Author: Victoria Kwofie – Senior Sports Writer
Ghana has secured a strong presence at this year’s Africa Cup for Club Championship (ACCC) with four officials selected for the prestigious continental tournament, scheduled to take place from January 24 to 31 in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The selected officials include two officiating umpires, Aikins Opoku Danso and Ebenezer Darko Junior, as well as two technical (table) officials, Akwasi Acheampong and Emelia Blessing Azaklo.
The quartet departed Ghana on Wednesday, January 21, ahead of the start of the competition. Speaking to the media before departure, officiating umpire Ebenezer Darko Junior, who is making his second appearance at the Africa Cup for Club Championship, expressed gratitude for the support received from the leadership of Ghana’s officiating body and shared his personal ambitions for the tournament.
“Our officiating president, vice president, and other leaders have been very supportive since our appointment. They have given us guidance, monitored our fitness levels, and advised us on how to conduct ourselves during the tournament. So far, the support has been excellent. They are fully behind us.
“This is my second ACC appointment, and my goal this time is to do even better than before. I want to raise my standards, not just meet expectations. This tournament is a big opportunity for me as well as my colleagues, especially as we work towards earning FIH badges”
All four officials were actively involved in officiating across Ghana’s domestic hockey leagues and competitions during the 2025 season, a factor that contributed to their selection for the continental assignment.
Their appointment once again highlights Ghana’s growing reputation in hockey officiating on the African stage.
