Countdown to 2026 World Cup: Ghanaian Sports Journalists Sharpen Skills at U.S. Embassy Media Session

With just 62 days to the FIFA World Cup 2026, sports journalism in Ghana is already gaining momentum, as media practitioners continue to refine their craft ahead of the global showpiece.

In a timely initiative, the American Space at the U.S. Embassy in Accra hosted a high-impact session on “Leveraging Media Platforms for Effective Black Stars Coverage.” The programme brought together sports journalists and media enthusiasts for an engaging and insightful discussion led by the Ghana Football Association’s Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum.

The event was officially opened by Press Attaché to the U.S. Embassy, Matthew Asada, who set the tone with a detailed presentation on one of the host cities for the upcoming World Cup. His engaging delivery, a regular feature of such sessions, continues to offer participants a broader understanding of the tournament’s global landscape.

Mr Asante Twum, widely known in media circles as HAT, delivered a comprehensive presentation covering key aspects of modern sports journalism. He highlighted the importance of content creation, effective use of social media platforms, and innovative reporting strategies—particularly in enhancing coverage of the Black Stars on the international stage.

Participants were equipped with practical tools and fresh perspectives aimed at improving storytelling and audience engagement in the digital age. The session also underscored the evolving role of journalists in shaping narratives around national teams, especially during major tournaments like the World Cup.

The programme concluded on a high note, with attendees describing the session as both informative and worthwhile. Many lauded the organisers for creating a platform that bridges professional development and global sporting awareness.

The U.S. Embassy continues to encourage the public, especially media practitioners, to follow its social media platforms for updates on future events. Additionally, its ultra-modern library at the American Space remains open to journalists and the general public, offering valuable resources to support research and professional growth.

About The Author

Emmanuel Austin Baah

My name is Emmanuel Austin Baah, professionally known as “Okocha”. I am a seasoned Ghanaian journalist, broadcaster and football commentator from Senya Bereku in the Central Region. My work reflects a strong commitment to factual reporting, ethical journalism and the continuous promotion of Ghanaian sports.

I am currently pursuing my studies at Cape Coast Technical University, building on a solid foundation of media practice and communication. I previously served as a sports producer at Radio Gold (90.5) and Montie FM (100.1) in Accra, where I was actively involved in editorial planning, programme production, live commentary and in-depth sports analysis.

Presently, I am a Senior Writer at SportsNetGhana.com, a role in which I produce well-researched features, match reports, athlete profiles and analytical pieces. My work consistently highlights emerging talents, captures key sporting developments and contributes to shaping informed sports discourse in Ghana.

Over the course of my career, I have covered numerous major sporting events both locally and internationally. Among these, the highlight remains my coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a significant milestone that strengthened my expertise in global football reporting and enhanced my understanding of international sports dynamics.

I am widely recognised for my clarity of analysis, engaging commentary style and strong command of both local and global football trends. Beyond the newsroom, I participate in community initiatives aimed at developing young sports journalists and promoting youth engagement in sports.

For professional engagements, media collaborations or enquiries, please contact me on 0265284330.

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