Mr. Isaac Duah, Chef Du Mission for Team Ghana at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has disclosed that no Ghanaian athlete has yet qualified, however the Ghana Olympic Committee GOC is confident that some will make it at the 13th African Games.

Speaking to journalists at the Accra Sports Stadium he expressed that the upcoming 13th African Games will serve as qualifying competition for eight disciplines including athletics, badminton, cycling, tennis, table tennis, triathlon, swimming and wrestling.

He urged Ghanaians to pray and support the Black Queens to qualify, since their male counterparts, the Black Meteors failed to advance.

He hinted that the GOC has prepared training camps in Strasbourg for Team Ghana already and is just waiting for any Ghanaian to qualify.

Also known as 'Abe', Mr. Duah was optimistic that Ghana will qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Boxer Samuel Takyi won a bronze medal for Ghana at the 2020 Olympic Games where boxing, athletics, judo swimming and weightlifting were represented. He was recognized and honoured by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

He is still a Black Bomber and expected to lead the squad at the World Boxing Qualifiers for Boxing which is not a qualifier at the African Games.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana has qualified to the finals of the IHF Zone 3 Tournament after beating Benin with a score of 32 goals to 26 goals in the under 20 division. 

Ghana is now poised to face either Nigeria or Cote D'Ivoire in the final final Match

Congratulations to Ghanaian Player in jersey number 2, Prince Kubi, who won the Best Player in their match against Benin.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Black Queens coach Nora Hauptle is calling on Ghanaians to support the team in their quest to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The team lost to Zambia in the first leg of their qualifier on Friday in Accra, and they will play the second leg in Lusaka five days later.

The winner of the tie will move on to the final qualifying round, where they will face either Morocco or Tunisia for a spot in the Olympic Games.

Hauptle, who has led the Black Queens to 10 victories in 12 matches, is confident in her team's abilities but recognizes the importance of prayers and support.

"We need the support, we need togetherness, everybody here in Ghana, the spectators, footballers, coaches. Let's come together and let's have a big football party," she urged.

The players are in high spirits after receiving their bonuses. They had previously threatened to boycott the match due to a delay in payment, but the issue was resolved ahead of the game.

Black Queens are looking to make history by becoming the first Ghanaian football team to qualify for the Olympic Games since 2004, and Hauptle is hoping that the nation will get behind them in their pursuit of this goal.

"We want to make Ghana proud, we want to make history, and we want to go to the Olympic Games," she said. "So, let's come together and support each other."

From Sammy Heywood Okine

New boxing promotions outfit, Twinstars have promised to take the sport from the cradle to other communities in the country and other parts of Africa and the world.

At a Press Briefing on Friday, February 23, 2024,  Naana Lavia Opoku - Agyeman, General Manager of Twinstars Group said it has been their vision: to cultivate a thriving boxing community in Kasoa, Ghana, and beyond.

“Twinstars Boxing Promotions is positioning itself as a dynamic organization that nurtures and promotes boxing talent across Africa. The organization’s impending bout on March 30th, 2024 demonstrates its commitment to driving the sport ahead while also recognizing Kasoa’s historic boxing tradition” she said.

“As Twinstars Boxing Promotions looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its commitment to collaboration and partnership with stakeholders such as the Ghana Boxing Association (GBA) and other industry players. By fostering meaningful relationships and seeking sponsorship opportunities,

“Our aspirations extend far beyond the confines of Kasoa. We are resolute in our commitment to spreading the spirit of Twinstars Boxing Promotions to other African countries, forging partnerships, and opening doors for aspiring athletes across the continent. But let me be clear: while we aim to expand our reach, our roots will always remain firmly planted in Kasoa, where our journey began’ she expressed.

She requested collaborations, partnerships and sponsorships to fuel the mission and amplify the impact. “Together, we can build a future where boxing thrives, where athletes are empowered, and where communities are uplifted” she added.

Twinstars was founded by ardent boxing enthusiast Ahmed Davis and intends to become a driving force in the Ghanaian boxing community. They are dedicated to advancing the sport of boxing while also making a positive impact on the lives of aspiring sportsmen. Twinstars has been identified with excellence and innovation in the boxing industry thanks to its emphasis on talent development and community participation.

On March 30th, 2024, they will stage a landmark event for the entire boxing community in Weija / Kasoa and its environs featuring Samuel Quaye, Dodzie Kemeh, Aziz Seidu, Joseph Sackey, Samuel Otoo, Emmanuel Ocran and others.

Twinstars Boxing Promotions aims to create a sustainable future for boxing while empowering athletes and communities across the continent.

According to CEO Ahmed Nureni - Davis who is a former boxer, gate fee are affordable at 100 for VIP, while regular and popular stands go for 50ghs and 30ghc respectively. He disclosed that there are potentials in boxing in the community who can be raised to international status.

He promised entertainment at the bout, with some popular artistes.

Present at the ceremony was Mr. Michael Tetteh, deputy director of promotions at the GBA who welcomed the new promotions syndicate, veteran boxing official J.A. Annan, Oblitei Commey deputy technical director and the deputy PRO of the GBA.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ace Sports Tourism operator, Mr. Samson Deen has disclosed that the Transport Sub Committee of the Local Organising Committee LOC for the 13th African Games has a big role to play for the success of Ghana's first attempt to host the continent of Africa in a multi sports fiesta.

The CEO of African Origin Travel and Tours noted that if the transport system is fast and smooth, the Games would be excellent as athletes and officials have to arrive to competition venues and the Games Village on time.

"We are the heart beat of the Games, concerning all movements and we should ensure that everything is done on time" he expressed.

He urged Ghanaians to cooperate to ensure traffic free routes during the Games advising that car owners who have nothing important to do in town can park and watch the Games on GTV.

He charged Ghanaians to support the LOC to conduct a memorable event.

Mr. Samson Deen who is also President of the African Paralympic and Ghana Paralympic Committees thanked the media for their contribution in promoting the 13th African Games to attract sponsorship.

He also commended the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo for providing the funds to put up the infrastructure at Borteyman and Legon which would enable the nation to host international championships.

The 13th African Games comprise 30 disciplines at 10 venues from March 8 to 23, 2024.

50 countries will be represented by over 5,000 athletes and coaches to participate for precious medals and prestige.

Over 2,000 volunteers would be engaged for various functions.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Black Queens of Ghana suffered a setback on Friday when the team lost 1-0 to the Copper Queens of Zambia in the qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games.

The battle of the Queens was staged at the Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana and kicked off at 5pm.

The Black Queens as hosts set up with an attacking lineup hoping to secure victory to take an advantage into the second leg meeting of the third round tie in the qualifiers.

Despite a good fight from the Black Queens, the team could not score and suffered a narrow defeat at the end of the 90 minutes.

The Copper Queens of Zambia equalized in the first half through a strike from top forward Racheal Kundananji which decided the game.

After the defeat today, there is pressure on the Black Queens heading into the second leg to be played in Zambia.

Source FootballGhana                           

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of Accra 2023 African Games last Sunday presented a special plaque for the man of the match award during the J. A. Kufuor Cup matche between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi.

The match which was won by Kotoko saw Steve Mukwala emerge the Man of the Match and was also responsible for the winning goal.

For his prize, Mukwala took home a mobile phone from Tecno Mobile and plaque donated by the LOC.

The match was part of the awareness campaigns undertaken by the LOC in Kumasi, which forms part of efforts to promote the event, slated for March 8-23, in Accra.

LOC of Accra 2023, was one of the major partners of the cup match, which was organized to honour the former President John Agyekum Kufuor as well as raise funds for the J.A. Kufuor Foundation.

Over 10,000 Senior High School students drawn from the Ashanti Region were sponsored by the LOC to attend the historic match and were all in the T Shirts of the Accra 2023 African Games.

Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare – Executive Chairman of the LOC who presented the award, said they were privileged to be part of the designed to honour the former President.

He said, though the Games would be in Accra, there was the need to take their awareness campaign to Kumasi to sensitize the people on the event.

According to Dr. Ofosu Asare there was the need for the entire nation to be part of the Games and took the opportunity to extend invitation to the people of Kumasi to be part of the competition.

Over 50 countries, with 7,000 participants are expected to participate in the African Games, seeking for honours in 20 sporting disciplines.

Source Willie Ezah

Ghanaian Media Curious About 13^th African Games

With two weeks to go for the start of the 13^th African Games to be held from March 8 to 23, 2024 the Local Organising Committee (LOC) with the support of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) and the Ministry of Youth of Sports has organized a seminar to inform, reveal, caution and educate the media on important issues on the continental multi sports festival coming to Ghana for the first time.

The well attended programme took place at the Sun Lodge Hotel at Tesano.

10 different venues in Accra, the capital city of Ghana are going to see 30 sporting  disciplines being contested on the highest level, with some competing to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and supported by the historic Cape Coast to host female football,

Executive Chairman of the LOC, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare called for positive and reportage to result in socio economic development and national cohesion.

“We can’t let this opportunity go by. There’s a lot to be gained from this event being hosted in Ghana” He said.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif commended the media for their interest and support for the Games and federations.

The President of SWAG urged journalists to show the Ghanaian hospitality and network. He thanked the President of the Republic of Ghana Nana Akufo Addo for ensuring that there is peace and unity among the owners of the Games and getting all the facilities ready.

Mr. George Lomotey, Deputy Director TV of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) announced that all media houses in the country are welcome to cover the opening ceremony of the 13th Africa Games for free.

He said all non rights holders including social media operatives; You Tubers and Bloggers have to register with the GBC and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Games to be accredited.

Mr. Ernest Danso, the Chef Du Mission of Team Ghana hinted that nearly 500 athletes are in camp preparing under very good conditions with experts attending to their nutrition, physical fitness and psychological needs.  

Other presenters were Reks Brobby COO for Accra 2023, Karl Tufour Communications Director of Ghana Athletics, Dan Kweku Yeboah, Ms. Eva Okyere, Ms. Rosalind Amoh  and Gary Al Smith all members of the Media Sub Committee .

The deliberations centered on accreditation process, transport, catering and accommodation, sponsorship and marketing of the Games, legal and security, fan zone and the Games Torch  as well as Dos and Don’ts at the and Media Center and Games Village which would be located at the University of Ghana, Legon.

Present at the seminar were members of the Ghana Sports Supporters.

Over 5000 Athletes, 3000 Volunteers, 2000 Technical Officers, 1200 Guests are coming to the 13th African Games, Accra 2023

By Sammy Heywood Okine

LOC / GBC Extends 13^th African Games Rights To All Media Houses In Ghana

Mr. George Lomotey, Deputy Director TV of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) has welcomed all media houses in the country to cover the opening ceremony of the 13^th Africa Games for free.

He made the revelation at a massive media seminar to sensitise Ghanaian Journalists on the up coming continental multi sports event at the Sun Lodge Hotel at Tesano in Accra on Thursday.

He noted that all non rights holders including social media operators; You Tubers and Bloggers have to register with the GBC and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Games to be accredited.

With 15 days to go for the start of the Games, Executive Chairman of the LOC, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare has tasked the covering the event to ensure positive and reportage.

He said the focus should be  on the positive impact of the African Games towards the economy and national cohesion.

“We can’t let this opportunity go by. There’s a lot to be gained from this event being hosted in Ghana” He expressed.

Other members of the LOC Media sub committee and others including the Chef Du Mission of Team Ghana, Mr. Ernest Danso answered questions from the journalists, the resource people include Kwabena Yeboah, President of the Sports Writers Association (SWAG), Reks Brobby, Karl Tufour, Dan Kweku Yeboah, Ms Eva Okyere, Ms. Rosalind Amoh, Yaw Sakyi and Gary Al Smith.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif was at the seminar to offer his support and stimulus to the media.

The media were briefed on Accreditation process, sponsorship and marketing of the Games as well as Dos and Don’ts at the Games especially the Games Village and Media Center.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) On Wednesday urged the Black Queens to play their hearts out to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The GOC President led a delegation from the GOC to visit the team at the Accra Sports Stadium and admonished them to make sure Ghana was represented in football at the global sports festival.

He said the GOC was firmly behind them and would follow them closely as they chase the Olympic ticket for the first time.

“We want to see you make it to the Paris Games this year so we allocated $45,000 to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) at the start of the qualifiers as our support to facilitate the teams’ journey to the Olympic Games.”

According to him, an amount of $9,000 was first advanced to the GFA for the team at the start of the qualifiers followed by the release of a further $22, 900.

“There is an additional $13,200 waiting to be given out for the team for further preparations.

He expressed that the GOC has faith in the Black Queens to sail through.

“Treat the Zambia game as a do-or-die affair because when you advance to the final stage, the rest of the monies would come to you; there is no way Black Queens must miss out on the Paris Olympics Games, ” he advised the players.

Mr Mensah emphasized that all eyes are now on them to save Ghana football, adding that Ghanaians were looking up to them to bring back the love to football fans.

He revealed that the GOC has already prepared the team’s camping base in France, knowing that they will qualify, hence the need to beat Zambia and go past Tunisia or Morocco.

He praised the winsome spirit and effort Coach Nora Huptle has imbibed in the side, which has endeared the team to Ghanaians. He later presented assorted bottled water from Twellium Industrial to the team after the encouraging words.

Coach Nora Hauptle thanked the GOC President for his very timely visit and assured him that they would do their best to make Ghana proud by picking the Olympic ticket.

The Black Queens are two qualifiers away from landing their first-ever Olympic Games appear­ance.

Ghana will host the Copper Queens of Zambia tomorrow at the Accra Sports Stadium in the first leg of the third-round qualifier.

In a friendly warm up game against local club side, Berry Ladies, the Queens won 2-1.

By Sammy Heywood Okine