Coach Nana Joe Adarkwa parts ways with Ampem Darkoa Ladies
Ghanaian coach, Nana Joe Adarkwa, has officially resigned as head coach of Women's Premier League side Ampem Darkoa Ladies after a successful nine-year tenure.
In a farewell message, Coach Adarkwa thanked the club for the opportunity to lead and mentor the players throughout his time with the team.
"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 told Graphic Online.
He acknowledged the growth and dedication of the team, stating, "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 onto future endeavors."
"Thank you again for an unforgettable journey. I'll be cheering for each of you every step of the way," he added.
During his time at the club, Nana Joe Adarkwa guided Ampem Darkoa Ladies to secure two Women's Premier League titles in 2022 and 2023.
He also led the team to victory in the Women’s FA Cup two seasons ago and masterminded their triumph at the WAFU Women’s Champions League in August 2023, held in Benin City.
This victory earned Ampem Darkoa Ladies a spot in the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Champions League in Côte d'Ivoire, where they finished in 4th place.
The talented coach was named the 2022 Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Coach of the Year at the 47th edition, edging out strong contenders like Ofori Asare (Amateur Boxing), Husseini Akueteh Addy (Armwrestling), and Prosper Nartey Ogun (Asante Kotoko).
In June 2023, Adarkwa also won the Women's Team Coach of the Year award at the 2023 Ghana Football Awards in Accra.
He was named Coach of the Season for the 2022/23 Women's Premier League, thanks to his outstanding performance in guiding his team to a second consecutive league title. They triumphed over Hasaacas Ladies 5-3 on penalties in a thrilling final at the Kwame Kyei Sports Complex on Friday, May 12, 2023.
On several occasions, Coach Adarkwa was honoured as the NASCO Coach of the Month by the Ghana Football Association in the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League.
Under his leadership, Ampem Darkoa Ladies developed numerous national team players, including Mavis Owusu, Comfort Yeboah, Justice Tweneboah, Princella Adubea, Grace Asantewaa, Priscilla Okyere and Mary Amponsah.
Recently, Coach Adarkwa also led the Black Maidens to victory in the WAFU B U-17 Girls’ Cup. He is yet to announce his next move in club coaching.