Asante Kotoko, reigning MTN FA Cup champions, have parted ways with eight players following the conclusion of the 2024/25 football season.

Leading the list of departures is club captain Justice Blay, whose contract ran out at season’s end. Once a key player and crowd favorite, Blay’s exit is thought to be influenced by disciplinary issues, which ultimately led to the club opting not to renew his deal. Even with his strong leadership qualities and midfield dominance, Kotoko appears set on pursuing a new path.

Former WAFA star Michael Kyei Dwamena also bids farewell after three years of diligent service. Known for his impressive work rate and consistent displays, Dwamena is now a free agent and is already drawing interest from other Ghanaian clubs.

Nigerian forward Fernando Wisdom Bassey, who joined Kotoko from Sporting Lagos in August 2024, also failed to impress during his brief stint. Despite making 16 league appearances, Bassey scored just once before being let go.

Additionally, Daniel Adrian Adjetey, Kwasi Asante, Samuel Tenadu, and Sampson Eduku — all mid-season signings — have been shown the door after failing to establish themselves in the squad.

According to club insiders, these player exits are part of a wider restructuring as Kotoko gears up to mount a stronger challenge in the 2025/26 campaign. Kotoko, who will fly Ghana’s flag in the CAF Confederation Cup next season, are committed to assembling a squad capable of competing at the highest level.

On the retention front, Kotoko have opened talks to renew contracts for key players including Frederick Asare, Andrews Ntim Manu, and Baba Yahaya, with agreements expected to be finalized before the pre-season kicks off.

Meanwhile, the club has begun pursuing new signings to bolster its squad, with Hubert Gyau, Zakaria Fuseini, and Francis Acquah among the targets.

Having capped off their campaign by clinching a record 10th FA Cup title after defeating Golden Kick SC, Kotoko aim to leverage this success as they usher in a new chapter of competitive ambition.

The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has confirmed the successful repatriation of the body of the late Nigerian boxing champion, Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, back to Nigeria.

In a statement released on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the GBA Communication Directorate announced that the boxer’s remains were airlifted from Accra and were en route to Lagos, with a scheduled stopover in Lomé. This marks the conclusion of several months of efforts following Olanrewaju’s tragic death in the Ghanaian capital earlier this year.

The GBA extended heartfelt thanks to the Ghanaian public, media, and boxing community for their unwavering support during this difficult period. The Authority also promised to keep the public updated on the body’s arrival in Nigeria and the subsequent funeral arrangements.

Gabriel Olanrewaju, a former Nigerian national champion, passed away on March 29, 2025, after a professional fight at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra. His death shocked the boxing world and prompted the establishment of a special committee to investigate the circumstances.

The GBA secured all necessary approvals for repatriation, including critical health ministry reports. GBA President Abraham Kotei Neequaye played a key role in managing logistics and settling associated costs, including a $1,000 cargo flight fee and GH¢5,000 in customs charges.

The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), alongside the boxer’s family, requested that the repatriation take place on June 17 to allow proper funeral preparations.

To ensure compliance with diplomatic protocols, the GBA submitted all documentation to Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A committee led by Major (Rtd) Amarkai Amarteifio investigated the incident. The panel included former GBA President Peter Zwennes, sports journalist Ekow Asmah, legal experts Samuel Bartels and Juliana Addo-Yobo, referee Eddie Pappoe, and sports medicine expert Dr. Martin Engmann. Their report was presented to the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams affirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the committee’s recommendations. He described the tragedy as a stark reminder of the need for reform, emphasizing that the findings provide transparency and lessons for all sports federations. “Life is precious, and this incident serves as a wake-up call,” he stated.

Major Amarteifio highlighted the challenges facing Ghanaian boxing and called for urgent reforms to protect athletes. He noted the report offers a critical opportunity to address ongoing issues within the sport.

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has expressed strong confidence in the Black Stars’ ambition to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The four-time African champions boosted their chances of making it to the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with consecutive victories in March.

Wins against Chad and Madagascar propelled Ghana to the top of Group I, currently holding 15 points with four matches remaining in the qualification campaign.

Speaking to 3Sports, the Arsenal midfielder shared his optimism about Ghana making their fifth appearance at the World Cup.

“As players, we are determined to be at the World Cup again. We experienced how amazing it was last time, and we want to be there once more. Hopefully, we win the remaining matches and secure our spot,” said the 31-year-old.

The Black Stars are set to reconvene in September for Matchday 7 and 8 fixtures against Chad and Mali.