Ghana Athletics Association (GAA) has announced a cracking star-studded squad of athletes for the upcoming 13^th African Games.

The team includes several experienced athletes who have represented Ghana successfully in international competitions, such as Joseph Paul Amoah, who holds the current and former 200m national record, James Dadzie, the current 200m record holder and star boy of UG Benjamin Azamati the Ghana 100m record holder.

The team also has Adwin Gadayi, Solomon Hammond, Sarfo Ansah, and Ibrahim Fuseini, who will compete in the 100 and 200m events.

In addition to the sprinters, Raymond French, Solomon Diafo, Joshua Bour, and Frank Addo will represent Ghana in the 400 and 4x400m events, while Alex Amankwah will compete in the 800 and 400m races.

Dompey Barnabas will participate in the 400m hurdles. Notably absent from the lineup is promising young athlete Isaac Botsio.

On the women’s side, Hor Harlutie, Mary Boakye, and Benedicta Kwartemaa will race in the 100 and 4x100m relays, joined by Janet Mensah and Deborah Acheampong.

Grace Obour, Grace Aduntira, and Latifa Ali will compete in the 400 and 4x400m events, along with Bridget Annan and Sandra Appiah.

In the field events, gold medalist in Rabat Rose Yeboah is not available as Esther Obenewaa will represent Ghana in the high jump, while Abraham Seaneke will compete in the long jump, and Ebenezer Gyimah and Evans Yamoah will participate in the high jump. Bugase Rexford will represent Ghana in the discus throw.

Regrettably, top international star, Deborah Acquah will not take part in the women’s long jump, meaning Team Ghana will have no representative for this event.

According to Ghana Athletic president Bawa Fuseini his team will win at least seven gold medals at this year’s Games, which will take place from March 8, 2024, to March 23 at the Legon stadium, Borteyman and other venues, however Track and Field will be at Legon.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ubuntu Equip Coaching programme launched In Accra

The Ubuntu Equip Coaching programme has been launched last Friday, March 1, 2024 at the British Council in Accra.

The platform which is an innovation for self development created by a Ghanaian family based in the USA led by its president, Mrs. Sylvia Akwaboah, and co-founders Baruch and Jed Akwaboah of Soccer for Dreamers fame supported by their dad, Peter is a concept to empower Ghanaian and African youth.

The Ubuntu Equip Coaches which is supported by Fidelity and FBN Banks is essentially to make the African youth be able to compete with their peers all over the world, especially at the work place and in the communities.

Ubuntu Equip is a groundbreaking, free educational initiative that seeks to transform, empower and mold the next generation of African leaders. This program seeks to present all students with leadership and personal development training, equipping them with essential skills, fostering leadership attributes, financial literacy, time management, entrepreneurship and civic responsibility.

Coined out of the word “Ubuntu”, which means “I am because we are”, Ubuntu, not just a term but a deep-seated belief that encourages us to recognize our interconnectedness. At its core, Ubuntu teaches us that our well-being is linked to the well-being of others. This philosophy is the guiding principle and the heart of the Ubuntu Equip Coaching program.

Imagine it as a journey that goes beyond the classroom; where we not only help individuals develop leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal skills but also emphasize the importance of working together for a better community. When one person succeeds, we all benefit. So, Ubuntu Equip is more than just coaching; it’s a shared effort to uplift everyone and foster a sense of responsibility, leadership, and a strong community spirit.

With a mission to empower, Ubuntu Equip does not solely focus on acquiring academic skills but extends its reach to the core of personal and societal empowerment. Beyond the traditional scope of education, this program delves deep into the intricacies of personal development, fostering traits such as resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.

Sports journalist, Ms. Rosalind Amoh of the Graphic Communications who was Mistress of Ceremony at the launch which was well attended by teachers and coaches from various institutions explained the four Cs in the vision and mission of Ununtu to collaborate, communicate effectively in the communities, creativity and thinking critically to improve upon situations.

Madam Catherine Agyapomaa Appiah- Pinkra who was a special guest revealed that out of the 33 million population of Ghana about 10% are not in school or not had formal education, however most are very smart and need to be supported. She called for the provision of alternative learning skills and methods.

Mrs, Sylvia Akwaboah told the media in an interview that they targeted to support 20,000 students, but the number has increased to 25, 000 and with the aid of over 200 volunteers they hope to achieve their goals by using sports (football) to empower people.

“We are sowing seeds by investing in the youth who are the future leaders, we would appreciate that corporate Ghana supports as we cannot do it alone because the project has come to stay, education is the key” she expressed.

Founded in March 2022, Soccer For Dreamers is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to empowering underserved youth through athletics. Initially started by three brothers in the USA, united by a commitment to giving back and supporting Ghanaian soccer players in realizing their dreams of achieving successful football careers, has since its inception undertaken a series of impactful projects on eradicating menstrual poverty, feeding, distributing soccer gear, dental hygiene, and, most recently, Ubuntu Mastery, encompassing our Ubuntu Online Academy and Ubuntu Equip Coaching program.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Chiefs, Muslim Community, Christian Community, Politicians, Lina Energy Tea Consumers, The media as well as the entire Adabiridwo family are invited for the Special Prayers-Adua of Hajia Aminata, the mother of Dr. Caesar at the Central Mosque in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana on Sunday 3rd of March 2024, from 1pm to 5pm.

Dr. Caesar is also inviting all sports men and women to come and join him on this special occasion.

The general public is also invited.

Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on Friday, commissioned the University of Ghana stadium (Legon Stadium), at a colourful ceremony in Accra.

The 11,000 capacity facility which has been completed to host the 13th African Games, Accra 2023, as Ghana wrap up preparations ahead of the opening of the Games on March 3, was unveiled amidst fanfare.

Commissioning the arena, the Vice President said “The history of the African Games is tied with the history of the continent. I believe it is common knowledge that the Great Pan African and First President of the republic of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah is a founding member of the Games. The Games thus inhabit the Spirit of Africa and Pan Africanism.

“Our theme for this edition of the Games, “Experience the African Dream”, is thus steeped in the core values of unity, independence, political and economic cooperation, as well as historical and cultural awareness.”

He indicated that “this is the age of the African Renaissance. The continent is tagged by Trade Finance Global with the potential to shape geopolitics and world economics for decades to come.

“This potential would not marginally materialize to propel our people into prosperity without conscious and intentional action on the part of everyone, especially leadership across all social divides and facets of society.”

The United Nations, he said, had “ identified sports as the most appropriate vehicle for sustainable socio-economic development and made a pronouncement as such in 2018. Combined with the youthful bulge of our demographic dividend, the opportunity is here, and the time is now. Ghana is ready to host the world.

“It is in recognition of many social and cultural benefits inherent in sports that the Government of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic, took the bold decision to bid for and win the rights for Ghana to host this edition of the African Games. This visionary step has resulted in the construction of international standard sporting facilities such as the University of Ghana Sports Stadium and Rugby Field and the Borteyman Sports Complex.

“Construction of these facilities have not been easy, but we know that the returns would be immediate and substantial”, he concluded.

Over 13,000 elite athletes, sports technocrats, technicians, and officials, including volunteers are expected to participate in the African Games that ends on Saturday March, 23.

The African Games is a celebration of the continent’s greatest sporting talents who gather and compete in an atmosphere of camaraderie, unity and celebration the cultural diversity that is uniquely African.

Source African Games Accra 2023

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will commission the Legon Sports Stadium on Friday, March 1, 2024 for the forthcoming 13th African Games,.

The ceremony will mark the official opening of the state-of-the-art sports facility and other sporting amenities within the University of Ghana.

According to the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) executive chairman, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare, the programe is supposed to commence at 10:00 and will witness the presence of Vice President Bawumia, accompanied by the honorable Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif.

Dr. Ofosu Asare expressed his enthusiasm regarding the Vice President's involvement, emphasizing the significance of such high-level support for the sports sector.

The Legon Sports Stadium, along with adjacent facilities, will play a pivotal role in hosting various sporting disciplines during the 13th African Games. Football, rugby, athletics, and squash are among the sports set to be showcased at the University of Ghana's sports facilities.

"We have completed all the facilities the constructors have handed over to us so he is going to commission the Legon facility. Legon is the hub of the games that is where the Games Village is, that is where the athletes will stay and that is where athletics will also take place," he told the media.

"Athletics forms the major part of the competition so Legon is a very key factor in the hosting of the games. So we are pleased to get the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to come the work we are doing is for all Ghanaians so we should all come together as Africa is coming here we will host Africa and raise the flag of Ghana high,"

The 13^th African Games will start from March 8 to 23 in Accra where 30 disciplines would be honored and Cape Coast supporting with Female Football.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Every year, the leading tech companies from around the world come together at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) to unveil some of the most mind blowing technological inventions.

After a successful sponsorship of the 2023 Afcon in Ivory Coast, TECNO has now taken centre stage at the MWC Conference in Barcelona-Spain.

TECNO continues to embrace, engage and expand it's product line beyond flip phones, laptops and other budget offerings.

A major attraction and big hit here at the  2024 MWC, is the debut of TECNO Dynamic 1, the brand’s AI-powered robotic dog.

The Dynamic 1 is fitted with an AI HyperSense Fusion System for stable movement. It features an Intel RealSense D430 depth camera, dual optical sensors, infrared sensors, and a headlight system in front.

It's fascinating to note that the Dynamic 1 is equipped with four microphones and AI-driven voice recognition algorithms to respond to voice commands. It can be controlled by smartphone apps and as well as remote control devices  for greater flexibility.

The robotic dog also has a 3.7 m/s top speed and a powerful 45N.m/kg torque output. Incredibly, the machine can climb stairs and perform friendly gestures like bowing and even handshaking as displayed at the TECNO stand in Barcelona.

When it comes to connectivity, the robotic dog supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. It also has 64GB of onboard storage, and a 15,000mAh battery for up to 90 minutes of use.

Highly impressed delegates and attendees were unanimous in agreement that the innovation offers a new era in human-machine interaction, merging cutting-edge AI with a lifelike design inspired by the German Shepherd.

Given its capabilities, this AIoT device is designed to be a big hit on the market once released.

Source Yaw Ampofo Ankrah reporting from the Mobile World Conference in Barcelona

Mr. Samir Captan, the WBO Africa representative has labeled the upcoming bout between Ghana's Faisal Abubakar and Ugandan Latin Muwonge as a cracking contest worth to watch because both are very classic boxers who are tough and will entertain the fans.

Speaking at a press conference to introduce the international bout and new promoters, Priceless Life Entertainment, he advised the boxers and trainers to prove themselves as disciplined so that the best camp wins and gets ranked by the WBO in the best 15.

According to Samir Captan a doping test would be conducted before and after the bout as required by the WBO.

Young promoter, Mr. Edwin Elikem Amenyeawu CEO of Priceless Life Entertainment said they are a world class events management company and would give boxing fans more to cheer about. He expects a crowd of 3,000 fans at the Lord's Wembley to watch the fight.

Faisal Abubakari (15-0-13kos) of the Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation Gym said he wants to face bigger opponents so the undefeated champion from Uganda Latibu Muwonge (8-0-0) can not stand in his way to claim the WBO Africa Super Lightweight Championship title.

" I have been waiting for this chance for a long time and I want to face the best, beat them and became a credible champion. I take every fight and every opponent differently, so Latibu will see a different Poncho Power" he told Yours Truly.

The over confident Latibu Muwonge who is the African Boxing Union (ABU) champion said he has prepared well for the fight and will take the title to Uganda. He noted that Faisal's fans will join him after he fight.

Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) President Abraham Kotei Neequaye who was present declared his support for Faisal Abubakar and tipped him to win and go for the world title.

He commended the companies supporting the promotion and promised to ensure that new promoters are encouraged to stay in the boxing business.

The promotion is supported by Inventor Hub, FIDO, Kangen Water, Fight Africa, Kigali Hotel, Caveman, Red Stone Energy Drink, Bello Couture and Priceless Group Africa.

The media partners include GTV, Metro TV, Max TV, Boxing Ghana, Ultimate Sports Ghana, Ghanaweb, TV3,asaaseaban,com, African Sports Media, Total Sports and others.

The weigh in comes up at the Kigali Hotel on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 9am.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

A total of 316 boxers from 34 countries have entered this year’s African Games boxing tournament in Accra.

A delighted secretary general of the African Boxing Confederation told AFBC Communications he’s impressed by the increased number of participants and expressed optimism of more countries likely to confirm before the deadline tomorrow (February 28).

AFBC will be in charge of the boxing tournament in Accra in conjunction with the organising committee.

The 2019 African Games in Rabat attracted 31 countries. Morocco clinched the overall team title with four gold, two silver and one bronze followed by Botswana, Algeria, Egypt and Nigeria.

Uganda had the last laugh in the East Africa bragging rights battle, finishing 9th with two silver and one bronze ahead of 11th-placed Kenya with one silver and four bronze medals. Tanzania didn’t participate.

AFBC Communications

Players of the national amputee football team, the Black Challenge, have called on government to redeem its promise to them following their gold-winning performance at last year's Africa Para Games.

On Monday, players and technical officials of the team held a press conference to appeal to register their displeasure at the neglect meted out to them since emerging winners of the football competition in September 2023.

Ghana beat Morocco 2-1 to secure the country’s first ever gold medal in the event.

For their efforts, the government promised a reward of $2000 per player, but five months on, that pledge has not been redeemed.

"We have been struggling since memorial each and every time," said Ali Jaraa, former Ghana U-17 goalkeeper, and Technical Director for the national amputee football team.

"If the Amputee have to travel, they have to give their problem to the media and beg the authorities before.

"In 2021, it took amputee players to pay for their participation at the Afcon, including the coach, all just to sacrifice for mother Ghana. When we won the trophy and brought it to Ghana. Currently the trophy is with the minister. I think it is unfair," he said.

Ghanaian amputee footballers have a long history of stand offs with the government over bonuses.

In 2021, the team won their first ever African Amputee Football Cup of Nations trophy in Tanzania, before making headlines for their inability to buy return tickets to Ghana. They had purchased one way tickets to the competition on their own, after government told them there was no money to fund their participation.

After winning the trophy, government then intervened to fly them home, where they presented the trophy to the Minister for Youth and Sports.

Source Joy Sports

The United Boxing Coaches Association of Ghana (UBCAG) has sent a goodwill message to Ghana's super lightweight champion Faisal Abubakari as well as Ghana's Super Featherweight champion Alfred Lamptey on their respective fights in Ghana and UAE, Abu Dhabi, this weekend.

Faisal Abubakari (15-0-13kos)  of the Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation Gym will mount the ring against undefeated champion from Uganda Latibu Muwonge (8-0-0) for the WBO Africa Super Lightweight Championship here in Accra, Ghana

Super Featherweight prospect from the Black Panthers Gym at James Town Alfred Lamptey (13-0-0) will face Jaouad Belmedi (19-1-3) from France over 10 rounds contest in UAE, Abu Dhabi as he prepares steadily for the task ahead of getting a title shot.

A press release from the coaches who are led by Charles Quartey with Ernest Ofori as secretary said “The UBCAG has been monitoring their training camps for  sometime and we've been checking up on both boxers and also have no doubt they will make the nation proud in their Respective fights ahead of them coming up this Saturday March,2 2024”

“We wish the boxers and their Coaches the very best of luck when they take on their opponents, they should remember as United Boxing Coaches we are solidly behind them and we have them in prayers always to make the nation proud” said the release.

From Sammy Heywood Okine