Partey Crowned, Legends Honoured, and a Fan’s Legacy Remembered at 2025 Ghana Football Awards
The hallowed halls of the Accra International Conference Centre vibrated with excitement, emotion, and the unifying spirit of football on Saturday, June 14, 2025. The occasion was the much-anticipated 2025 Ghana Football Awards, a spectacular night dedicated to celebrating the past, present, and future stars of Ghanaian football. Beyond simply acknowledging on-field excellence, this year’s ceremony also served as a profound tribute to enduring legacies, personal sacrifices, and the powerful role football plays in the nation and beyond.
Thomas Partey Reigns Supreme as Footballer of the Year
The night’s most coveted individual honour, Footballer of the Year, was bestowed upon Arsenal’s midfield maestro, Thomas Partey. The Black Stars’ vice-captain added this prestigious award to his already stellar career, fending off formidable competition from Antoine Semenyo. Partey’s victory was a testament to his commanding performances throughout the season, both for his club in the demanding English Premier League and as a pivotal figure in Ghana’s national team setup. His influence in midfield, characterized by his robust tackling, incisive passing, and leadership qualities, cemented his status as a true giant of Ghanaian football. His consistent impact on crucial matches and his growing authority within the Black Stars earned him this well-deserved recognition, solidifying his place as a key figure on the global football stage.
Women’s Football Shines Bright: Boaduwaa, Amponsah, and Police Ladies Dominate
The prowess of women’s football in Ghana was magnificently highlighted throughout the evening, with several key awards recognizing outstanding female talent and team achievements. Doris Boaduwaa, the dynamic Black Queens forward, was crowned Female Footballer of the Year. This award celebrated a season brimming with electrifying performances and crucial goals at the international level, where Boaduwaa consistently demonstrated her attacking flair and clinical finishing.
On the domestic front, Mary Amponsah of Ampem Darkoa Ladies proudly claimed the Women’s Goal Queen title. Her remarkable consistency in front of goal saw her finish as the top scorer in the highly competitive Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League, showcasing her predatory instincts and vital contribution to her team’s success.
The collective strength of women’s football was further underscored by Police Ladies FC being named Female Team of the Year. Their historic achievement of winning their first-ever Women’s Premier League title, overcoming strong contenders like Ampem Darkoa Ladies in a thrilling final, was met with resounding applause. Their coach, Abu Kassim, deservedly took home the Women’s Team Coach of the Year award for orchestrating their triumphant campaign. Adding to Police Ladies’ stellar night, Mary Berkoe, a pivotal player in their championship-winning season, was recognized as the Home-Based Female Footballer of the Year, underscoring the depth of talent within the domestic women’s league.
Domestic Stars and Emerging Talents Honoured
The 2025 Ghana Football Awards also shone a spotlight on the exceptional talent thriving within the domestic leagues. Stephen Amankona, the prolific Berekum Chelsea forward, emerged as the Ghana Premier League Goal King, a testament to his lethal finishing and unwavering consistency throughout the season, having netted an impressive 15 goals.
It was a truly memorable night for Razak Simpson of Nations FC, who secured a remarkable double win. His spectacular long-range stunner against Hearts of Oak on Matchday 21 was rightfully awarded Goal of the Year, a moment of pure brilliance that captivated fans. Beyond that single moment of magic, Simpson’s consistently outstanding performances across the entire season earned him the prestigious Home-Based Footballer of the Year title, highlighting his influence and impact in the Ghanaian top flight.
In the goalkeeping department, Hearts of Oak’s shot-stopper, Benjamin Asare, was recognized as the Goalkeeper of the Year. His remarkable season saw him not only rise to the ranks of the Black Stars but also firmly cement his place between the sticks for his club, demonstrating his agility, commanding presence, and crucial saves.
The future of Ghanaian football also received its due recognition. The Odartey Lamptey Future Star Award was presented to Jerry Afriyie, a rapidly rising Black Stars attacker currently on loan from Al-Qadsiah. Afriyie’s impressive performances during his stint with CD Lugo in Spain’s third tier, where he scored two goals in seven appearances, marked him out as one of Ghana’s most promising young talents with immense potential for international stardom.
A Heartfelt Tribute to a Fallen Fan: The Legacy of Nana Pooley
Perhaps the most deeply emotional and poignant moment of the entire evening was the posthumous awarding of the Special Fan of the Year to the late Francis Yaw Frimpong, affectionately known as Pooley. A die-hard Asante Kotoko fan, Pooley tragically lost his life after being stabbed during a league game in Nsoatre earlier this year. A moving and powerful documentary captured his final moments as a supporter, vividly depicting him cheering, chanting, and living for his beloved club.
The tribute brought many in the audience to tears, a collective outpouring of grief and respect. His widow, visibly in pain, accepted the award to a long and heartfelt standing ovation, a powerful gesture of solidarity and sympathy from the entire football community. It served as a stark and powerful reminder of the unparalleled passion that fans bring to Ghanaian football – and, tragically, the ultimate price some are forced to pay for it. The moment transcended the usual glamour of an awards ceremony, touching the very soul of what it means to be a football supporter.
International Brilliance and Club Honours
The 2025 Ghana Football Awards also extended its recognition beyond Ghana’s borders, acknowledging excellence on the wider African and international stages. Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi was deservedly named Best African International for his consistently electrifying performances with both Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team, where he continues to be a key figure.
In a nod to strategic leadership, James Kwasi Appiah, formerly the head coach of Ghana’s national team and now leading Sudan, was crowned Men’s Coach of the Year. This award celebrated his exceptional work in guiding Sudan to the upcoming 2025 AFCON and, perhaps even more significantly, positioning them strongly to qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup. His tactical acumen and leadership have truly transformed the Sudanese national team.
On the club front, Bibiani GoldStars, the triumphant winners of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League, were fittingly named Male Team of the Year following their historic title win. Their remarkable journey to the championship was a highlight of the domestic season. Medeama SC received recognition for their growing digital presence and fan engagement, being crowned the Most Vibrant Club on social media.
Recognizing Leadership and Social Impact
Beyond the players and coaches, the awards also celebrated the individuals who drive the administrative and social impact aspects of Ghanaian football. John Peter Amewu, the charismatic chairman of newly promoted Hohoe United, was honoured as Best Ghanaian Club CEO. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the club to its first-ever top-flight promotion, a remarkable achievement that underscores his vision and dedication.
The “Football for Good” award, acknowledging football’s power as a tool for positive societal change, went jointly to the Thomas Partey and Tariq Lamptey Foundation. This recognition highlighted their commendable efforts in utilizing the sport for community upliftment and promoting positive social change across various initiatives, demonstrating that football’s influence extends far beyond the pitch.
Honouring Living Legends: A Tribute to Giants
One of the most profound and heartfelt segments of the 2025 Ghana Football Awards was the presentation of the Living Legend Awards. This special recognition was reserved for individuals whose tireless work, visionary leadership, and unwavering dedication have irrevocably shaped the landscape of Ghanaian football.
Herbert Mensah, the dynamic former chairman of Asante Kotoko, was celebrated for his truly transformational leadership in the early 2000s. Appointed by the Asantehene in 1999, Mensah revolutionized Kotoko by introducing professional structures, securing crucial sponsorships, and expertly reviving the fortunes of what was then a struggling club. His visionary approach brought unprecedented stability and renewed ambition back to the club, leaving a profound legacy that continues to resonate through the corridors of Kumasi football and beyond.
Joining him in this elite group was Harry Zakkour, the former CEO of Hearts of Oak, who was honoured for masterminding the club’s legendary “golden era.” Under his astute leadership in 2000, Hearts of Oak achieved unparalleled success, not only sweeping domestic honours but also conquering the African continent by winning both the prestigious CAF Champions League and the CAF Super Cup. This remains one of the most successful and celebrated campaigns by any Ghanaian club in history, a testament to Zakkour’s strategic brilliance.
Completing this distinguished trio of Living Legends was Ken Mensah, a veteran sports journalist whose decades-long career has been instrumental in shaping football journalism in Ghana. His unwavering dedication to compelling storytelling, insightful analysis, and steadfast commitment to accountability has inspired and guided generations of football media professionals.
Together, these three remarkable men were recognized not just for their individual accomplishments, but for the indelible and enduring mark they have collectively left on the very fabric of Ghanaian football culture, contributing significantly to its rich history and passionate following.
The 2025 Ghana Football Awards proved once again to be far more than just a night of glitz and glamour. It was a profound celebration of stories – stories of grit, of glorious triumphs, of personal pain, of steady progress, and of unbridled passion. From Thomas Partey’s commanding midfield dominance on the international stage to the enduring and poignant memory of Nana Pooley, the passionate fan whose life was tragically cut short, the event served as a powerful reminder to the entire nation that football in Ghana is not merely a sport; it is an intrinsic part of the national heartbeat, deeply woven into the fabric of its culture and identity. The night underscored the vibrant health of Ghanaian football and its promising future.
Source: http://Thepressradio.com
