Coach Nana Joe Adarkwa Departs from Ampem Darkoa Ladies

Ghanaian football coach Nana Joe Adarkwa has officially stepped down as the head coach of Ampem Darkoa Ladies after an incredibly successful nine-year tenure with the Women’s Premier League club.

In his farewell message, Coach Adarkwa expressed deep gratitude to the club and players for the opportunity to lead and mentor them throughout his time with the team. He reflected on his years with Ampem Darkoa Ladies, emphasizing the growth and development he had witnessed in the players, both on the field and as individuals. “As we part ways, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to coach and mentor each of you. Your dedication, passion, and perseverance have inspired me every step of the way,” he stated during an interview with Graphic Online. He also took the time to acknowledge the personal growth of the players, noting that they had become not only better athletes but also stronger individuals. “You’ve not only grown as athletes, but also as individuals, and I have no doubt that you’ll carry the lessons and values we’ve shared into your future endeavors,” Adarkwa added. He concluded his farewell by assuring the team that he would continue to support them in the future, saying, “Thank you again for an unforgettable journey. I’ll be cheering for each of you every step of the way.”

Under Coach Adarkwa’s leadership, Ampem Darkoa Ladies achieved remarkable success. He guided the team to two consecutive Women’s Premier League titles in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, he led the team to victory in the Women’s FA Cup two seasons ago. One of his most significant accomplishments was masterminding the team’s triumph at the WAFU Women’s Champions League in Benin City in August 2023. This victory secured the team’s spot in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League in Côte d’Ivoire, where they finished in an impressive fourth place. These successes helped cement Adarkwa’s status as one of Ghana’s top coaches in women’s football.

His exceptional coaching abilities were recognized by both the media and the football community. At the 47th edition of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards in 2022, Adarkwa was named Coach of the Year, defeating strong contenders from other sports disciplines, including Ofori Asare (Amateur Boxing), Husseini Akueteh Addy (Armwrestling), and Prosper Nartey Ogun (Asante Kotoko). In June 2023, he also won the Women’s Team Coach of the Year award at the 2023 Ghana Football Awards, which was another acknowledgment of his impressive record.

Adarkwa’s coaching tenure also saw his team secure an unforgettable victory in the 2022/2023 Women’s Premier League, where they triumphed over Hasaacas Ladies in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final. His leadership, tactical knowledge, and dedication were pivotal in guiding the team to this achievement. Furthermore, his consistent success earned him multiple honors as NASCO Coach of the Month during his tenure with the Ghana Football Association in the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League.

Throughout his time at Ampem Darkoa Ladies, Coach Adarkwa was instrumental in developing numerous talented players, many of whom went on to represent the national team. These included standout names such as Mavis Owusu, Comfort Yeboah, Justice Tweneboah, Princella Adubea, Grace Asantewaa, Priscilla Okyere, and Mary Amponsah. These players, who grew under Adarkwa’s guidance, continue to make their mark on Ghanaian women’s football.

In addition to his work with Ampem Darkoa Ladies, Coach Adarkwa also led the Black Maidens to victory in the WAFU B U-17 Girls’ Cup, further showcasing his ability to develop and nurture talent at various levels of the game.

As Coach Adarkwa steps away from Ampem Darkoa Ladies, the football community eagerly anticipates his next move in club coaching. His legacy, however, is secure. His contributions to the development of women’s football in Ghana, both at the club and national level, have left a lasting impact. The future of Ghanaian football will undoubtedly benefit from the lessons, achievements, and success stories that have emerged from his time as head coach of Ampem Darkoa Ladies.