As evidenced by the odds on the Ghana betting sites reviewed by Bettingtop10.com/gh, the Black Stars are not fancied to go beyond the round of 32 this summer.

The lack of confidence in their chances is fuelled by the belief that Ghana lack the tactical structure to compete with the top teams at the tournament. Read on as we assess their chances.

Semenyo Needs More Support

Semenyo has made a massive impact for Manchester City since joining them from Bournemouth for £64 million during the winter transfer window.

His contribution profile shows direct running, improved decision-making and positional flexibility across the front line under elite coaching conditions.

However, while he has an environment that helps him function more effectively at City, the same cannot be said of the national team set-up.

The Black Stars have midfielders and forwards that can work efficiently with Semenyo, but the lack of a defined attacking structure is a major hindrance.

Build-up phases are inconsistent, midfield progression lacks tempo and final-third occupation fails to create scoring opportunities.

Semenyo receives the ball in isolated channels, often against compact defensive blocks with limited help between lines. The absence of Mohammed Kudus compounds the problem.

His five-month injury lay-off has left Semenyo exposed to double marking without a secondary creator to destabilise defensive shape.

Ghana’s attacking model collapses into predictability, forcing reliance on individual execution rather than structured chance creation.

Recent defeats to Austria and Germany showed the defensive disorganisation, midfield fragmentation and limited attacking cohesion.

Ghana’s Coaching Instability is a Recipe for Disaster

Otto Addo’s recent sacking took away the last layer of continuity within Ghana’s technical set-up.

The timing has interrupted tactical preparation cycles. Squad integration, role definition and game-model calibration now have no margin for error.

With the World Cup just two months away, the Ghana Football Association is under immense pressure to make an impactful decision.

Several managers have been linked to the job including Herve Renard, Walid Regragui and Kwesi Appiah.

Renard offers major tournament pedigree and tactical discipline, but his salary demands historically exceeds Ghana’s financial capabilities.

Regragui has a World Cup pedigree on his CV after leading Morocco’s historic semi-final run at Qatar 2022. He could be a shrewd appointment.

Ghana-born Kwesi Appiah has experience working with the GFA, becoming the first black African coach to lead them to a World Cup in 2014.

The 65-year-old has gone out of the country to prove himself, leading the Sudanese men's national team to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

He guided them to the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, including a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea, their first tournament win since 2012.

At this point, the Ghanaian federation must deploy a ‘plug-and-play’ solution, prioritising instant system installation over long-term development.

Managers who come in under such conditions tend to result to simplified tactics, stressing defensive stability and transitional efficiency instead of expansive attacking frameworks.

Tough Group Makes Life Difficult for Ghana

The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.

The two European sides are expected to dominate the group, which potentially leaves Ghana battling with Panama for third place.

Eight third-placed teams will progress to the round of 32, and Ghana will believe they can claim one of those hugely coveted places.

The composition of the fixtures could work to Ghana’s advantage. They face Panama in their first game on June 18, which gives them every chance of getting three points on the board.

Ghana will be big underdogs when they face England five days later, and will need to produce a stellar performance to take anything from the game.

Their final group stage is against Croatia on June 27. While they are formidable opponents, a point for Ghana could be enough to seal a spot in the last-32.

If Ghana can overcome their structural issues, they could enjoy a memorable summer. However, it would be a brave move to back them to get out of the group.

He explained that the new model goes beyond traditional markets by incorporating facilities such as banking services, storage units, fire and security systems, restaurants, crèches, and clinics to support traders and enhance business operations.

The President made the remarks during the sod-cutting ceremony for a 24-hour model market at Bimbilla as part of his two-day #ResettingGhana tour of the Northern Region.

“Traditional markets operate once or twice a week, drawing traders and buyers from far and near. We aim to transform these into 24-hour markets to stimulate continuous economic activity. This was a campaign promise, and we are committed to delivering it,” he said.

He emphasised the critical link between agriculture and market access, noting that production without reliable markets undermines farmers’ efforts.

“The market connects the food on our tables to the farmers in the field. Bimbilla, as a major food-producing area, deserves a modern facility of this scale,” he added.

President Mahama also announced that the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will support the initiative by introducing value addition techniques to extend the shelf life of food crops, reduce post-harvest losses, and help farmers and traders maximise returns.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, cautioned contractors to adhere to quality standards and timelines, warning that substandard work or delays could lead to contract termination.

The President, accompanied by the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, also inspected ongoing work on a 300-capacity, three-storey hostel at the Bimbilla EP College of Education.

He made this known during a meeting with international investors on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings 2026 in Washington.

According to Dr Forson, the country’s growth has exceeded expectations, driven largely by strong performance in the services and agriculture sectors. He added that inflation continues to decline steadily, supported by tight monetary policy, fiscal consolidation, and a strengthening cedi.

“These are not cosmetic gains. They are outcomes of well-thought-out reforms, backed by laws and disciplined implementation,” he emphasised.

The Finance Minister assured investors that the government remains committed to consolidating these gains while advancing reforms aimed at building a resilient, inclusive, and growth-driven economy.

He outlined key measures including reducing the size of government, amending the Public Financial Management Act to introduce fiscal rules, and establishing oversight bodies such as an independent Fiscal Council and an Office of Value for Money.

Dr Forson also highlighted reforms in public financial management, petroleum revenue prioritisation, tax administration, and the restructuring of royalties to support infrastructure development.

Additional efforts, he noted, include payroll audits, programme rationalisation, energy sector reforms, and the restructuring of the Ghana Cocoa Board to improve efficiency and accountability.

He further indicated that Ghana’s external position has strengthened, supported by increased gold and cocoa exports, higher reserves, and ongoing debt restructuring efforts nearing completion.

“These reforms have translated into tangible market outcomes,” he said, citing declining bond yields and improved sovereign credit ratings.

Dr Forson added that the progress made in 2025 has created a solid foundation for sustained recovery and policy stability.

“Our focus now is to consolidate these gains, strengthen investor confidence, and build a more resilient and inclusive economy,” he said.

Investors at the meeting commended Ghana’s economic reset agenda, praising the depth of reforms and progress made in stabilising the economy and restoring credibility.

The current campaign, scheduled to end on July 15, has so far failed to mirror the strong price gains recorded in previous years.

Data from the Commodity Information System (SIF) shows cocoa beans were trading between CFA1,300 and CFA1,450 per kilogram in key production areas as of April 13, 2026.

These figures represent a sharp decline compared to recent seasons, when farmers earned as much as CFA5,400 per kilogram in the last campaign and up to CFA6,000 per kilogram during the 2023–2024 season.

At the start of the current season, authorities had projected farmgate prices to range between CFA3,200 and CFA5,400 per kilogram, supported by strong upward trends over the past two years. However, those expectations have not been realised as market conditions shifted.

Analysts attribute the downturn to changes in the global cocoa outlook. The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) projects an increase in global production, extending the recovery in supply that began in the 2024–2025 season after three consecutive years of deficits.

The expected surplus is likely to continue exerting downward pressure on cocoa prices throughout the season, both on international markets and in producing countries such as Cameroon.

Ghanaian forward Prince Osei-Owusu delivered a standout performance as CF Montréalcruised to a 4-1 victory over New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer.

The 29-year-old captain was at the heart of everything good for his side, playing a direct role in all four goals. He scored once and provided assists for the other three, underlining his influence and leadership on the pitch.

Osei-Owusu’s vision and composure helped Montreal dominate the contest, as they overwhelmed a Red Bulls side that featured fellow Ghanaians Sofo Mohammed and Ronald Donkor.

The latest display adds to an impressive run of form for the forward, who has now registered five goals and four assists in eight league appearances so far this season.

His contributions continue to drive Montreal’s campaign, with the Ghanaian emerging as one of the most influential players in the league in the early stages of the 2026 season.

Ghanaian midfielder Kwadwo Poku scored his first goal of the 2026 Major League Soccer season as CF Montréal recorded an emphatic 4-1 victory over New York Red Bulls on Saturday evening.

The former Ghana U17 star sealed the win late in the match, finishing calmly in the 77th minute after being set up by fellow Ghanaian and club captain Prince Osei-Owusu.

Poku’s strike was the final goal of a dominant performance from Montreal, who controlled much of the contest and capitalised on their chances.

The defeat also featured two other Ghanaian players, Sofo Mohammed and Ronald Donkor, who were on the losing side with New York Red Bulls.

For Poku, the goal marks an important milestone early in the campaign and could serve as a confidence boost as he looks to play a bigger role for his club this season.

Ghanaian midfielder Shakur Mohammed marked his Major League Soccer debut in memorable fashion, scoring in Nashville SC’s 2-0 win over Atlanta United FC on Saturday night.

The 22-year-old’s goal capped an emotional journey since arriving in the United States earlier this year. After joining Nashville in January, Mohammed initially featured for the club’s development side, Huntsville City FC, in MLS Next Pro as he worked his way into the senior squad.

His breakthrough moment came under the lights, and it proved overwhelming. Mohammed was seen in tears after scoring , reflecting both the challenges he has overcome and the significance of his achievement.

The performance also resonated beyond the pitch, drawing admiration from fellow Ghanaian Maxwell Woledzi, who shared in the pride of his compatriot’s milestone.

Mohammed’s debut goal not only secured victory for Nashville but also signalled the arrival of another promising Ghanaian talent on the MLS stage, with his perseverance now beginning to pay off.

Ghanaian forward Kelvin Yeboah continued his fine scoring form in Major League Soccer, finding the net in Minnesota United FC’s 2-0 win over Portland Timbers on Saturday night.

The 25-year-old striker scored one of the goals to help secure a comfortable victory for his side, further underlining his importance to Minnesota’s attacking play this season.

Yeboah has now scored five goals in eight league appearances in the 2026 campaign, an impressive return that highlights his growing influence in the team.

His consistent performances have provided a timely boost for Minnesota United, with the forward showing confidence and sharpness in front of goal.

As the season gathers pace, Yeboah’s form could prove vital both for his club’s ambitions and for Ghana, with the striker strengthening his case for a more prominent role at international level.

Ghana international Joseph Paintsil delivered an impressive performance for LA Galaxy, contributing to both goals in their 2-2 draw against FC Dallas.

The Black Stars winger opened his account for the 2026 Major League Soccer season with a goal and an assist, marking a strong return to form. Paintsil’s pace and creativity proved crucial as he drove Galaxy’s attacking play throughout the match.

He first set up his side’s opening goal with a well-timed assist before finding the net himself to ensure his team secured a share of the points on the night.

The match also featured fellow Ghanaian Lalas Abubakar, who was named on the bench for FC Dallas but did not feature.

Paintsil’s performance will be a welcome boost for both his club and Ghana, as he looks to build momentum ahead of upcoming international assignments.

Former Ghana FA communications director Ibrahim Sannie Daara has urged fans and stakeholders to remain cautious following the appointment of Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars, warning against unrealistic expectations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 73-year-old Portuguese coach was confirmed on 13 April as Ghana’s new manager, replacing Otto Addo after a series of underwhelming results in the build-up to the tournament, which will be hosted across North America.

While acknowledging Queiroz’s extensive experience at the highest level of international football, Sannie Daara said Ghana’s current squad limitations mean expectations must be carefully managed.

“We should not overplay our hands in expecting that Carlos Queiroz can instantly take us to the quarter-finals or semi-finals,” he told local media.

He pointed to ongoing challenges within the team, including injuries to key players and a lack of depth in certain positions, as reasons for adopting a more realistic outlook.

“We have to minimise our expectations and be honest about where our squad is, the injuries we have and the calibre of players available at the moment, so we don’t raise hopes unnecessarily,” he added.

Queiroz has been given a short-term mandate, with his immediate focus on preparing the Black Stars for what is expected to be a demanding group-stage campaign.

Ghana have been drawn in a tough group alongside Panama, Croatia and England, presenting a significant test as they seek to progress beyond the opening round.

Sannie Daara stressed that while supporters should continue to back the team, there must also be an honest assessment of its current standing.

“Let’s be measured in our expectations. Of course, we should push the team to perform above itself, but we must also admit that our squad is not there yet,” he said.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Akim Oda, Hon. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has been the target of unjustified attacks and insults on several social media platforms by Emmanuel, who blogs under the name #STILLGODWIN.

Despite many attempts to admonish and prevent him, Emmanuel maintained this behaviour for his own delight.

On March 14, 2026, at approximately 3:01 p.m., the accused posted misleading and abusive words on a WhatsApp platform, "Hot Issues."

In the said publication, he made disparaging statements about Hon. Akwasi Aquah, and claimed that the MP's radio stations were engaged in illegal electrical connections and failing to pay for power consumption.

The publication spread rapidly throughout the Oda area, increasing public anxiety and dissatisfaction.

Mr. Kofi Nti Anti, the General Manager of the radio station, who was also accused of bribing ECG officials, filed a complaint with the Akim Oda police. Investigations, including contact with ECG officials, revealed that the accusations were untrue and unjustified.

On Friday, April 17, 2026, the police arraigned the accused, Emmanuel Oppong Krah, before the Akim Swedru Circuit Court presided over by Her Honour Akosua Atta Nyarko.

The accused pleaded guilty with explanation to all three counts. However, the court deemed his argument unsustainable and convicted him on all charges.

He asked for mercy and promised not to repeat such behaviour again. The court sentenced the defendant to a fine of 200 penalty units (GH₵2,400.00) or three (3) years in prison.

The accused was also required to sign a bond promising to be of good behaviour for three (3) years, or to serve three (3) years in prison if he failed to comply.

According to the Chamber, the biggest challenge facing Ghana’s agricultural sector is not low productivity or poor soil conditions, but inadequate and costly communication systems that hinder coordination among stakeholders.

It noted that farmers, processors, aggregators, transporters, and cooperatives depend heavily on daily communication, yet high costs for calls, messaging, and data continue to create inefficiencies.

“We have built roads and invested in inputs, but we are ignoring the most critical modern tool—affordable communication,” the Chamber said.

As part of its proposals, the Chamber is advocating zero-rated calls and messaging between farmers and their associations, discounted telecom packages for agribusiness networks, and subsidised data access for agricultural platforms.

It believes such measures would enhance coordination across the value chain, reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen cooperatives, and ensure a more reliable supply of raw materials for agro-processing industries.

The Chamber also highlighted the potential for improved communication to expand market access for farmers, reduce exploitation by middlemen, and stimulate growth in rural economies.

It further argued that telecom operators would benefit from the initiative through a broader customer base, increased mobile money transactions, and long-term growth driven by a more connected agricultural sector.

“This is not a revenue sacrifice; it is an opportunity for market expansion,” the Chamber emphasised.

The group is therefore urging government and regulators to treat agricultural connectivity as critical economic infrastructure, on par with roads, energy, and irrigation systems.

It warned that failure to address communication barriers could continue to weaken supply chains, constrain industrial growth, and slow Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda.

Dreams FC produced a dramatic performance to defeat Medeama SC 3-2 and secure their place in the final of the MTN FA Cup.

In a pulsating semi-final encounter, Dreams FC took early control of the game when Kelvin Ahiable opened the scoring in the 24th minute, calmly finishing to give his side a 1-0 lead.

The advantage was doubled just 12 minutes later as Suraj Seidu found the net, putting Dreams firmly in command before half-time.

However, Medeama responded before the break. Prince Owusu pulled one back deep into first-half stoppage time, shifting momentum heading into the interval.

The second half resumed with renewed intensity, and Medeama quickly restored parity in the 49th minute, making it 2-2 and setting up a tense contest.

But Dreams FC were not to be denied. In the 55th minute, John Antwi struck what proved to be the decisive goal, sealing a hard-fought 3-2 victory.

Despite late pressure from Medeama, Dreams held on to book their place in the final, where they will face Nations FC.

The result marks a significant milestone for Dreams FC, who now stand one match away from lifting one of Ghana’s most prestigious domestic trophies.

The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen Ghana's long-standing relationship with Spain and explore mutually beneficial investment opportunities, particularly in the agriculture sector.

She shared the update in an X post on Friday, April 17, 2026.

"As part of her official engagements in Barcelona, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang held a meeting with GB Foods, a subsidiary of Agrolimen.

The engagement reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between Ghana and Spain, while underscoring Government’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.

Discussions focused on opportunities within Ghana’s tomato value chain, in alignment with Government’s broader agenda to promote agro-processing, value addition, and job creation. Particular emphasis was placed on integrating Ghanaian tomato farmers into the value chain to enhance sustainable livelihoods, boost local production, and reduce import dependence.

Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investment and deepening strategic cooperation to drive industrial growth, support local farmers, and advance Ghana’s economic transformation agenda."

As part of my engagements in Barcelona, I had a meeting with GB Foods, a subsidiary of Agrolimen. Ghana has a longstanding relationship with Spain, and this engagement underscored Government’s commitment to pursuing mutually beneficial partnerships.

The discussions focused on… pic.twitter.com/kLqIqt2hlk

— Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang (@NJOAgyemang) April 17, 2026

The project, which forms part of a nationwide initiative to establish modern markets in all 261 districts, is aimed at stimulating round-the-clock economic activity, strengthening local commerce, and deepening the link between agricultural production and market access.

President Mahama noted that markets remain central to economic life, serving as key hubs for trade and circulation of money, and stressed that “farming without access to markets undermines the economic value of production,” underscoring the need to connect farms, markets and households.

The Bimbilla facility, identified as one of the largest model markets under the programme, will include ten warehouses, clinics, fire and police posts, banking services, crèches, and food outlets to support 24-hour operations and improve safety and convenience for traders and consumers.

Given Bimbilla’s strong agricultural base in yam, maize, beans and groundnut production, the market is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, stabilise prices during peak seasons, and improve incomes for farmers through expanded processing and distribution opportunities.

President Mahama further emphasised that the project will generate jobs and strengthen the agricultural value chain, while calling for quality execution to ensure the facility serves generations to come. The District Assembly will oversee its maintenance and management through a dedicated market administration system.

As part of broader clarifications on the Free Primary Health Care programme, he reiterated that tricycles and motorbikes being distributed are not ambulances, but are designed for outreach, vaccination delivery, and community-based preventive healthcare.

The GIZ delegation was led by Mr. Gunnar Wegner, Project Manager, and was received by the Acting Executive Secretary, Adwoa Serwaa Bondzie; the Board Chairman, Prof. John Gartchie Gatsi; and the Deputy Executive Secretary, Chris Nanabanyin Yalley, of the Energy Commission. The Commission’s broader technical team also participated in the discussions.

The initiative is central to Ghana’s efforts to fulfill its Nationally Determined Contribution (GH-NDC) under the Paris Agreement.

It focuses on three key pillars: the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) and e-mobility solutions, the mobilisation of climate finance, and the integration of gender-responsive approaches across the transport value chain.

“Strong coordination is essential to ensure grid readiness, reliable charging infrastructure, and sustainable EV growth in Ghana,” said Adwoa Serwaa Bondzie, Acting Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission.

During the meeting, Bondzie provided an overview of the Commission’s ongoing work in the EV sector.

This includes developing regulatory frameworks for EV charging infrastructure and battery swapping, foundational steps toward creating a reliable and scalable ecosystem for electric mobility in Ghana.

Delegates also examined complementary topics, including integrating renewable energy sources into the national grid to power EV charging stations, innovative financing mechanisms to attract private sector investment, capacity-building programmes for local technicians and stakeholders, and opportunities for green job creation within the emerging EV ecosystem.

The “Mobilize Net-Zero II” initiative is part of GIZ’s broader global programme supporting partner countries in meeting their climate obligations.

Ghana is among the nations selected to benefit from the programme’s technical expertise and financial facilitation, given the country’s strategic position in advancing sustainable transport solutions across West Africa.

The preparatory meeting marks a significant step toward formalising a collaboration that stakeholders hope will translate into concrete policy reforms, infrastructure investments, and green jobs in the coming years. Further engagements between the Energy Commission and GIZ are expected as the initiative moves toward implementation.

According to the Ministry’s Head of Communications, Richmond Rockson, the state is losing more than GH¢200 million in each fuel pricing window—amounting to over GH¢500 million within a month.

Speaking on Key Points on April 18, 2026, Rockson said the intervention highlights the growing fiscal burden on government as it seeks to stabilise petroleum prices amid global market volatility.

“Government is losing over GH¢200 million per pricing window and over GH¢500 million within a month just to cushion Ghanaians,” he stated.

Fuel prices in Ghana are typically reviewed every two weeks, meaning the cumulative cost of the intervention is rising rapidly.

Rockson explained that the policy is designed to protect consumers from sharp increases at the pump, which could lead to higher transport fares, rising food prices, and an overall increase in the cost of living.

“And so you can have your taxes, you can have the levies. It goes into specific areas. But at the end of the day, it is not just an intervention by government,” he added.

Meanwhile, government has introduced a temporary measure to ease the impact of rising petroleum prices following increased volatility on the international oil market.

In a statement issued on April 15, 2026, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, announced that the intervention took effect from April 16, 2026.

Under the policy, government will absorb GH¢2.00 per litre on diesel and GH¢0.36 per litre on petrol for one pricing window.

The measure, approved by Cabinet, is expected to run for an initial period of one month, during which authorities will monitor developments in the global oil market and determine whether further adjustments are necessary.

Officials say the intervention is aimed at easing the burden on households, transport operators, and businesses as fuel prices continue to fluctuate globally.

Ghanaian youngster Kingsford Boakye marked his final home appearance for Everton U21 with a goal in their emphatic 8-4 victory over Ipswich Town U21 at Goodison Park.

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‎The 20-year-old forward found the net in a high-scoring encounter on Friday evening, capping what is expected to be his last outing at the historic ground, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

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‎Boakye’s strike adds to his growing contribution this campaign, taking his tally to two goals and one assist for the Toffees’ development side.

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‎The match itself proved to be a memorable send-off, with Everton’s young side delivering an attacking display in front of their home supporters.

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‎For Boakye, the occasion carried added significance, as he prepares to move on from the club in search of the next step in his career.

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‎His performance offered a fitting farewell, a reminder of his potential and a final contribution on a ground steeped in history.