‘I Am Filled With Goosebumps’ – Ing. Kwabena Agyepong Reflects on ITALIA ’90 as 2026 World Cup Begins
Former NPP General Secretary and ex-GBC broadcaster pays tribute to pioneers of live sports coverage in Ghana
- Ing. Kwabena Agyepong reflects on ITALIA ’90 as the 2026 World Cup begins
- He recalls Ghana’s first full live World Cup broadcast on GTV in 1990
- He honours GBC pioneers and urges the Black Stars to make Ghana proud
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicks off today, former New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary and former Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) broadcaster, Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, has taken a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reflecting on Ghana’s groundbreaking sports broadcasting achievement during the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy.
In a Facebook post shared on Thursday, Ing. Kwabena Agyepong recounted his involvement in what he described as a historic moment that transformed sports broadcasting in Ghana and brought the World Cup closer to millions of Ghanaian football fans.
According to him, ITALIA ’90 remains a landmark tournament because it was the first time every World Cup match was broadcast live into homes across Ghana.
“As the World Cup kicks off today at the historic Estadio Azteca, I am filled with goosebumps and nostalgia as I reflect on ITALIA ’90, a tournament widely regarded as the beginning of modern live sports broadcasting in Ghana,” he wrote.
Ing. Kwabena Agyepong recalled working alongside some of the country’s most respected sports broadcasters, including Henry Akko, affectionately known as “Coach3,” as well as Edward Faakye, Paapa Painstil, Mike Amon-Kwafo, Abraham Laryea, Moses Gyapong and several others who played key roles in delivering live World Cup coverage to Ghanaian audiences.
He noted that he was humbled to have been part of the pioneering team that helped bring the excitement of the global football showpiece into Ghanaian homes for the first time.
The former broadcaster also shared a photograph with Henry Akko, describing it as a treasured memory with one of Ghana’s greatest sports broadcasting icons.
“This photo captures a cherished moment with the legendary Henry Akko, a true giant of Ghanaian sports broadcasting,” he stated.
Ing. Kwabena Agyepong praised GTV’s coverage of the 1990 World Cup as a landmark achievement that reshaped sports media in Ghana and created unforgettable memories for football enthusiasts across the country.
He further stressed the need to celebrate and honour the trailblazers whose dedication and innovation laid the foundation for the modern sports broadcasting experience enjoyed by Ghanaians today.
“As we celebrate another football festival, it is only right to honor the trailblazers who carried the torch and laid the foundation for what we enjoy today,” he said.
Ing. Kwabena Agyepong concluded his message with words of encouragement for Ghana’s national football team, urging the Black Stars to continue representing the nation with pride on the international stage.
“To our Black Stars: wear the badge with pride and make Ghana proud,” he added.
His reflections serve as a reminder of the remarkable journey of sports broadcasting in Ghana and the individuals whose efforts helped connect generations of Ghanaians to the world’s most celebrated football tournament.
Read Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong’s full post below;
As the World Cup kicks off today at the historic Estadio Azteca, I am filled with goosebumps and nostalgia as I reflect on ITALIA ’90, a tournament widely regarded as the beginning of modern live sports broadcasting in Ghana.
ITALIA ’90 marked the first time all World Cup matches were broadcast live into Ghanaian homes. I am humbled to remember the pioneering role I played alongside the producer of GBC Sports Henry Akko (Coach3), Edward Faakye, Paapa Painstil, Mike Amon-Kwafo, Abraham Laryea, Moses Gyapong, and many others in bringing the beautiful game closer to Ghanaians.
This photo captures a cherished moment with the legendary Henry Akko: a true giant of Ghanaian sports broadcasting.
GTV’s coverage of ITALIA ’90 was a landmark achievement that transformed sports broadcasting in Ghana and created lasting memories for millions.
As we celebrate another football festival, it is only right to honor the trailblazers who carried the torch and laid the foundation for what we enjoy today.
To our Black Stars: wear the badge with pride and make Ghana proud.
#WorldCup #GBC #FootballMemories #HenryAkko #KwabenaAgyepong
