CHRISTMAS is a time for hope, and New Year is a season for renewed inspiration through God's universal message of peace on earth and goodwill toward humanity.

To the Executive Board, NPC Leaderships, and our revered Athletes across Africa, I send my warmest wishes for the blessings of the Season.

I am grateful to all of you for contributing to developing our sports and further promoting the Paralympic Movement on the continent.

Significantly, 2023 has been an excellent year for the progress of our sports through your commitment and dedication. Indeed, you have worked so hard, and we have made tremendous progress with remarkable milestones to celebrate.

Our collective efforts and joint positive energies enable us to deliver such flagship projects for the benefit of our athletes, including the AfPC / IPC Regional Sports Training (RST) event in June and the first-ever African Para Games, Accra 2023, in September, all in Ghana.

With the same demonstrable commitment, determination, and collaborative spirit, we also brought on board the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, HE Senator Remi Tinubu, as the Grand Patron of our Movement; all these initiatives have further propelled our organization to the next level.

Yes, we couldn't include Para-Athletics and Para-powerlifting due to challenges beyond the control of the AfPC Board and members, but let me assure you, the future is bright.

As the AfPC board and secretariat prepare to organize logistics for the first-ever Extra-Ordinary Meeting from 19-21 April 2024 in our African region, we encourage you to submit proposals to build a more vital regional organization.

Indeed, things are getting better and shall get better as we continue to learn every day.

PARIS 2024

The AfPC "Target the Podium initiative" will begin with support to provide return flight tickets to twenty elite athletes drafted from Para-powerlifting and Para-Athletics to participate in Paris 2024 Qualification Events in Tunis 2024 Grand Prix - Tunis International Meeting 5-7 March 2024, Marrakech 2024 Grand Prix - International Para Athletics Meeting 26-28 April 2024, Sharm El Sheik 2024 Para Powerlifting World Cup 21-24 March in Egypt. Target The Podium is the real deal to boost our preparation for Paris 2024.

I sincerely hope that in 2024, with your non-stop support and that of all our key stakeholders and partners, the progress will continue relentlessly on the same positive track.

I wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.

Samson Deen, AfPC President and AfPC Executive Board and AfPC Team

LE MESSAGE ET LES VŒUX DU PRÉSIDENT POUR LA SAISON

Noël est un temps d'espérance, et le Nouvel An est une saison d'inspiration renouvelée à travers le message universel de paix sur terre et de bonne volonté de Dieu envers l'humanité.

Au Conseil d'administration, aux dirigeants des CNP et à nos athlètes vénérés à travers l'Afrique, j'adresse mes vœux les plus chaleureux pour les bénédictions de la Saison.

Je vous suis reconnaissant à tous de contribuer au développement de nos sports et à la promotion du Mouvement paralympique sur le continent.

De manière significative, 2023 a été une excellente année pour le progrès de nos sports grâce à votre engagement et à votre dévouement. En effet, vous avez travaillé si fort, et nous avons fait d'énormes progrès avec des jalons remarquables à célébrer.

Nos efforts collectifs et nos énergies positives conjointes nous permettent de réaliser de tels projets phares au profit de nos athlètes, notamment l'événement régional d'entraînement sportif (RST) AfPC/IPC en juin et les tout premiers Jeux africains paralympiques, Accra 2023, en septembre, tous au Ghana.

Avec le même engagement, la même détermination et le même esprit de collaboration, nous avons également accueilli la Première Dame de la République fédérale du Nigéria, S.E. le Sénateur Remi Tinubu, en tant que Grand Patron de notre Mouvement ; Toutes ces initiatives ont propulsé notre organisation à un niveau supérieur.

Oui, nous n'avons pas pu inclure le para-athlétisme et le para-dynamophilie en raison de défis indépendants de la volonté du conseil d'administration et des membres de l'AFPC, mais laissez-moi vous assurer que l'avenir est prometteur.

Alors que le conseil d'administration et le secrétariat de l'AfPC se préparent à organiser la logistique de la toute première réunion extraordinaire qui se tiendra du 19 au 21 avril 2024 dans notre région africaine, nous vous encourageons à soumettre des propositions pour construire une organisation régionale plus vitale.

En effet, les choses s'améliorent et s'amélioreront au fur et à mesure que nous continuerons à apprendre chaque jour.

PARIS 2024

L'initiative « Target the Podium » de l'AfPC commencera par un soutien pour fournir des billets d'avion aller-retour à vingt athlètes d'élite recrutés en para-dynamophilie et en para-athlétisme pour participer aux épreuves de qualification de Paris  2024 à Tunis Grand Prix 2024 - Meeting International de Tunis 5-7 mars 2024, Grand Prix de Marrakech 2024 - Meeting International de Para-Athlétisme 26-28 avril 2024, Charm el-Cheikh 2024 Coupe du monde de para dynamophilie 21-24 mars en Égypte. Target The Podium est la vraie affaire pour booster notre préparation pour Paris 2024.

J'espère sincèrement qu'en 2024, avec votre soutien indéfectible et celui de toutes nos parties prenantes et partenaires clés, les progrès se poursuivront sans relâche sur la même voie positive.

Je vous souhaite à tous un JOYEUX NOËL et une NOUVELLE ANNÉE PROSPÈRE.

Samson Deen, Président de l'AFPC et Conseil d'administration de l'AFPC et équipe de l'AfPC

Ghana's Haruna Osumanu became the new WBO Africa Heavyweight champion when he defeated 39 years old Nigerian Idris Affini via a round six technical knock out on Saturday night.

The referee had to stop the bout after head butting during the fight, so he had to check who is leading on the cards, after the unexpected stoppage.

Haruna Osumanu 15-3-0, expressed his joy and excitement and promised to train header to realize his ambition of winning a world title.

Coach Randy, head trainer at the James Town Boxing Club where Osumanu trains said becoming a continental champion is not easy. He congratulated Osumanu for his discipline and attitude towards training.

"We want more international bouts to take us to our dream" he said.

For winning the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Heavyweight title, 43 years old Haruna Osumanu automatically becomes 15th ranked contender to the WBO World title.

Jacob Tetteh Laryea of the Bronx Boxing Gym also won the WBO Junior Middleweight title with a R2 stoppage over Djarbeng, on the package presented by Swavy Blu and Bronx Promotions at the Royal Dede Golden Beach Hotel at Korle Gonno.

WBO Africa Featherweight Champion, John Laryea justified himself with a great display.

National Bantamweight Champion Daniel Gorsh won over veteran Raymond Commey.

Jacob Dickson also earned victory to make it a clean sweep for all the boxers from the Bronx Boxing Gym.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The 48th Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards ceremony to be held on January 12, 2024 at the Accra International Conference Center promises to be very classic, glorious and delightful as the President, Executives and Awards Committee have decided to honour five outstanding members who have selflessly served the Association in different positions and eras in the last three decades.

The newly elected Executives and Awards Committee are coming up with new and adorable ideas as they try to improve upon the prestigious events of the longest still surviving Awards event in Ghana.

The five distinguished and respected sports journalists are Mr. Sammy Heywood Okine aka General One of African Sports Media Network / Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Communications, Mr. Maurice Quansah of Graphic Communications, Ms. Rosalind Koroma Amoh of Graphic Communications, Barima Otuo Acheampong an experienced radio presenter in Kumasi, the Ashanti Region and Mr. George Kuntu Blankson of the Western Region.

According to General Secretary, Mr. Charles Osei Asibey aka Barrister, the listed candidates are champions in sports journalism, management and administration.

He said they have exhibited great leadership qualities that has helped the Association to stand on its feet over the years.

He noted that the long service / appreciation award is to thank them for their contribution to SWAG activities and also to inspire young sports journalists to join and contribute to the progress and well being of SWAG.

He congratulated the five personalities, and wished them better and great accomplishments in life.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana’s Sheriff Quaye, the WBO Africa Lightweight Champion has been presented with the World Boxing Organisation WBO Africa Best Fighter Of The Year 2023 Award by Mr. Samir Captan, the WBO Africa representative.

The presentation took place at the Golden Beach Hotel at Korle Gonno in Accra last Saturday during two WBO Africa title bouts.

Mr. Samir Captan commended Quaye for putting the name of Ghana high on the map of world boxing. He urged him to train harder to defend his title and go up to the top five rankings.

Sheriff Quaye who was so happy thanked all those who have supported him to reach this height, especially his trainer, Coach Lawrence Carl Lokko and his managers, Swavy Blu Boxing Promotions.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Jacob Tetteh Laryea (10-0, 9 KOs) has been tipped to win the WBO Africa Junior Middleweight belt against former West Africa champion, Richmond Djarbeng (32-5-2, 26 KOs).

The bout comes up at the Royal Dede Golden Beach Resort, Korle-Gonno, Accra on Saturday, December 30, 2023.

The event is presented by Swavy Blu Promotion in collaboration with Bronx Promotions.

Laryea who is one of the sensational and serious boxers based in Chorkor hopes to pull his fans to the fight venue.

The WABU Champion has been labeled as the pride of Chorkor, and he has promised to win by a KO as his opponent is old.

Laryea trains under Coach Carl Lokko and managed by Swavy Blu. He says he wants to add the WBO African Junior Middleweight title to the Bronx Gym collection.

Already the Bronx Gym boasts of the WBO Lightweight title held by Sheriff Quaye and the WBO Africa Featherweight belt which is in the custody of John Laryea, the Expensive Boxer.

Bronx Gym also has the National Bantamweight title held by Daniel Gorsh and the National Cruiserweight belt which Jacob Dickson holds.

According to Coach Lokko, Bronx is a gym of champions and their focus is to build many champions for Ghana.

“Very soon we shall hit the world, we are not in a rush as we know there is time for everything, however tonight is for Jacob Laryea” he assured.

He expressed that the year has not been smooth for Bronx because they were expelled from the Ghana Professional Boxing League when they wanted justice and fair play.

He was optimistic that 2024 would be a better year as they hope to defend and go in for bigger challenges.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Royal Dede Golden Beach Resort, Korle-Gonno, Accra will this Saturday, December 30 be the action spot as WABU Champion and the pride of Chorkor, Jacob Tetteh Laryea (10-0, 9 KOs) fights for the WBO Africa Junior Middleweight belt against former West Africa champion, Richmond Djarbeng (32-5-2, 26 KOs).

The event is presented by Swavy Blu Promotion in collaboration with Bronx Promotions.

Other amazing boxers are appearing on the bill.

National Bantamweight Champion, Daniel Gorsh aka The Emperor meets veteran boxer Raymond ‘Chorkor Banku’ Commey. It would be experience versus youth in this bout which promises to be interesting as both boxers are crowd pleasers.

John ‘Expensive Abaja’ Laryea (12-0-1) will face veteran Isaac Dowuorna (9-3-0) in a featherweight contest.

Jacob ‘The Beast’ Dickson with a record of 9-1-0 will love to redeem himself after losing outside Ghana as he faces one of the most hard hitting boxers in the light heavyweight division, Gabriel Adoku.

There would be a few amateur bouts and entertainment to herald the professional fights.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach speaks during a press conference. GETTY IMAGES

Next year's Paris 2024 Games will serve to "unite in peaceful competition" a world in which "people are exhausted and tired of the antagonism, hostility and hatred they encounter in all areas of their lives", says Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

In an end-of-year message from the IOC, the German leader ventures that the Paris Games will inaugurate "a new Olympic era: younger, more inclusive, more urban, more sustainable", recalling that they will be the first "with full gender parity".

"Our expectations of these Olympic Games are shared by billions of people. In these difficult times we live in, people all over the world are exhausted and tired of the antagonism, hostility and hatred they face in all areas of their lives," says Bach.

"Deep in our hearts we all long for something that unites us. Something that unites us despite our differences. Something to give us hope. Something that inspires us to solve problems peacefully" he stated.

“Something that brings out the best in us. We long for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games to unite the whole world in peaceful competition," he adds.

The IOC decided two weeks ago to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes, who can still qualify, to take part in the Games, provided they have not supported the war in Ukraine, albeit without their national symbols and as individual neutral athletes. Teams from these countries will not be allowed to compete.

In his message, Thomas Bach calls on the Olympic Movement to "remain united" and to "resist the efforts to divide world sport along political lines".

"Beyond the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, we stand united in our mission to make the world a better place through sport," he said.

Bach is convinced that artificial intelligence (AI) and e-sports offer "enormous opportunities" for the Olympic movement. "That's why," he says, "the IOC eSports Commission is looking into the creation of an eSports Olympic Games."

"Whatever form the eSports Olympic Games takes, our parameters and conditions are set. We will remain true to our values: the Olympic values of peace, respect, non-discrimination and solidarity," he stresses.

He also pledges to "harness the transformative power of AI to support athletes and help develop sport".

"Identifying talent, creating individualised training methods, making refereeing more objective and personalising the individual viewing experience of billions of Olympic fans - the opportunities are limitless and the risks must be mitigated," he says.

Bach concludes his message by recalling that Paris is the birthplace of Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the IOC and the restorer of the Games. It is also "the city of light, the city of love and the city of a new era for the Olympic Games".

By Gustavo Muñana 

The Tizza Football Association on 29th of December, 2023 honoured the Chief of Tizza for the role he has played in maintaining peace and order in  the area.

The award was presented to the Chief by the Tizza Football Association and the Tendaana of Tizza, Saman Kandataam Kunde, the spiritual leader of Tizza.

The Chief advised the people to continue living in peace that they are enjoying and also give respect to the elderly and people with traditional or administration positions.

The occasion was also used to outdoor a Queen mother for Tizza. The MP. for the Jirapa Constituency, Cletus Seidu Dapilah was also present at the occasion, he advised parents to educate their children to go as high as they can, that without education, value in the children will be nothing to write home about.

He also promised the Chief and his elders that he will help in building a hall for receiving visitors, he also promised the football teams set of jerseys and footballs to enhance their performances and also added that next year's gala will see an improvement over the first edition. Finally, he promised to meet with all the Assemblymen in Tizza at the Chief's palace to discuss issues about how they can develop Tizza.

Source James Thompson Anlaamige

One needs to understand the workings of an organization to be able to assess properly its performance and significance.

The National Sports Authority (NSA) currently operating under the Sports Act, 2016 (Act 934) is mandated to develop, promote and manage all sporting disciplines in Ghana and to oversee the National Teams that participate in international games and competitions. NSA is thus the Sports Policy Implementing Agency of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. As part of the sports development and promotion, the NSA thus becomes Agency for establishment and management of all state-owned stadia across the country.

It must, however, be understood that due to the multifunctionality of our stadia , occasionally some non-sporting events take place in these facilities. For instance, political parties such as NDC, NPP do hold their congresses in our stadia in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale abd Cape Coast stadia. Our Independence Commemoration on 6th Match in recent years with its associated display of heavy duty military equipment are hosted in our stadium facilities. In fact, it is not the first time non-sporting events like concerts are held in our stadia.  Stakeholders are normally informed far in advance to make room for such activities.

It must be placed on record that NSA receives meager funds from the Ministry. In 2022, NSA received only GHS 287,000 for its goods and services across the country to manage all sporting disciplines and facilities. It must be noted that Sporting Clubs don't pay to use our stadia, but just pay 10% of gate proceeds to NSA per match day which in most times amounts to less than One Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS 1,000).  It costs NSA almost GHS 10,000 to prepare one major stadium for a match. We pay about GHS 80,000 per month for ECG bills in Accra Sports Stadium alone. Same in Kumasi,  Cape Coast and Tamale stadia. Water, sanitation and security together cost NSA almost GHS 50,000 per month per each of the stadia.

NSA, without the  innovative internal generation of funds (IGF) we embarked upon since our assumption of office in 2019, would have been declared bankrupt by now. We inherited about GHS 30 million legacy debt, but today we have slashed this to under GHS 5 million, and still paying for running costs. This is so because we have been able to increase our IGF by over 30 times (IGF used to be about GHS 100,000 per year before we took over).

Daily usage charge for Accra Sports Stadium for events like football Premier League match is GHS 110,000. Same figure applies to Kumasi, Cape Coast and Tamale Sports Stadia per our 2021 Fees and Charges L.I. passed by Parliament. But these clubs say they are unable to pay, and thus use them almost free of charge.

Unfortunately, NSA gets less than 10% of the Ministry of Youth and Sports' annual budget, and even with this, NSA hardly gets all its releases for the year.

We need to understand the workings of National Sports Authority to be able to appreciate its contribution to the development and promotion of sports; and also to be able to engage in constructive discussions aimed at accelerating development and promotion of sports at both grassroot level and across the over 50 Sports Associations and Federations in Ghana.

Source Prof. Peter Twumasi DG, National Sports Authority (NSA)

Naayibog Warriors emerged winners of the first football gala when they beat Baguu Young Stars on penalties on Thursday.

The Chief of Tizza, his elders and other dignitaries including MP for the area, Cletus Seidu Dapilah watched the game.

Other participating teams were, Nimbare FC, Bachoglo Young Strikers, Boi Young Youth, Saadoun Royal Stars and Mwofo FC. The competition was organized to celebrate the one year anniversary of their chief, Naa Bawayele Naayele Dakurah lll, Tizza Naa.

The competition was also used to select players who would form the Tizza football team, and the MP for Jirapa electoral area, Cletus Seidu Dapilah advisef the players to take education and sports seriously as well as live in unity.

He presented winners of the gala and the first runner-up bags of rice and footballs.

Tendaana of Tizza, Saman Kandataa Kunde also prayed for peace and tranquility in the Tizza township. The Chief of the town, Naa Bawayele Nnaayele Dakurah lll, commended the Member of Parliament for his hard work in promoting peace in the area. He urged the footballers in the area to aspire to join the premiership in Ghana.

Mr. James Thompson Anlaamige, who organized the event thanked the officials and paramedics from the Jirapa St. Joseph Hospital for supporting the three day competition. The paramedics included, Philip Yaw Ahiavor, Hamilatu Saeed and Dominic Konne.

Mr. Anlaamige was glad with the success of the gala and promised to organize a bigger tournament in December 2024.

Tizza is a small town in the Jirapa District of the Upper West Region of Ghana. The People speak Dagaare.

By Sammy Heywood Okine