The management of Imax Media Group led by their group director, Mr.Fadi Fatal on Wednesday engaged executive board members of Ghana Boxing Authority(GBA) on varied issues in connection to the February 5th,first night of Ghana Professional Boxing League scheduled to take place at the Bokum Boxing Arena in Accra and telecast live on Max Television and all its affiliate media outlets.

Fadi Fatal was accompanied by a team of departmental heads for Television, Radio and online at Imax Media Group who took time to explained their responsibilities and the kind of support they required from the GBA and all other stakeholders of the boxing league.

The group director of Imax Media Group, explained the nitty gritty of content development, production,

time management in television coverage, delivery and the need for cooperation between the two parties.

According to Fadi Fatal, it’s prudent to have such a strategic meeting to help provide the platform for stakeholders to understand what goes into content development, in this case, availability of credible boxers, publicity and promotion.

Lawrence Sika Nartey, Head of production at Max TV explained critical areas of live boxing television production and took time to plead with all stakeholders to help make the project the best of its kind in Africa and beyond.

Fred Amoah who is the Head of Radio(Max FM) touched on radio production and the need to utilise radio before, during and after every fight night with good content.

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah who is the Head of sports at Imax Media assured stakeholders of his team readiness to offer the best in live boxing coverage to the public especially the boxing fraternity.

The OB Technical Director at Imax Media, Michael Boamah expressed his gratitude for the collaboration between the GBA and Imax. He appealed to the GBA to help make his work easier by providing his team with the needed information at the right time.

Both Prince Annang (the lead commentator) and Elijah Twumasi(on line administrator)made valuable contributions regarding the need for team work from both side to help achieve the intended goal.

The Ghana Boxing Authority led by Its president, Abraham Kotei Neequaye was supported by the first vice president, Rabbon Dodoo and some executive board members contributed to the discussion and provided valuable inputs.

The legendary boxing oficionado, J.A Annang took time to explained some technical issues related to the twelve (12) registered boxing gyms and the participating boxers penciled for the boxing league.

The GBA president, Abraham Kotei Neequaye expressed his profound gratitude to Imax Media Group for such an important engagement and went on to appealed to all stakeholders to play their parts with passion and commitment for a successful project that is very dear to his heart. According to him, his ultimate agenda for such a wonderful initiative is to help nurture and groom credible and durable boxers who in the not too distance future can give Ghana countless world titles.

The collaborative efforts of Ghana Boxing Authority(GBA) and Imax Media Group is bringing back on the boxing radar in Ghana a concept that was last seen sixteen(16)years ago.

Imax media group signed a 1.7 million US dollars 5-year developmental partnership agreement with Ghana Boxing Authority to help revive the sport and provide Ghanaian boxers the platform to shape and nurture their talents and become world beaters at the long run.

GBA COMMUNICATIONS

The Games Sub Committee of the Ghana Olympic Committee-GOC interacted with Federation Heads whose disciplines will represent in this year’s Commonwealth Games in the United Kingdom between July and August this year and the Winter Olympics Games in Beijing February this year.

The purpose of the meeting was to officially introduce the GOC Games Sub Committee and Beijing Winter Olympic Games CDM and Birmingham commonwealth CDM to the various Federations and to brainstorm on the necessary preparations ahead of the Games.

The CDM of Beijing Winter Olympic Games is in the person of Mr. Bello Bella Bitugu, a Board member of the GOC and with the Birmingham Commonwealth Games,the CDM is Mr. Frederick Acheampong, the treasurer of GOC.

Speaking at the meeting, the chairman of the Games Sub Committee, Mr. Frederick Lartey Otu informed the Federations that since the formation of the Committee five months ago, it is yet to receive working documents from the President of the GOC to be able to do its work hence the need to interact with the Federations to see the way forward.

Federation heads present were of the view that the Games were very close and that the Committee needed to speed up on the documentations mentioned.

The second issue raised by the Federations was about the 2019 Anoca Grant which was in the custody of the GOC over a year ago. With regards to the disbursement to the Federations and the Commonwealth support Grant that is also pending in the custody of the GOC, the Federations believed that will assist them in preparing for the Games.

Federations present were positive about the Games Committee’s vision on the Games and have pleged full support to see success at the Games.

Some Federation heads expressed their utmost displeasure on the communication channel at the GOC in relation to the Games. Member Federations called for a single source of information from the Secretariat and not through phone calls outside the domain of the Secretariat.

The chairman of the Games Committee, Mr Frederick Lartey Otu, assured members that the Games Committee is committed in ensuring a stress free and smooth process towards every Games including Beijing Winter Olympic Games, Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Africa Youth Games in Egypt.

The attended Federations upon consensus agreed to write to the GOC their requests on the Anoca Grant and the Commonwealth Games support Grant to be, as a matter of urgency worked on.

The Committee again requested the Federations to attach their composite budgets to the submission latest by Wednesday, 19th January, 2022.

The Games Committee of the Ghana Olympic Committe-GOC was formed last year July, 29th by the Executive Board of the GOC and is mandated to oversee to the organization and formation of its working team under GOC to ensure a successful participation at every Games including Beijing Winter Olympic games in February, Birmingham commonwealth games between July and August, African Youth Games in Egypt this year October through the GOC Secretariat to the International Games Committee of Ghana chaired by the Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Alhaji Hafiz Adam

Some Federations have already started their Birmingham qualifiers and the delay in the disbursement of the Anoca Grant and the Commonwealth support Grant is greatly affecting them.

The Games Committee is ready to begin active work towards the Games when the working documents are fully retrieved from the President of the GOC.

Source: Daily Guide

The opening FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ ticket application phase will launch today, 19 January 2022, with ticket products and packages set to attract fans from the region and across the globe to a special celebration of the beautiful game.

With a range of enticing options available in this opening phase, fans worldwide have a chance to secure their seats so they do not miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“This is a FIFA World Cup for Qatar, the region and the world, and the products launched today reflect FIFA’s goal of bringing the beautiful game to as many fans globally as possible,” said FIFA’s Secretary General, Fatma Samoura. “It will be a festival of football that will see fans experience the rich culture and history of the region through the platform of football at top-class stadiums and we look forward to bringing people from different cultures together to live football at the FIFA World Cup.”

“The first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world will be an extraordinary event and together with our partners, rights holders and other stakeholders, Qatar cannot wait to bring fans together to celebrate their shared passion for football, experience a new culture and enjoy everything that our country and region have to offer,” said Nasser Al Khater, the CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC.

During this first sales period, which starts at 13:00 Doha time today and finishes on 8 February 2022 at 13:00 Doha time, fans will be able to submit their ticket applications. In this initial promotion, it will make no difference whether applications are submitted on the first day, the last day or any time in between, as all tickets will be allocated following the closing of the ticket application period. In cases where the number of tickets applied for exceeds the available ticket inventory for the domestic or international market, tickets will be allocated by a random selection draw process. All successful, partially successful and unsuccessful applicants will be duly notified of the outcome of their applications by Tuesday, 8 March 2022, along with the steps to follow and the deadline by which to pay for allocated tickets.

In line with FIFA’s ticketing policy at the 2010, 2014 and 2018 editions of the FIFA World Cup™, residents of the host country will exclusively benefit from a special price category, category 4, with prices starting from just QAR 40 each.

Visa payment cards are the exclusive payment method accepted for residents of Qatar, while Visa payment cards and other accepted payment cards are accepted for international fans. Visa is the preferred payment solution of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

In this opening random selection draw sales period, fans can apply for the following ticket products:

Individual Match Ticket(s)

Tickets for a specific match, which are available for all matches from the opening game through to the final

Team-Specific Ticket Series

For those who want to watch a certain team on every step of their journey in Qatar, starting with the three group matches

Four-Stadium Ticket Series

FIFA’s new ticketing product provides fans with a unique opportunity to sample the atmosphere across four different matches and iconic stadiums on subsequent days, thanks to the short distances within Qatar

Accessibility Tickets

Providing tailored facilities and spaces for disabled people and people with limited mobility covering a range of requirements as part of any of the products above

Prior to the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup on Friday, 1 April 2022, it is foreseen that fans will have a second opportunity to secure tickets during a first-come, first-served sales phase, the precise details of which will follow in due course.

Further sales phases will take place after the Final Draw and will feature additional products, including:

Supporter Tickets

For fans who want to sit among their team’s fellow supporters

Conditional Supporter Tickets

For supporters who want to reserve a seat for one of their team’s potential encounters in the knockout rounds, including the final

Given the short distances between stadiums, Qatar 2022™ will offer fans a unique opportunity of attending more than one match per day during the early stages of the tournament. Ticket applicants will be able to register for more than one match per day during the ticket sales phase that will follow the Final Draw. Given the need to allow sufficient travel time between stadiums, fans will not be able to attend back-to-back matches.

To allow attendees to take full advantage of the compact nature of Qatar 2022, FIFA has softened the household limits from previous FIFA World Cups – now, each household can buy up to six tickets per match and up to 60 tickets throughout the tournament to enjoy the matches with their friends and family.

Hay’ya Card (Fan ID)

A Hay’ya Card is needed to enter the State of Qatar, to access stadiums (along with a match ticket), and to enjoy free matchday travel alongside other benefits.

COVID-19 measures

FIFA and the State of Qatar are committed to putting health first. The State of Qatar will provide the required safeguards to protect the health and safety of all involved in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. All attendees must follow the travel advice from the Qatari authorities and the latest guidance from Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health . Full information on COVID-19 safety measures will be communicated in advance of the tournament.

Visit FIFA.com/tickets to submit a ticket application and the FAQs section for more information about the products, packages and price categories.

Source FIFA

Kurt Okraku says he accepts the blame for the Black Stars’ horrendous performance at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON].

The Black Stars who were chasing their fifth continental title exited the competition after a shocking 3-2 defeat to Comoros in the final Group C game on Tuesday, January 18.

Ghana exited the campaign with just one point and languishing bottom of the group behind Morocco, Gabon and Comoros at the 33rd edition of the AFCON in Cameroon.

The group stage exit has led to strong criticisms from Ghanaians with many calling for the exit of Milovan Rajevac.

But Mr Okraku, who is the Ghana Football Association [GFA] president says he should be given the blame for the team’s poor showing in Cameroon.

“Our plans did not happen at the tournament, is unfortunate and this not what Ghanaians deserve. Ghanaians deserve a very very competitive team, a team that will bring glory to the country a team that will bring happiness to our people,” the former MTN FA Cup chairman said in an interview with Asempa FM.

“It didn’t work. I’m a leader of the family, I take full responsibility but also our collective responsibility to remain calm to support this gallant… or players who have offered themselves to serve our country.

“They need support so they can grow and win trophies for Ghana. For those who were not ready to serve Ghana we cannot force them, of course, these are the players who have dedicated themselves to the national calls and who want to sacrifice even in difficulties and I’m saying this group of players were ready to sacrifice their blood for Ghana.”

Following the exit from the competition, the Sports Ministry has also scheduled a meeting with the executives of the GFA on Friday to discuss the outcome of Ghana’s campaign at the 33rd edition of the AFCON.

The President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku has expressed optimism about the future of the Black Stars despite the latest setback in the pursuit for continental glory.

The Black Stars placed last position in their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations group, picking just a point from 3 games. Ghana was humiliated by Comoros Island on Tuesday; a result that has made Ghanaians angry and sad.

But Kurt Okraku has called for calm amidst the storm while they find solutions to the factors that plagued Ghana’s AFCON 2021 campaign.

In an interview with Accra-based radio station Asemoa FM, he assured that the current situation will be fixed by the country’s football leadership.

“When we set out to do this job, I made it clear that we need to fix the very foundation…fundamentals of our game,” he told Asempa FM.

“And the numerous policies the GFA has rolled out is showing signs already.

“The Black Stars didn’t do well which I have spoken about, but it behoves on all of us to stay together as a family to find solutions for our Black Stars.

“The Black Stars is our premium brand and it is important that they always excel. Unfortunately we’ve come out at the first round which is not good at all, for which reason all Ghanaians are not happy.

“And it behoves on all of us to stay together to fix it, and we will fix it,” he concluded.

Meanwhile the Ministry of Youth and Sports has summoned the Ghana FA to an emergency meeting. The meeting will be premised on Ghana’s dismal showing at the AFCON tournament and the way forward for the team ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs.

Four-time champions Ghana have been excluded from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon after crashing 3-2 to first timers, Comoros .

Playing the final group stage game in Garoua, the Black Stars suffered a first goal in the 4^th minute and had skipper Andre Ayew was red carded after 25 minutes. The team of young players wiped out a two-goal deficit, but lost out when Comoros' Ahmed Mogni scored his second goal five minutes from time to end the game 3-2.

Comoros, a tiny island nation off the south east coast of Africa, finished third and will know on Thursday if they are among the best four third-placed teams, who will qualify to the second stage of the competition.

"We did not back down even after Ghana equalised. We always believed we could achieve a famous victory for our nation," said Comoros coach Amir Abdou, who has been in charge since 2014.

"I sent on attacking players in the belief that we could score a third goal and my decision paid off. Now we must wait to see if we are among the best four third-placed teams and play in the second round.

"We are satisfied with the way we played. We had a plan and stuck to it. We learnt from the mistakes we made in previous games. Obviously, I'm unhappy that we conceded twice, but we will improve."

Serbian-born Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac said he would not resign despite his team finishing last with just one point.

"I came to Ghana to qualify the team for the World Cup. That is my primary target," he expressed.

"I will stay and lead the team in the March play-offs," he added.

The catastrophic night for Ghana started after just four minutes when Serbia-based El Fardou Ben Mohamed scored.

Mogni of French third-tier club Annecy, added a second just past the hour only for 10-man Ghana to hit back through goals from Richmond Boakye and Alexander Djiku.

Edmund Addo replaced Baba Rahman in the second half as Milovan Rajevac’s side looked to push more players forward.

Mogni struck again when he pushed a low cross from Ben Djaloud past goalkeeper Joseph Wollacott to give the islanders the spectacular victory.

Ghana  Black Stars had three Premier League players, Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey, Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey and Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew.

Despite losing to Morocco and conceding a late equaliser against Gabon, Black Stars supporters in Cameroon were confident of beating Comoros to qualify.

But after falling behind so early, disaster struck on 25 minutes when Ayew, the top star in the team was shown a red card.

After falling further behind, Ghana exposed a Comoran weakness when defending corners and a Boakye header and a Djiku tap-in raised hopes of a dramatic victory.

The islanders did not fear, as they pressed forward and Mogni was among several Comorans lining up to push the cross over the goalline.

It was the first time the Black Stars have exited an AFCON without a single win.

The last time Ghana went out at the group stage was in 2006.

Morocco and Gabon drew 2-2 in Yaounde in the same group to retain first and second places respectively and qualify for the round of 16, which kicks off on Sunday.

Gabon missed three stars -- Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina and Denis Bouanga from French clubs Nice and Saint-Etienne - due to Covid-19.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Namibia's National Women's hockey team stunned their Ugandan opponents in the opening game of the 2022 Hockey Africa Cup, beating them 3-0 at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium in ACCRA, Ghana.

The tournament which is the 8th edition has 7 countries joining host Ghana for the one week tournament.

Nigeria, Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Zambia are taking part in the tournament.

Debutant Uganda dominated the first two quarters with three penalty corners but could not break the virginity of the game.

Uganda could not continue their fine pressing start to the game as Namibia came into the 3rd quarter with more fire power to turn the game around, penetrating the defence of their opponents.

Their pressure paid off in the 40minute of the game when they earned a penalty corner and stroke home the opener from the resultant push to  break the virginity of the game through Coetzee Anthea.

They doubled their lead from a field goal in the 42nd minute through Brinkmann.

By the 56th minute mark, the  Namibians were up on three goals with Myburgh Taramarie finding the back of the goals post  through a long classic drive.

In all, 8 penalty corners were recorded, Uganda had five with Namibia earning three.

Namibian Coach Richichi Francesco congratulated her team for winning their opening game while admitting that their opponents gave them a good run for their money in the first two quarters. 

"Our next game is against South Africa, the defending champions. We know their pedigree in such a competition, so we will prepare very well and correct the mistakes from today's game so as to face the might of the reigning champions.

By: Victoria Nana Adwoa Kwofie

The Boxing Promoters Association of Ghana has been reconstituted with the election of new executives on 14th January 2022 at the plush Idrowhyt Events Centre, Akokofoto, Dansoman.

This forms part of efforts by the body of promoters, to help build Ghana Boxing, which is in line with the constitution of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).

Boxing promoters in attendance included Alex Ntiamoah-Aboakye (Box Office Sports Promotions), Laud Stephens Amihere (Box Office Sports Promotions), Kizito Akudago (ACE Power Promotins), Isaac Adu-Amankwaah (ACE Power Promotions), Gideon Oyiadzo Jingles (Cabic Promotions), Ellis Quaye (Cabic Promotions), Ivan Bruce-Cudjoe (Cabic Promotions), Michael Amoo-Bediako (Streetwise Promotions),James Mensah (Streetwise Promotions), Henry Addo Welbeck (S3 Promotions), Benjamin Neequaye (S3Promotions), Derrick Kotey (Ambition Boxing Promotions) and Edwin Lloyd Nii Odartey Evans (Winbase Promotions).

At the end of the day, the following persons were elected into office;

Mr. Alex Ntiamoah-Boakye of Box Office Sports promotions was elected as President with Kizito Akudago of ACE Power Promotions emerging as General Secretary while Gideon Oyiadzo Jingles of Cabic Promotions as the organizer.

The role of boxing promoters in the discovery of boxing talent in Ghana can’t be underestimated.

Boxing promoters make it their business to provide the platform to enable the discovery of boxing talents and the making of world champions.

Thus, whiles members of the association are competitors, they are not rivals and therefore see the need to work closely together to advance the course of Ghana boxing.

Members of the association have therefore seen the need to come together as an association to as well cater for the welfare of itsmembers.

The association expression of grief at the lack of sponsorship from corporate Ghana as one of the major challenges that promoters face in our bid to stage more competitive fights in order to discover more talents.

Members of the association appealed to corporate Ghana to invest more in boxing promotions and be rest assured that, more world champions will emerge from Ghana.

The BPA called on the media for more publicity and sponsorship to help attract more investment into boxing.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The 2022 Africa Hockey Cup of Nations has kicked off at the Theodocia Okoh Hockey Pitch in Accra, Ghana from January 17 to January 23, 2022.

The Minister of Youth & Sports, Mustapha Ussif performed the opening ceremony.

President of Ghana Hockey Association Mr. K. B. Asante, called for more corporate support for hockey which is the third most watched sports in the world.

He commended the countries and players who are participating and everyone supporting hockey.

Mr. Nii Kwei Kumah, Vice President of the African Hockey Federation, Mr. Yoofi Grant Chief Executive of the Ghana Export Promotions Company and Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the 13th African Games addressed guests and fans at the opening ceremony.

The competition which involves 7 male and 8 female teams is expected to be another opportunity to see the best hockey stars on the continent.

The host team, the Black Sticks from Ghana, are in Group B alongside last year’s runners-up and two-time winners Egypt in the Men's category. They are paired with Nigeria and Uganda.

The defending champions South Africa come up against Kenya and Namibia in Group A.

The women edition involves Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia in Group B.

South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Uganda are in Group A.

Madam Elizabeth King, vice president of the Ghana Hockey Association believes Ghana will try to host and win, especially the female category.

South Africa are the defending Men's champions, winning the 2017 edition. The winner will qualify for the 2023 Men's FIH Hockey World Cup.

South Africa are the seven-time defending champions also in  the Women's category, winning the 2017 edition. The winner will qualify for the 2022 Women's FIH Hockey World Cup.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

George (Red Tiger) Ashie and Robert Quaye aka Stopper have signed a fight contract with Box Office Sports Promotions for the 6th March 2022 bout which will be held at Bukom Boxing Arena.

The much anticipated bout hopes to be an attraction as the two boxers have large following.

Ghanaian boxing prodigy George Ashie is set to fight fellow country man and the current Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) Champion Robert “Stopper” Quaye come Saturday March 6, 2022.

At stake is the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Africa Super Lightweight title.

George Ashie

George Ashie is a former African Boxing Union (ABU) super featherweight titlist and is reaching the climax of his career as he faces a very experienced and formidable opponent who is the current UBO champion.

The 38 year old Ashie has 32 professional boxing wins with 24 by way of knockouts with 5 defeats, most of it been controversially acquired, and a solitary draw.

Robert Quaye

The 29 year old is still unbeaten in his 20 professional boxing victories, 17 of those wins came by way of knockouts.

Robert is a former interim World Boxing Organisation Africa Super Lightweight titlist who had a shot at the current belt when Congolese Marios Motamba was the champion.

By Sammy Heywood Okine