports facilities, talks and planning for future upgrades at the Accra Sports Stadium are continuing. These might bring more enhancements, improved amenities, and the possibility of hosting more international events.
Conclusion
The Accra Sports Stadium is a living symbol of Ghana’s dedication to sports, culture, and national togetherness. From hosting historic events to giving a venue for sporting exploits, the stadium is a treasured institution that touches Ghanaians’ emotions. The Accra Sports Stadium, as a vibrant hub of activity, continues to play an important role in developing the nation’s athletic environment and instilling a feeling of civic pride.
Harry Maguire, a Manchester United defender, has accepted Hon. Isaac Adongo’s apologies for dragging him through the dirt.
The Ghanaian politician previously rated the former Leicester City captain as the worst player recruited by the Red Devils.
Adongo was discussing the budget when he likened Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s economic management to Maguire’s on-field performances.
Mr Adongo, however, apologised to Maguire in Parliament on Tuesday, saying the Manchester United defender now performed better for his club than Dr Bawumia, whom he said had repeatedly supervised the country’s economic incompetence and had subsequently gone to the (IMF) for a bailout.
“I was very quick to compare my big brother Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to Harry Maguire. Mr. Speaker, I now apologize to Harry Maguire…Today Maguire has turned the corner; he is a transformational footballer. Maguire is now scoring goals for Manchester United.”
“Mr Speaker, Harry Maguire is now a key player for Manchester United. As for our Maguire, he is now roaming at the IMF with a cup in hand,” he stated.
Following the apology, Maguire stated on social media, “MP Issac Adongo apology accepted.” “Hope to see you at Old Trafford soon.”
Meanwhile, Everton will play Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday at Goodison Park.
Argentina’s World Cup-winning coach, Lionel Scaloni, has indicated that he is considering stepping down after five years in charge.
Scaloni made the stunning statement following Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win against Brazil on Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro.
Before winning the World Cup in Qatar last year, the 45-year-old guided Argentina to the Copa America in 2021.
“Argentina needs a coach who has all the energy possible and who is well,” said Scaloni.
“I need to stop the ball and start thinking, I have a lot of things to think about during this time.
“It’s not goodbye or anything, but I need to think because the bar is very high and it’s complicated to keep going and it’s complicated to keep winning.
“These guys are making it difficult, so I need to think about it for a while. I will talk to the FA president and the players afterwards.”
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After a brief stint in command of Argentina’s under-20 team, Scaloni took over as manager in August 2018.
Argentina’s 2021 Copa America victory was their first major championship in 28 years, and it qualified them for the Finalissima against European champions Italy in June 2022, which they won 3-0 at Wembley.
Later that year, they won their third World Cup in Qatar, and first since 1986.
“We are sure and hope that Scaloni will continue,” said Argentina and Tottenham defender Cristian Romero.
“Let’s see now he will have time to think, he didn’t say anything in the dressing room about it. We will try to convince him.”
Argentina’s victory against Brazil on Tuesday was their first-ever away win over their rivals in World Cup qualification, and it took them two points clear at the top of the table.
The game at Rio’s Maracana stadium was delayed for 30 minutes due to a scuffle during the national anthems.
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