Summer 2007
The Wadi Degla group, already a partner in an Academy project in Egypt, wishes to set up a similar venture in Ghana. An agreement is signed and a schedule set up.
October 2007
Under the leadership of Lambert AMUAH, Vincent DUFOUR, assisted by Christophe KOUAKOU, begins recruitment in the capital, Accra, then in Kumasi.
November 2007
With the additional assistance of Eric DECROIX, later Technical Director of the Thai Academy, and whilst Lambert AMUAH is on his way to Nigeria, recruitment continues in Tamalé, in the north of the country.
End of November 2007
The first final trial takes place in Kumasi under Jean-Marc GUILLOU’s leadership. 5 out of 23 players are selected.
January 2008
The 5 selected players begin their training in Bamako. As infrastructure facilities are not yet available in Ghana and in order not to delay training, the decision is taken to instead take full advantage of the facilities of the Academy in Mali.
April 2008
Following several trips to Nigeria in search of players by Lambert AMUAH and Charlton, final trials take place in Lagos in the presence of Jean-Marc GUILLOU, at the end of which 4 Nigerian youngsters join their Ghanaian teammates in Bamako. Surrounded by French-speakers, these English-speaking kids soon learn to speak and understand French. In just four months, they are able to express themselves properly.
The Academy’s first official match against AS TOULE is won 21 – 11.
July 2008
Luc GUILLOU joins Bamako as Technical Director of the JMG Academy in Ghana. For over a year, the youngsters train at the Bamako JMG Academy whilst awaiting the completion of their own Academy in Ghana.
August - September 2009
The whole of the Ghanaian Academy departs for a 2-month stay at the Egyptian JMG Academy in Cairo. The visit ends on 2 October when they go back to their families for a 1-month vacation.
November 2009
Even if there is still outstanding construction work to be completed – of which one of the two training grounds - the big day has finally arrived: the youngsters and the staff take possession of their own Academy. They are finally home.
January 2010
Christophe KOUAKOU joins the Academy as Deputy Coach and a new search for players likely to complete the first core begins.
April 2010
Final trials are organized with 14 youngsters. 4 join the Academy, bringing the final number of this First Selection to 13.
June 2010
Two of the best players depart for Bamako with Christophe KOUAKOU to participate in a training program with other “Académiciens” from all JMG Academies worldwide.
