The second edition of the Obour Cycling Challenge has come to a close ,and Victor Cudjoe of Gladiators Cycling Club emerged victorious in the male elite category. The 103 kilometres race,which started in Nsawam and passed through Kyebi,Suhum ,and Apedwa before returning to Nsawam,was a thrilling competition that tested the endurance and skills of the patticipating cyclists.

Cudjoe,a Police officer ,dominated the race,beating 48 other Cyclists to claim the top spot to win the 2025 Obour Cycling Challenge. He and Prince Kudjofia formed an early breakaway and maintained their lead throughout the race. As they approached to the finish line ,Cudjoe demonstrated remarkable endurance, crossing the line first and securing the ultimate cash prize, followed by Prince Kudjofia,taking the second position. Alexander Allotey secured the third position.

The competitive race which was in a distance of 103 km, recorded an average speed of 38.29/Km/h and a time of 2h 40 minutes 40seconds.

Meanwhile, Godfred Willi  from Obour Cycling Club, took the youngest cyclist whiles Adams Anan also took the oldest cyclist in the second edition of Obour Cycling Challenge.

In the Women’s 40km race, Patience Otuodung from Nigeria  emerged victorious in the women’s category.

The women’s 40km event was fiercely contested, with Patience Otuodung, ultimately crossing the finish line first, followed by Abigail Tetteh of Ellen Anium. The 40km course from Nsawam through to Apedwa to Suhum and back to Nsawam.

Addressing the media, Mr  Obour said, “

In his view, "By participating in the Obour Cycling Challenge, you can not only challenge yourself to new heights but also build endurance and stamina, improve your cardiovascular health, enhance your mental toughness and discipline, and connect with like-minded individuals and cycling enthusiasts who share  passion for the sport.He expressed to

“Thank all cyclists who registered to participate in our event! We're thrilled to have you on board and appreciate your enthusiasm. Our goal is to support and empower cyclists like you by organizing Obour Cycling Challenge that promote the sport and build a sense of community. We're looking forward to hosting more events in the future and hope you'll join us again”.

"Although the Federation's Secretary General was unable to attend the event in person, he sent a heartfelt message expressing his deepest appreciation and praise to the organizers for their tireless efforts in bringing the cycling community together. His message was met with applause and gratitude from the participants, who understood the value of his endorsement."

“The publicity was great, and the athletes were thrilled on the route. This event will not only profit the athletes but the people in Nsawam,Suhum and Apedwa.

Let support the organiser led by Emmanuel Obour.” The General Secretary of the Ghana Cycling Federation, Shabban Mohammed, stated.

One fan from Nsawam also disclosed, “We are very happy that this event is being organised in Nsawwam Apedwa here. We, the drivers and traders associations, will support and make it a success.”

Below are the 2025 Winners of the Second Edition Of Obour Cycling Challenge:

102kilometres Race;

Ist position: Victor Cudjoe -(2000)

2nd position: Prince Kudofia (GHC 1500)

3rd position: Alexander Allotey(GHC 1000)

4th position:Francis Amu(GHC 200)

5th position:Francis Owusu(GHC 200)

6th position:Emmanuel Sesi(GHC 200)

7th position:Solomon Tagoe (GHC 200)

8th position:Micheal Brownson (GHC 200)

9th position:Philip Sowah (GHC 200)

10 position:Micheal Naaba(GHC 200)

In the ladies ladies 40Km

Patience Otudung Abasi from Nigeria beats two Ghana cyclists to win the second edition of Obour Cycling Challenge female category followed by  Abigail Tetteh as she secured the second position whilst Ellen Anium took the third spot.

The competitive race which was in a distance of 40km, recorded an average speed of 21.54 and a time of l hour 41 minutes 58 seconds.

The top three positions in the women’s category were Ist position Patience Otudung Abasi(500), 2nd position Abigail Tetteh(300) 3rd position Ellen Anim(200).

Mr Emmanuel Obour awarded pasts Cyclists who have significantly contributed to the development of Cycling in Ghana namely,MR Emmanuel Wayoo,MR William Afful,MR Hammond Martey and MR Francis Tetteh.

The Obour Cycling Challenge was proudly sponsored by Monell noir, Cace die motors,, Engineering auto tech, RAKELLi international school, Blue skies and Erinyak logistics

The next edition of the Obour Cycling Challenge is expected to be even bigger, with the organizers promising to host an even more spectacular event in November.

From Elizabeth A Gyamfi

 ..No Pressure in beating Daniel Gorsh

New World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa Bantamweight Champion, Theophilus Allotey aka ‘Theo Lopez’ says after annexing the continental title on June 13, he is now focused on maintaining and improving upon everything and moving close to the world titles.

Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive interview on The Punchline on Omashi TV,  he described his fight against Gorsh as "No Pressure, we just went in to deliver like normal business, we have learnt a lot going through the amateur ranks and gaining international experience so the focus and discipline as well as courage and form was high" he expressed.

"We talk and do that's why we are now the new and still" he added.

Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey 22 who is the National Super Flyweight and UBO Africa Bantamweight Champion now boasts of eleven fights with eleven wins within eleven months since turning professional.

His trainer, Dr. Ofori Asare backed him advising that going through the amateur level make one tough, resilient and durable so Theo had all the elements and was ready to deliver.

"I was rather feeling for Gorsh on the punishment he was receiving so I didn't look at his face, I have trained him before, he is also very good and gave us a good match, good the distance in an action pack bout.

Gorsh did well but Theo was better" he stressed.

"It was a 50-50 bout, and the fans can switch their support but we were the best in the ring".

According to Coach Asare, Team Allotey is welcoming offers for partnership and sponsorship. He called on corporate Ghana to invest in sports especially boxing.

He thanked Amir Khan and Sharaf Mahama of Legacy Rise Sports Promotions for giving them the opportunity as well as the numerous supporters who defied all odds including the rain and stood firm to cheer Theo Lopez.

"Our opponent gave us a good fight and we thrilled the crowd, i thank coaches Akai Nettey of Attoh Quarshie and Elvis Robertson of Akotoku Academy for offering quality technical assistance at ring side" Asare said.

25 years old Daniel Gorsh aka ‘The Emperor’ suffered his first lose in 16 fights. However his large support base was not disappointed as he fought well, he hopes to return better and bigger. He assured his fans of a great comeback

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana’s Beach Volleyball teams, male and female have on Tuesday, June 17 completed their last training sessions for the week leading to the 2025 Africa Beach Volleyball Championship qualifiers in Morocco at La Boma Beach. 

From June 22 to June 30, 2025, the competition will serve as a qualifying round for the World Championship in Australia in August.

Ghana Volleyball Association President George Tetteh said he is confident in the teams, especially following their recent success in Rwanda, and called the present preparations the greatest he has seen.

Additionally, Bawa Fusseini, the Association's Board Chairman, stressed that qualifying in Morocco will increase their chances of obtaining corporate sponsorship. 

The men's team's head coach declared that his players are prepared to create an impression in the World Championship in Australia because they have mastered the technical parts of the game. 

Kelvin Caboo, the men's team's acting captain, expressed his confidence that Ghana can emerge as a dominant power in African volleyball and commended the current administration.

Source Michael Obeng                                                           

"So far so good, excellent planning, excellent execution, great boxers and great organisation, great fights" that was how the Minister of Sports and Recreation Hon.Kofi Iddi Adams described the Legacy Rise Sports show dubbed 'Battle of the Beasts' at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Friday 13th June, 2025.

The boxing fanatic acknowledged his bragging rights on the venue was shattered by Sharaf and Amir, because it is small, so the government must consider building a bigger boxing arena looking at the future and numbers who wanted to watch the exciting boxing spectacle.

In the main bout, Ghana's Jacob Dickson was technically knocked out in R4 by Nigerian born American Andrew Tabiti to become the new WBC Africa Bridgerweight Champion.

Theophilus Lopez Allotey gave fans much to cheer as he overcame Daniel Gorsh to take away his WBO Africa Bantamweight.

Ahmed Abdula, a product of Fit Square also destooled Wisdom Gym's Haruna Mohammed to claim the National Cruiserweight title.

The event witnessed seven other bouts involving Ghanaians and foreign nationals.

Abu Kamoko, son of Bukom Banku registered his fourth pro win against Stephen Ackon.

The Battle of the Beasts which is described as the best well organised boxing event attracted distinguished personalities including Osei Kwame Despite, Kurt Okraku. Michael Osekere, Joshua Clottey,  Emmanuel Tagoe, Azumah Nelson and Anthony Joshua from UK.

King Promise, Kojo Black and other artistes produced wonderful entertaining moments to the pleasure guests and patrons..

According to Hon Adams football fans can also enjoy boxing as the President of the Ghana Football Association was present with his Chief of State as well as business moguls.

The Minister noted that in future such big fights will have to be hosted at the Stadium.

Meanwhile, the President John Dramani Mahama has given details on the Bukom Boxing Arena as the vision was to  establish an academy where boxers will attend classes and camp in a conducive environment.

He observed that the capacity is small for the current passionate boxing fans, so the government is considering building another boxing arena.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has confirmed the successful repatriation of the body of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who tragically passed away in Ghana in March this year.

The remains were airlifted from the Kotoka International Airport on Tuesday, June 17, and are en route to Lagos, Nigeria, with a scheduled stopover in Lomé, Togo.

In a statement issued by its Communications Directorate, the GBA expressed profound appreciation to Ghanaians, the boxing community, journalists, and media outlets for their unwavering support and solidarity since the incident.

Full statement here:

The GBA can authoritatively announce that the body of Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju has been airlifted a couple of minutes ago en route to Lagos-Nigeria.

The cargo flight is scheduled to make a stopover in Lome before continuing its journey to Lagos.

Ghana Boxing Authority(GBA) is most grateful to Ghanaians, journalists, and media outlets, especially members of the boxing fraternity, for the immeasurable support.

We shall keep you posted when the body finally arrives at the final destination, as well as the scheduled interment process.

As part of preparations for the final rites in Lagos, the GBA has dispatched two representatives — Gideon Hassen Appiah, a member of the GBA Board, and Lateykwei Lartey, Head Coach of Fit Square Boxing Gym — who travelled ahead of the body’s arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

GBA President Abraham Kotei Neequaye disclosed that the Authority has presented $3,000 to its representatives in Nigeria.

This comprises a $1,500 purse from Gordon Frimpong, CEO of Osibor Boxing Management, and a $1,500 donation from the GBA itself.

The funds are to be handed over to the President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) to support the late boxer’s family.

The GBA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering strong ties with the Nigerian boxing fraternity and pledged to honour the memory of Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju with dignity.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

A serious transfer dispute has erupted as Emmanuel City Football Academy (ECFA) accuses Spanish club Granada CF of illegally signing two Ghanaian players, Armstrong Rubin Junior and Oscar Naasei Oppong, in direct violation of FIFA regulations.

According to ECFA’s formal complaint submitted to the FIFA Football Tribunal, both players are still under valid professional contracts with the academy and were officially registered with the Ghana Football Association. Despite this, Granada allegedly took the players without initiating any transfer discussions or securing proper clearance.

“These players are still contractually bound to us. No transfer agreement was signed, and we were never contacted. This is a blatant breach of FIFA’s rules on international transfers,” said an ECFA representative.

Granada CF has claimed to possess waiver letters releasing the players, a claim ECFA strongly denies.

“We never signed or authorized any waivers. If such documents appear in the system, it means something went seriously wrong, and it must be investigated,” ECFA management added.

The academy is now calling on FIFA to take swift action, warning that this case reflects a broader issue where African clubs are routinely overlooked in international dealings.

“We are not just training centers, we are stakeholders. This isn’t only about our rights, it’s about protecting the integrity of the sport at the grassroots level,” ECFA emphasized.

As the case proceeds before FIFA, all eyes will be on whether international football’s governing body will uphold the rights of African academies and ensure that global transfer regulations are enforced, equally and fairly.

Credit Ibrahim/Step One TV

The body of the late Nigerian boxer, Olanrewaju Gabriel Oluwasegun, also known as Success, will arrive at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, from Ghana on Tuesday, June 17, at approximately 4:00 PM WAT. From there, it will be transported to the Honda Playing Ground in Otta,Ogun state where a series of activities will be held in his honor.

These will include a boxing demonstration by members of the Nigerian boxing community and other commemorative ceremonies by the deceased's family, including a candlelight vigil that will continue through the night. His burial will take place the following day.

Olanrewaju Segun tragically collapsed and passed away in Ghana on March 29 during a light-heavyweight boxing match against Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 at the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, Ghana.

Source Fight Gist Media                                        

Telecommunications giant, MTN has received much commendation from football fans who trooped to watch the MTN FA Cup at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium at Legon last Sunday.

The fans hailed the tight security right from the gate at the entrance to the VIP. and stands with heavy police presence.

Branding was superb as for the first time there was an electronic pitch panel and the flags, bill boards and tee shirts and caps were visible in display. The centre circle was also beautifully covered during the presentation of medals and trophy.

They also praised the refreshing package awarded to some lucky winners, however others were not happy with the field of play and officiating by the referee because the losers were not content with the final result.

Kumasi Asante Kotoko aka the Porcupine Warriors registered their 10th MTN FA Cup triumph with a 2-1 victory over division one side Golden Kick.

Kwame Opoku found the net for the fabulous club with a header for the first goal and fantabulous penalty kick in the 89th minute.

Bless Ege scored for Golden Kick.

The victors took home 180. 000ghc and will represent Ghana in the next CAF Confederations Cup competition.

Kotoko players who were winning the cup for the first time were very elated and thanked the fans who came to watch and support the event.

The media had the freedom to operate in an exciting atmosphere as Kotoko fans cheered and danced, while Golden Kick supporters complained about the last minute penalty against them.

MTN Ghana has thought it beneficial to support Education, Health, Entertainment. Culture and Sports as a Social Responsibility over the years.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Anthony Joshua who was in Ghana at the invitation of Sharaf Mahama, son of President John Mahama and CEO of Legacy Rise Sports Promotions has expressed his appreciation for visiting a very nice country and hopes to bring investors into Ghana and Africa.

According to the Nigerian born British boxer who came as a special guest to witness the Battle of the Beasts show at the Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra is a nice city as his Nigerian people did not tell him the truth about Ghana.

He hailed the amazing culture. hospitality. Accra airport, the beautiful streets and other fantastic facilities like the Bukom Boxing Arena.

After watching a classic boxing showdown, he was invited by Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, uncle of Sharaf to have a feel of cruising on the Volta Lake, he attended a church service with the first family and met Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama alongside Professor Azumah Nelson, the boxing legend who held the word title for ten years at the Jubilee House.

Joshua who fancies riding was gifted a Honda CRF450R motor bike by Ibrahim Mahama on the memorable visit.

At the meeting with President Mahama,  they talked about many development and exchange programmes for boxers and sports in general that will mutually benefit him and the nation.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Mrs. Georgina Asare Fiagbenu. Corporate Communications manager of MTN Ghana has advised journalists to take good care of their health.

Interacting with the media personnel after a Health Walk in honour of the late Nana Kwesi Gyan Appenteng, Apagyahene of Tafo Eti in the Eastern Region and former Chairman of the National Media Commission on Saturday, she said it is ideal that journalists find time to engage in healthy activities and also contact their doctors to know their health status.

She said Nana be remembered for his commit­ment and his love for journalism. "He was always there to coach us, teach us and share ideas.”

The Walk which attracted journalists from print, electronic and social media bloggers started from the MTN House at Ridge to the National Theatre to the Independence Square through Accra Sports Stadium to State House down to the Ghana Institute of Journalism. to the Police Headquarters to Sankara Overpass and back to the MTN House covering over two hours.

The Walk was an initiative of the MTN Media Republic President Naa Djagbeley Ago Quaye who commended all participants and indicated that there would be frequent of such programmes to create more rapport among the journalists as they improve their health. She advised journalists to emulate the late Nana Gyan and read his books.

The journalists were supported by some staff of the Corporate Department of MTN.

Ms. Afua Serwa Asafo Adjei of the MTN Corporate Communications Department praised all those who took part and hailed them as there was no casualty, with everyone finishing well and engaging in an aerobics session.

Nana was always there for us. We all tapped into his experience as a top media practitioner. He advised us on all matters related to life and he was a good friend to all. May he Rest in Peace,” she said.

Nana Gyan was the Electoral Commissioner of the MTN Media Republic.

By Sammy Heywood Okine