The allocation comes after a restructuring of the team’s administrative setup. The previous committee, chaired by Mark Addo, was dissolved following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Ahead of the resumption of the World Cup qualifiers, a new five-member body was constituted to oversee the senior national team’s affairs.

The reconstituted committee is chaired by Dr Randy Abbey, with former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah serving as Vice Chairman responsible for Player Relations. Dr Richard Nsenkyire has been assigned Special Duties, while Moses Armah and Samuel Aboabire oversee operations.

Addressing the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports on Thursday, Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams confirmed the honorarium package, explaining that each of the five members is expected to receive $62,000.

“There are honorarium for some other officials and officers, including the management team, for the team’s participation in the tournament. That amounts to $310,000.”

He added that the overall budget request submitted by the GFA for Ghana’s World Cup campaign stands at $13,776,965.

“In all, the total budget requested from the Ghana Football Association for the Black Stars’ participation in the 2026 World Cup came to $13,776,965,” Mr Adams said.

The amount earmarked for the management committee is separate from player bonuses and other operational costs captured within the broader $13.7 million projection for the tournament.

Ghana will be making their fifth appearance at the global showpiece and have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.

After group-stage exits in their two most recent World Cup outings, the four-time African champions are aiming for a stronger run this time around.

In preparation for the tournament, the GFA has confirmed Bryant University in the United States as the team’s base camp for the duration of the competition.

The Black Stars, four-time African champions, will miss the continental showpiece for the first time in more than two decades after finishing bottom of their qualifying group with just three points and no wins from six matches.

Reflecting on the team’s campaign, Dr Abbey admitted that the result was hard to accept but believes it served as a crucial reality check for both head coach Otto Addo and his players.

“It was difficult to take when Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and I believed it served as a rude awakening for Otto Addo and the Black Stars,” Abbey told Sporty FM. 

Despite that disappointment, the Black Stars have since bounced back strongly, securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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Following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the technical setup underwent changes, with the inclusion of experienced figures such as Winfried Schäfer, Desmond Ofei, and Gregory De Grauwe.

With the Black Stars preparing for the global showpiece, to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico next summer, Dr Abbey confirmed in an interview with Sporty FM that further enhancements are expected.

“From where I sit, we are contracted to Otto. I haven’t seen the employers of Otto Addo call for a change. What I know is that before every major competition, AFCON or World Cup, we strengthen the technical setup, scouting, and medical team.”

“For every competition, we always beef up the technical team, whether it’s AFCON or the World Cup. In the areas of medical, technical, scouting, or video analysis, we bring in additional expertise.

“We are going to have that conversation, to identify where our weaknesses are and how to improve. The goal is to ensure a better technical appreciation of what is before us.”

Dr Abbey stressed that the focus is not on replacing head coach Otto Addo but on reinforcing the structure around him.

“The focus is on improving the structure around him, not changing him. We want to ensure the team is better equipped technically and tactically for the challenge ahead,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, John Paintsil and Fatau Dauda remain part of the technical team.

Ghana will discover their group-stage opponents for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on December 5.

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Black Stars: No player complained after budget disclosure – Randy Abbey

I am not aware of Nketiah, Hudson-Odoi and Amuzu’s interest to play for Ghana – Randy Abbey

Before Ghana’s Matchday 7 to 10 fixtures in the World Cup qualifiers, Mr Adams announced the team’s budget, a decision that sparked mixed reactions across the football community.

Some critics blamed the public disclosure for distracting the players, even suggesting it contributed to the Black Stars’ 1-1 draw against Chad.

Responding to the backlash, Dr Abbey backed the Minister’s transparency, describing the criticism as unnecessary.

He emphasised that the players remained focused and unbothered by the development.

“I was in the Black Stars camp, and no player complained about the Sports Minister reading out the budget before games,” he told Sporty FM.

“I don’t see the big deal in the Minister’s decision,” Dr Abbey added.

The Black Stars, who recently sealed qualification for their fifth FIFA World Cup, will learn their group stage opponents when the draw is held on December 5.

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Recent media speculation claimed the trio, all eligible to play for Ghana, were considering switching allegiance following the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, speaking on Sporty FM, Dr Abbey clarified that no formal communication has been received from any of the players.

“Officially, I’m not aware of Eddie Nketiah showing interest in the Black Stars. It’s the same for Callum Hudson-Odoi and Francis Amuzu. I only read about it in the media.”

Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi have both featured for England, while Amuzu has represented Belgium at youth level.

Amuzu was first linked with a possible Ghana switch in 2022, when reports suggested he had turned down an invitation, claims he later denied.

The Anderlecht winger has since reaffirmed his readiness to wear the Ghana jersey whenever called upon.

“If it’s for the World Cup, it will be nice,” Amuzu told Asempa FM’s Sports Nite. “If it’s after the World Cup, it’s also nice, I will be happy. It is a dream for me to play for the national team of Ghana.

“I know also that I have to perform well to get a call-up. If it [call-up] comes, good. If it doesn’t come, I have to work harder.”

The Kpando-based club currently sit second on the league table with 11 points from five games. Under the guidance of coach Bashir Hayford, Heart of Lions have scored six goals while conceding just two.

While pleased with the team’s performances, Dr Abbey believes there is room for improvement, particularly in front of goal.

“It has been good. I have not watched any of their games, but if you look at how they finished last season, they have continued from there,” he told Asempa FM.

“The only issue is that we have to be more clinical in goalscoring, which I believe the technical team will be working on, but they have been good, but we expect more from them, especially in the area of goalscoring,” Dr Abbey, who also serves as the Black Stars Management Committee chairman, added. 

Heart of Lions are one of only two clubs yet to suffer a defeat this season. They will look to extend their unbeaten run when they face Bibiani GoldStars at DUN’s Park on Monday in Matchday 6 action.

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The issue of transporting fans to major tournaments has long been controversial. Following Ghana’s participation in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the Dzamefe Commission of Inquiry recommended that the government should not use state funds to fly fans to support national teams abroad.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Dr Abbey acknowledged the past recommendations but emphasised that lessons must be learned and rectified.

“Taking or flying fans to the World Cup is something that cannot be denied, but I think it is about how it is done. During the qualifiers, the fans travelled to support the team during away games. 

“At the World Cup, every country that has qualified and those countries that have not qualified will even show up to show their support.

“When you talk about that, what comes to mind is the Dzamefe Commission, but beyond that, we have to look at the mistakes and the recommendations. But as for the supporters going to support the team, nobody can discount that, but we should look at how it will be done properly,” he added. 

Ghana will make its fifth World Cup appearance at the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Black Stars will learn their group-stage opponents on December 5.

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2026 WC: We might get a tough group – Ghana coach Otto Addo

The 49-year-old tactician faced heavy criticism earlier this year after Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the first time in more than two decades the nation has missed out on the continental showpiece.

However, Addo has since redeemed himself by steering the Black Stars to their fifth FIFA World Cup qualification. Ghana sealed top spot in Group I with 25 points after a decisive 1-0 victory over Comoros in their final qualifier.

Despite the achievement, sections of the football fraternity have demanded the coach’s removal, with Sports Minister Kofi Adams reportedly among those questioning his future ahead of the 2026 World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Dr Abbey, speaking to Asempa FM, dismissed speculation about a change in the technical leadership, stressing that Addo’s position remains intact.

“From the time we came in, look at the statistics,” Dr Abbey said.

“Otto Addo is the head coach of the Black Stars, and that has not changed. I don’t have any issues with the ongoing discussions.

“He has a contract, and his contract has not ended. His employers have not said they are done with him. He has qualified for the World Cup, and he must be celebrated for that, but every Ghanaian deserves to have an opinion, and Otto Addo remains the Black Stars coach.”

Responding to a question about whether the committee had identified any weaknesses within Addo’s technical set-up, Dr Abbey replied, “Except God, everyone has weaknesses.”

Otto Addo’s latest feat makes him the first coach to guide Ghana to back-to-back World Cup tournaments.

The Black Stars will find out their group-stage opponents for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on December 5.

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We were determined to revive Black Stars after AFCON setback – Dr Randy Abbey

For the first time in over two decades, the Black Stars failed to make it to the continental tournament after finishing bottom of their qualifying group with just three points from six matches — without recording a single victory.

The setback led to the dissolution of the then Management Committee chaired by Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President, Mark Addo. A new committee was subsequently constituted, with Dr Randy Abbey appointed as Chairman, former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah as Vice Chairman, and Moses Armah, Samuel Aboabire, and Dr Richard Nsenkyire serving as members.

Under the leadership of the newly assembled committee, Ghana bounced back to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Dr Abbey admitted the task was daunting but said the group was motivated to change the team’s fortunes.

“It was a difficult time when we accepted to work as the Black Stars Management Committee, especially having failed to qualify for the AFCON, but we knew that we could turn it around once we got the support from the President [John Mahama] and the Sports Minister, Kofi Adams. 

He added that key adjustments were made to strengthen the technical setup, which ultimately paid off.

“We tweaked the technical team; we were confident that it would work for us with the resources and expertise around. Failing to qualify for the AFCON was a big blow, and we could not underestimate it. With the World Cup coming up next, there was no way we were going to miss out on the World Cup, even though our performance at the AFCON had not been great, but there was no way we were going to miss out,” he added.

The Black Stars will learn their group-stage opponents for the 2026 World Cup on December 5.

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Ghana booked a spot at next summer’s tournament after defeating Comoros 1-0 in their final qualifying game.

The Black Stars will, however, miss the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in over two decades, a situation Dr Abbey admits has altered the team’s preparation plans.

Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Dr Abbey said the technical and management teams are working to ensure the team remains active and competitive despite the AFCON absence.

“The first assignment, we have been discussing our absence from AFCON because it would have been a good test for the team, but we will have to take a good advantage of the FIFA international windows well and have some friendly games.

“In November, we will play against Japan and South Korea. In December, there is no window, but we are thinking about what we can do with that and also think about what we could do for the rest of the months before the World Cup starts.”

Dr Abbey added that beyond organising friendlies, the management is also finalising nationality switches for eligible players who wish to represent Ghana.

“We will use the rest of the month to also make the arrangements to get the players who want to switch nationality, so that is the plan moving forward. We want to have more games before the World Cup,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed that the Black Stars will take on Japan in the 2025 Kirin Cup Challenge on November 14 before taking on South Korea on November 18 in an international friendly games. 

The Black Stars will know their group opponents for the 2026 World Cup on December 5.

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For the first time in over 20 years, the Black Stars missed out on Africa’s flagship football tournament after finishing bottom of their qualifying group with just three points from six matches.

However, the team redeemed itself by topping Group I of the World Cup qualifiers with 25 points to book a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show following the qualification, Dr Abbey expressed mixed emotions, disappointment over the AFCON miss but relief at the team’s response.

“The team had disappointed Ghanaians by not qualifying for the AFCON,” he said.

“You can’t cry over spilt milk; you can’t reverse it; you cannot change it.

“But fortunately, [there was] another major engagement, and if for nothing at all, the disappointment [of not qualifying for AFCON], the least you can do is to at least qualify for the World Cup,” Dr Abbey added.

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place on December 5 in Washington, D.C., where Ghana will discover their group-stage opponents.

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The achievement marks a major turnaround after the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a setback that led the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to dissolve the previous committee chaired by Mark Addo.

The reconstituted management team, led by Dr Abbey, includes former national team captain Stephen Appiah as Vice Chairman, alongside Samuel Aboabire, Moses Armah Parker, and Dr Richard Nsenkyire as members.

Reflecting on the journey to qualification, Dr Abbey lauded the committee’s collective effort and determination.

“I am impressed with the working relationship with my members. Everybody wants to bring something on board,” he told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show. 

“It was stressful, but we stayed together as a team and everybody put everything on board.

“We all have our respective works, but we all sacrificed to ensure the Black Stars qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” he added. 

Ghana’s qualification secured the nation’s fifth appearance at the global tournament. The Black Stars will discover their group-stage opponents on December 5.

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In a writ submitted to the Accra High Court on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Dr. Abbey is demanding GH¢20 million in damages, citing comments made by Abronye on radio, which he described as false and damaging to his reputation.

According to the suit, Abronye alleged on air that Dr. Abbey carries his own chair from Accra to cocoa farms when meeting farmers. He also accused the COCOBOD boss of deliberately replacing the institution’s Finance Director to misappropriate funds meant for cocoa farmers.

Dr. Abbey rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his professional image.

“The defendant’s statements were made with the intention of eroding the trust and confidence the public has in the plaintiff, fully aware that such falsehoods would cause irreparable damage to his personal dignity and reputation,” the writ stated.

Beyond monetary compensation, Dr. Abbey is asking the court to compel Abronye to issue an unconditional retraction and an unqualified public apology, as well as remove all defamatory remarks from circulation. He is also seeking a perpetual injunction to prevent Abronye, or any associates acting on his behalf, from publishing further defamatory statements against him.

Source: Adomonline

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Boafo described the allegations as baseless and misleading.

Dr. Abbey had earlier alleged on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen that COCOBOD failed to submit financial statements to the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) for six consecutive quarters.

He also claimed Parliament and the transitional team were unaware of major financial commitments and contract arrangements.

But Mr. Boafo insists Dr. Abbey’s claims stem from a failure to consult the appropriate documents.

“Maybe one thing that would help the COCOBOD CEO is that he should spend less time carrying chairs to the farm and read his handing-over notes,” he said.

He argued that all necessary details, including information on rollover contracts, were included in the documents officially passed on to Dr. Abbey.

“If he has read the CMC handing-over notes, he wouldn’t have made those claims that Parliament wasn’t aware of most COCOBOD contracts. If he doesn’t know where he has kept it, he should ask Wahab; he will make it available. All the details and the reports on the rollover contracts are in there, so what is the basis of his claims?” he questioned.

Mr. Boafo added that this matter should not have become public had the CEO done due diligence.

“If he reads the handing-over notes, he will spare us this conversation,” he stated.

Listen to Fifi Boafo in the audio above:

Source: Gertrude Otchere 

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Prior to the start of the season, COCOBOD projected a target of 610,000 metric tonnes of cocoa beans. However, with only a few months remaining, production currently stands at 590,000 metric tonnes.

Speaking on PM EXPRESS BUSINESS EDITION with host George Wiafe, the Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Dr. Ransford Abbey, said, “I don’t think that much will change, looking at the time we have to end the crop season.”

He added, “We could do about 600,000 [metric tonnes] at most, considering the fact that we’re now in the light crop season and we don’t see things turning around that much.”

Outlook for 2025/2026 Season

Despite the shortfall, Dr. Abbey remains optimistic about the 2025/2026 crop season, citing interventions aimed at boosting yields and motivating cocoa farmers.

“We will also look at some innovative measures to encourage the farmers to improve their yields,” he stated, adding that government initiatives are also expected to contribute positively to production levels in the next crop season.

Addressing COCOBOD’s Rising Debt

Dr. Abbey disclosed to JoyBusiness that COCOBOD is currently burdened with debts amounting to GHS33 billion. However, he expressed confidence in the organisation’s ability to reverse its financial fortunes by the end of 2028.

“We are hoping that in four years, the books will be looking good, in terms of returning COCOBOD to some good profits,” he said.

He further revealed that COCOBOD will implement cost-cutting measures to improve its financial standing in the years ahead.

Dr. Abbey disclosed that Cocobod has not secured a syndicated loan for the 2025/2026 crop season—a decision that has triggered a financing crisis for local cocoa buyers.

“Something is happening with the LBCs, especially the indigenous ones, which has to do with the fact that we are not doing the syndicated loan. We are not doing 2025/26,” he told George Wiafe on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition.

He explained that the absence of the annual syndicated loan has created a liquidity vacuum, particularly for local companies that traditionally depend on Cocobod’s seed money to purchase cocoa beans during the harvest season.

“Under the syndicated loan, Cocobod creates what we call the seed money. And this seed money is what is given to the LBCs to go and purchase the beans,” he said.
“But 2024/25, low syndicated loans—so no seed fund.”

Dr. Abbey noted that while avoiding the syndicated loan may save Cocobod some financing costs, the move is having devastating consequences for smaller, local players.

“Although it is saving Cocobod in terms of the financing cost… if we were to go for a syndicated loan, Cocobod would be looking at maybe GH¢3 billion or GH¢3.5 billion. And because of the nature of our finances, you even have banks asking for 8% to 10% on $1,” he explained.

The impact, he warned, is already being felt across the cocoa purchasing chain.

“Now the indigenous LBCs are unable to operate because there’s no seed money.”

In response to the looming crisis, Cocobod has engaged the Bank of Ghana for a possible policy intervention using the Cash Reserve Ratio.

“One of the things we’ve done is to engage the central bank, and they asked for a follow-up letter. I’ve done that,” he revealed.

Dr. Abbey proposed that a small portion of the mandatory reserves banks hold with the central bank—currently 25% of customer deposits—could be allocated to support indigenous cocoa buyers.

“What I then told the central bank was that, look, you have the Cash Reserve Ratio, where all the banks put 25% of their deposits at the central bank. This is idle, not doing anything,” he said.

“Can we look at apportioning 2% or 3% of this Cash Reserve Ratio just to support indigenous LBCs?”

He further suggested that any such funds be ring-fenced exclusively for cocoa purchases.

“We can restrict it to cocoa purchases, just to ensure that they also don’t go using it for oil, tin tomatoes, and all those things.”

Dr. Abbey expressed hope that a positive response from the central bank would provide a lifeline to struggling local cocoa buying firms, whose survival is now in doubt.

“We believe that if there’s a positive response, it will be able to help, especially the indigenous LBCs. Otherwise, if we continue with this financing model, I fear that most of them might go extinct.”

His comments come as Cocobod shifts from the syndicated loan system to a 60-40 financing model with international buyers for the 2025/26 season—a change that, he noted, compelled him to travel to Europe and North America to engage buyers directly.

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The anticipated increase comes as part of efforts to align local prices with gains in the global cocoa market, which has seen record-high prices in recent months.

However, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has raised concerns about how the sharp appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi may affect the real earnings of farmers, despite the dollar hike.

Speaking on PM Express Business Edition, the Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Dr. Randy Abbey, acknowledged that while the price per ton is set to rise substantially in dollar terms, the relative strength of the cedi could dampen the expected benefits for cocoa farmers when converted to local currency.

“The truth is that we are convinced and it is going to happen. On the dollar side, we will see in its impact. Based on the strength of the cedi, in cedi terms, you may not see anything significant. What we are seeing now is a situation where global prices are high, and that would normally translate into higher incomes for our farmers. But with the cedi appreciating sharply, the gains could be reduced when translated into Ghana cedi,” Dr. Abbey explained.

Dr. Abbey stressed that COCOBOD remains committed to protecting the welfare of cocoa farmers and is currently assessing mechanisms to ensure they still receive a fair and impactful increase in earnings.

“We must strike a balance. Farmers deserve to benefit from the favorable market conditions, and we are working with stakeholders to ensure the final producer price reflects both global trends and domestic realities,” he added.

The development comes amid broader discussions on how currency volatility and inflation impact primary producers in Ghana’s key export sectors.

Cocoa remains a major foreign exchange earner for the country, and ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation remains central to both economic and social policy.

Speaking on PM Express Business Edition on Joy News on Thursday, June 5, he painted a sobering picture of COCOBOD’s financial position, highlighting staggering debt levels, pending obligations, and the burden of legacy contracts.

“Our first task was to look at how we’re going to deal with it, and the projections we made were that by year four, we should be fine,” he said. “Now we have to redo the books in view of the cedi appreciation.”

Dr. Abbey revealed that the last time he checked, COCOBOD’s total liabilities stood at close to $33 billion.

He, however, noted that this figure might slightly reduce depending on the performance of the local currency. “I have to redo it now, because the dollar components might go down,” he explained.

“The dollar components that are payable in cedi might go down as a result of the performance of the cedi or the strength of the cedi now. So we’d have to look at that.”

He clarified misconceptions about the Cocoa Roads project.

“Anytime we mention the Cocoa Roads’ $21 billion, people assume that the $21 billion is part of the $33 billion. No, it is not. It is only $4.4 billion, which are certificates raised and sitting at our cash office,” he said.

“Of the about $33 billion we’re talking about, the component of Cocoa Roads is just $4.4 billion, which is certificates—work executed and certificates presented for payment.”

He stressed that the remaining Cocoa Roads contracts were either not executed or had no certificates raised.

“That is where the rationalisation is focused on, in trying to see which of them we can cancel, which of them can be offloaded to the ministry and all that, which of them can be varied. That’s the exercise that has been done.”

Dr. Abbey described the daily financial pressure at COCOBOD as relentless.

“I’m sure that when you got here, you waited for about an hour. All those you saw leaving my office were companies that we owed. The banks are chasing them and all that.

“And they have also come here to chase us. Every day, I’m dealing with either solicitor letters or court issues. And it’s about people that we owe.”

He revealed that the organisation owes agrochemical suppliers over $400 million, and that many contractors and vendors have gone unpaid for years. “We’ve owed people for four years, for three years, for two years, for a year,” he said.

The acting CEO also disclosed a shocking contract issued in December 2024 for $48 million worth of jute sacks.

“Even in December, they [previous NPP administration] were signing contracts. And even January, you know, they were doing… I’m sure you’ve heard about the jute sacks,” he said.

“They issued an irrevocable letter of credit, $48 million in December of 2024, when the paper documents show that they had imported jute sacks and over 110,000 have not been cleared over three years.

“Yet they still decided to award a contract for 80,000 bales of jute sacks valued at $48 million and issued an irrevocable letter of credit on our account at the Ghana International Bank in London.”

He said the financial structure of the letter of credit meant payment would be made regardless of current conditions.

“Those 80,000 bales have started arriving. And once the bill of ladings are presented to us and given to the bank by the structure of the irrevocable LC, the $48 million will be given to the company. That is how this place was run.”

Despite the crisis, Dr. Abbey said there is a path forward.

“Now we have to redo the books in view of the cedi appreciation,” he said, indicating that while painful, the restructuring and re-evaluation processes are key to restoring financial discipline and eventual stability.

The Kpando-based outfit currently sits third on the league table with 54 points, trailing leaders Nations FC by just three points with three matches remaining in the campaign.

Speaking to 3Sports, Dr. Abbey, who also serves on the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), expressed his desire to not only clinch the league title but also secure a place in next season’s CAF Champions League.

“I would want to win the league for the first time and also play in Africa (CAF Champions League),” he said.

Heart of Lions face a demanding end to the season, with three of their last four matches being played away from home. Despite the tough run-in, Dr. Abbey praised the team’s resilience and progress.

“For all the teams that are in the title race, we have the most difficult games. Because prior to the last games, for the four games we had to play, we had three away games and only one game at home. I’m pushing the boys and am proud of what they have achieved so far.

“Whatever way it ends, if we win the league, I will be the happiest man on earth, but I’m even impressed with what we have done so far, and I’m happy with the team. I think that we can even do better in subsequent seasons,” he added.

Heart of Lions continue their title pursuit this Sunday when they face Young Apostles at the Wenchi Sports Stadium in their Matchday 32 clash. They will then host Bechem United before ending the season with a crucial away match against current table-toppers Nations FC.

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A loan of $263 million was contracted for the rehabilitation of 156,000 hectares of cocoa farms. However, only 40,000 hectares had been completed at the time he assumed office at COCOBOD.

“If we had successfully done the 156,000 hectares, it would have contributed up to 200,000 tonnes to our production. We took all this money, and all we have to show is just 40,000 hectares completed,” he lamented.

Dr. Abbey made these remarks at a meeting with farmers at Nkawie in the Ashanti Region.

According to the COCOBOD CEO, the decision to undertake rehabilitation was due to the infestation of about 40 per cent of cocoa farms by diseases. The move to rehabilitate the farms was applauded by the new COCOBOD management.

Dr. Randy Abbey further revealed that an additional GHS700 million was invested in the project. He noted that the matter has been referred to the appropriate authorities for investigation.

“There are agencies responsible for investigating these matters. I am saddened by what has happened because it was a golden opportunity to turn things around in the sector,” he said.

To boost cocoa production in the country, COCOBOD is now working to put 21,000 hectares into rehabilitation, with the CEO committed to ensuring the success of the effort.

“We have left some farms in the bush, and that is what I am trying to work on—so we can rehabilitate them and add them to our productive stock,” he added.

According to COCOBOD, the new administration also inherited road contracts worth GHS21 billion, alongside existing debts of GHS4.4 billion.

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After a difficult 2024, the Black Stars began the new year on a strong note, securing back-to-back victories against Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. These crucial wins have propelled Ghana to the top of Group I with 15 points.

According to the FIFA calendar, the team’s next competitive matches are scheduled for September.

However, Dr. Abbey revealed that the Black Stars will engage in friendly matches in June as part of their ongoing preparations.

“Fortunately, the technical team and management will have the opportunity to further work on the team because, in June, we don’t have qualifiers, so we will be playing a four-nation friendly in England. And I am sure that it will be an opportunity for the coaches to do some further work on the team,” he told 3Sports.

He also expressed optimism that some injured players would recover in time for the tournament, allowing them to gain match fitness ahead of the September qualifiers.

“We are hoping that some of the players who are injured will also be back and will be able to get an opportunity to play at least two games before the September matches,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars are set to face Chad and Mali in their upcoming World Cup qualifying fixtures.

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Speaking on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z on March 22, 2025, the Bottle Breaker hitmaker revealed that sports broadcaster Randy Abbey played a significant role in his journey.

“In 2003, when I won my award, we went to a club called Warehouse at Adabraka. While there, I was told someone wanted to speak with me. It turned out to be our own Randy Abbey. He said, ‘For me, being a Ga, I really appreciate everything you are doing with our music,’” Jay Q recounted.

He added that Randy Abbey went a step further by pledging his full support and offering any assistance he needed to grow his music business.

Jay Q acknowledged that while many Ga creatives struggle to find support, there are notable individuals who have been instrumental in pushing their talents forward. He particularly appreciated the contributions of music producer David Affotey Laryea, also known as Apor, for his role in helping numerous creatives beyond just the Ga community.

Also on the show, broadcaster and gospel music advocate OB Nartey urged well-resourced individuals within the Ga communities to invest in emerging Ga talents.

The discussion, hosted by Kwame Dadzie, was part of Joy FM’s Ghana Month celebration, highlighting the contributions of the Ga people to the creative industry. Two weeks earlier, Showbiz A-Z had organized a durbar at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, focusing on the history, customs, and traditions of the Ga people.

Speaking to a farmers’ group in Accra after assuming office, he said he is aware of the challenges the sector faces and will engage the farmers, who are key players, to address those issues.

“I am aware of the problems the sector is going through and have also read about them, which include cocoa pricing, galamsey, poor welfare of farmers, climate change, decline in cocoa production, and smuggling, but I am going to work with all of you to deal with these challenges and bring a boost to the sector,” Dr. Abbey said.

He also told the farmers that they would be the center of cocoa production in the country.

Dr. Abbey assured them of massive consultation to receive their input on any policy introduced in the sector to help improve the cocoa industry.

“My doors are always open for your suggestions and ideas to help improve the sector. The Ghanaian farmers are the backbone of Ghana’s cocoa, and Ghanaian farmers will be at the center of Ghana’s cocoa,” he added.

Nana Alhassan Bukari, who spoke on behalf of the Cocoa Coffee Sheanut Farmers Association, said the decline in cocoa production is a result of poor welfare for farmers, galamsey, and climate change.

He added that the farmers have confidence in the CEO to turn things around.

“After listening to your speech, one may think we were in bed last night before the meeting because all the things you said have been our headache, and we hope and pray you deliver on your mandate,” Mr. Bukari stated.

The farmers added that their meeting with Dr. Abbey is the first of its kind and promised him their full support.

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Dr. Randy Abbey, a member of the GFA Executive Council, has been appointed Chairperson of the committee. He will be responsible for leading interactions with the government and other key stakeholders.

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah will serve as Vice-Chairperson, focusing primarily on player relations.

Other members of the committee include Mr. Samuel Aboabire, Chairman of the Greater Accra Regional Football Association and GFA Executive Council member, and Mr. Moses Armah, President of Medeama Sporting Club.

Aboabire and Armah will oversee operations and matchday activities, ensuring that the interests of sponsors, partners, and collaborators are well-managed. Additionally, Mr. Richard Nsenkyire, President of FC Samartex 1996, is also part of the committee.

The GFA believes that the new team brings a wealth of expertise and experience that will aid the Black Stars as they prepare for the resumption of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Following a disappointing campaign in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, the Black Stars are focused on bouncing back.

They will face Chad and Madagascar in key fixtures in March, with hopes of a much-improved performance.

Ghana is set to face the Falcons in the third match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Friday, October 11, at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The team will then travel for the fourth match on Monday, October 14, which will take place at the Martyrs of February Stadium.

The Black Stars began their qualifying campaign with disappointing results, suffering a 1-0 loss to Angola’s Palancras Negras at Baba Yara Stadium and managing only a 1-1 draw against Niger in Berkane.

These outcomes have left coach Otto Addo’s squad in third place with just one point.

Ahead of the games against Kwesi Appiah’s side, Dr Abbey stressed the importance of winning these games and stated that the team is committed to doing whatever it takes to achieve victory, which is crucial for improving their chances of qualifying for the tournament in Morocco.

“It’s a must-win game,” he said on Metro TV.

“We have to do everything we can to win that game, we know the consequences if we don’t win. So we need to win that and then once we have dealt with that, we will focus on the subsequent games,” he added.

Meanwhile, Otto Addo is expected to announce his squad for the upcoming games later this week.

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Ghana over the weekend kicked off their qualifiers for the Mundial with a 1-0 win against Madagascar in their Group I opener at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Athletic Bilbao striker, Inaki Williams powerfully headed home a cross from Gideon Mensah in the 95th minute.

After the win, Dr Randy Abbey said they aim to finish as group winners and qualify for the global showpiece.

“If we say we are big boys, we need to do what big boys do, and so we have no chance than to top the group and go to the World Cup,” he told Citi Sports.

“I mean what else can be the priority, qualification to the World Cup must be your number one priority,” he added.

The Black Stars who sit third in their group will hope to maintain their winning start when they face Comoros at the Stade de Moroni in their second group game on Tuesday, November 21.

Kick-off for the game has been scheduled at 16:00GMT.

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The team secured a qualification following a 2-1 aggregate win over Algeria.

The Black Meteors suffered a disappointing loss to South Africa in the third-place playoffs of the 2019 AFCON, which cost them a spot in the Olympic Games.

However, with the U-23 AFCON set to take place in Morocco from June 24 to July 8, Dr Randy Abbey believes this tournament presents a chance for the team to rewrite the narrative of their previous setback.

According to the Executive Council member of the Ghana Football Association, he remains confident in the abilities of coach Ibrahim Tanko and his technical team to guide the team to success.

“They were very unlucky in 2019, I mean where we missed the penalty against South Africa, which was quite unfortunate,” he told Citi Sports.

“I see the technical team very focused, Ibrahim Tanko is someone I know pretty well, he takes his work seriously, together with Godwin Attram and Michael Osei.

“Despite the fact that it is a tough group, I am confident Ghana will qualify for the Olympics in Paris,” he added.

The Black Meteors will leave the shores of Ghana on Monday to open camp in Egypt on Monday to continue preparations ahead of the tournament.

Ghana has been housed in Group A alongside, Morocco, Guinea and Congo.

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The Kpando-based club finished as Zone Three champions in the Division One League with five matches remaining.

However, Dr Randy Abbey, who also serves as an Executive Council Member of the Ghana Football Association, dismissed claims that he leveraged his position for unfair advantages.

“If there was any favour, it was the favour of God and not favour from anyone else,” Dr Abbey told Asempa FM.

“Until the 19th and 20th week, Heart of Lions was neck-and-neck with Semper Fi, which is owned by the GFA Vice President, and Vision FC, which is owned by Michael Osekre, the GFA Chief of Staff. It was a three-horse race.

“Considering the presence of these influential individuals in the competition, it was impossible for favouritism to occur. It was a closely contested race, but we managed to take an early lead and eventually widened the gap.”

After enduring relegation at the end of the 2015 Ghana Premier League season, Heart of Lions spent eight years in the lower division and are determined to make a significant impact upon their return to the top flight.

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The Senegalese match official awarded the Black Stars a penalty in the first half after Daniel Amartey was pulled in an attempt to deny the Leicester City defender from blasting the ball into the net.

Andre Ayew calmly converted the spot-kick which ensured Ghana qualified for the playoffs ahead of South Africa.

Following the decision, Maguette has been heavily criticised with many describing the situation as a soft penalty.

South African Football Association [SAFA] has lodged a protest to CAF and FIFA regarding the incident, demanding a replay.

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For Mr Abbey, who is Executive Council Member of the Ghana Football Association [GFA], SAFA has the right to protest the decision, but the referee was spot on.

“For the South Africans, they have every right to say that they think the decision went against them and all that,” he told Kumasi based Angel FM.

“I don’t think that we need to focus on that; as far as I am concerned, I believe that the decision was right and that the referee was spot on.

“The referee demonstrated throughout the game that he was very impartial, so it is within the right of South Africa to protest and complain,” he added.

The draw for the playoffs is scheduled for December this month.