Sunday marks the point where it is one year to go until the opening match of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with the tournament, played for the first time in a northern hemisphere winter, rapidly taking shape.

The opening match will take place on Nov. 21 in the 60 000 capacity Al Bayt Stadium.

Kickoff will no doubt come as some relief to organisers as the football takes centre stage, shifting the limelight away from the numerous off-pitch issues, such as labour rights for migrant workers, that have surrounded the event.

Given Qatar is the smallest country in size (11 600 km2) to host a World Cup, and, as all the stadiums are situated in and around the capital Doha, supporters can attend multiple games on the same day.

Fans around the globe watching on TV can tune in to an unprecedented four back-to-back matches in one day.

There will be no repeat of the last-minute rush to finish stadiums and infrastructure, as was the case at the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

According to the organising Supreme Committee, five of the eight stadiums purpose-built for the World Cup are complete.

Two more - the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium and Al Bayt -- will be inaugurated during the Arab Cup -- a dress rehearsal event which starts on 30 November and finishes a year to the day before the World Cup final on 18 December.

The last arena to be finished is the Lusail Stadium - the venue for the final.

"For all those who love football, this will be like a toy shop is for a child," Fifa president Gianni Infantino said this week.

"There will be eight, state-of-the-art stadiums – some of the most beautiful stadiums in the world within 50 kilometres (of each other), so it's going to be great. The World Cup is an occasion to get to know other cultures and other people."

Getting around Doha, according to the organisers, is not going to be an issue either.

"When it comes to our progress, we have completed 98% of the infrastructure works," Fatma Al-Nuaimi, spokesperson for the supreme committee, told reporters.

LABOUR SYSTEM

Qatar's hosting of the World Cup has been controversial.

As recently as April last year, organisers strongly denied allegations from the US Department of Justice that bribes were paid to secure votes when the hosting rights were awarded in 2010.

The feasibility of playing a tournament in the searing Middle Eastern summer heat led to the event being shunted out of its traditional timeslot and played later in the year, while Qatar's labour system has been strongly criticised.

The government of Qatar said on Tuesday its labour system is still a work in progress but denied accusations in a report by Amnesty International that thousands of migrant workers were being exploited.

A 48-page report by Amnesty, Reality Check 2021, said that practices such as withholding salaries and charging workers to change jobs were still rife. Qatar's Government Communication Office rejected the allegations.

Players from Germany, the Netherlands and Norway have since worn shirts before World Cup qualifiers voicing concern over human rights in Qatar and there could be further protests in the leadup to the tournament.

Qatar hopes to attract 1.2 million visitors, roughly a third of its population, to the tournament.

All fans attending matches must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and organisers told Reuters they expect to be able to offer up to 130 000 rooms which could leave thousands of fans scrambling for accommodation.

Organisers have announced only partial details about how and where they plan to find those rooms, saying the total stock would be announced in due course, with desert "fan villages" and floating hotels in the harbour among potential solutions.

Fans from the majority of the traditional big hitters will be starting to plan their trips.

Brazil and Argentina will be there, while the first European group qualification phase is over with holders France sailing through.

Uruguay could be a notable absentee given their poor form in qualification, while the last two European champions Italy and Portugal must negotiate a tricky 12-team European playoff system to compete in the finals.

By Reuters

Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) President Mr. Abraham Kotei Neequaye has revealed an initiative geared towards reviving professional boxing in Ghana at the Trust Sports Emporium in Accra.

“You would agree with me that these three critical components are very essential to the realization of our vision and purpose of pro-boxing in Ghana,” the President said.

Speaking at the unveiling of the GBA website, new logo and national title belts, he said “my utmost agenda in the realization of my vision is to consider the welfare of active boxers and their trainers and coaches.”

Mr. Neequaye added that he is determined to create an effective administrative set up that will enable effective communication among stakeholders.

The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) officially unveiled ten (10) new national belts last Thursday November 18, 2021in a bid to inspire local champions and bring local boxing promotions to an appreciable standard.

He announced that the boxing league would be launched in the coming weeks.

Present at the event were former world champions, Prof. Azumah Nelson, Ike Bazooka Quartey and Joseph Agbeko as well as Deputy Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Mr. Kwame Amponfi Jr. MP for Odododiodoo, Hon. Mr Nii Lante Vanderpuye and  GBA exco member, John Manfo.

Hon. Nii Lante Vanderpuye, a former Youth and Sports Minister in his address at the launch stressed the need to prioritize the development of boxing which had lots to offer the country.

He urged boxers, trainers, and coaches to be disciplined in their respective endeavours to help push the sports to the next level.

"It is about time we bring some discipline to the sport of boxing. So, this particular event is to open the door for us to create future world champions but we can only achieve that if we are disciplined," he said.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Minister of Youth & Sports, Mustapha Ussif has presented President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s promise to rewarded members of Ghana's 2020 Olympic Games team.

He presented them with a total package of $150,000.

Following Ghana's participation in the Olympics in Tokyo, President Akufo Addo on August 20, 2021 pledged to reward team Ghana for the performance.

Samuel Takyi, an amateur boxer with the boxing team who won Ghana a bronze medal for the first time since 1992 was presented with a $50,000 reward, comprising; the cedi equivalent of $10,000, a brand new Nissan Sunny Car worth $20,000 and a further $20,000 for his professional and career development.

Other athletes and coaches numbering were also presented with the cedi equivalent of $5,000 each.

Other officials like Press Attache, Medical Doctors, Covid  Liaison  Officer, Administrator, Federation Heads and Chef de Mission were left out.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Mr. Matthew Aubyn, a sports volunteer, administrator and PRO of Real Innovation and Multimedia is among many Ghana who have commended Amateur boxer, Africanus Neequaye for choosing to blend education and sports.

Aubyn who has been instrumental behind the success story of Neequaye said it is his wish that Neequaye  represents Ghana at international games, especially the  2022 Common Games in Birmingham, 2023 African Games in Ghana and 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

He thanked Mr. Archiebald Nii Martei Armah, proprietor of Prince De Henry Educational Complex, Streetwise Boxing led by Mr. Amoo Bediako for contributing to their initiatives by presenting training kits to young boxers who are in school.

He confirmed that education is the best thing to give a young person, and it would change his life.

He said they saw the potential in Africanus Neequaye and decided to support him with others so that their lives would be better, as education is the key to success in life.

He disclosed discovering the skillful boxer at a tender age, and spoke to his parents before taking him to his school.

Neequaye started at boxing at the age of 8 years at the Sea View gym and now a member of the Black Bombers.

His best subjects are English and ICT, with the late Roy Ankrah aka 'Black Flash' and former IBF Lightweight champion Richard Commey as his idols. His parents are  Africanus Neequaye and Doris Lamptey of James Town.

Neequaye is one of many students who are writing the BECE and he has expressed his gratitude to the management and staff of Prince De Henry Educational Complex for supporting him in his sporting and education adventure.

"For now we want to push him to Senior High School, Accra Academy and prepare him for the next team that will represent Ghana in an international competition before he turns professional. Education is very important and we want all Ghanaian youth to take education serious. Prince De Henry Educational Complex is ready to support potential athletes and move Ghana Sports forward" said Mr. Archiebald Armah, proprietor of the complex.

He promised  to collaborate with the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) and National Sports Authority (NSA) as well as the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) to encourage the more youth of Ghana to grip sports and education.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

8 bodybuilders and two executives of the Ghana Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (GBFA) left Kotoka International Airport this morning, with Ethiopia Airline to South Africa to participate in the 2021 Arnold Classic Africa.

The athletes are Godwin Frimpong, Joseph Ofolikwei, Arnold Aryee, Evans Amwagsi, Micheal Otu, Abraham Mawutor, Celestine Dogbeda and James Atsu. The executives are Charles Owusu Ansah and Rosemary Yayra

The Arnold classic is returning after two years of absence due to the Covid 19 pandemic. The last time the event was hosted in 2019, Ghana presented 9 athletes and won 3 gold medals, 2 silver medals, 1 bronze medal, and 2 6th placed medals

Ghana always perform well in the biggest bodybuilding championship on the Africa continent. In 2017, Cyrille Kofi Adja won the overall of the 2017 Arnold Classic Africa to obtain his Pro Card.

The leader of delegation, Mr. Charles Owusu Ansah, who is the Vice President of the GBFA is hopeful that the nation will do very well in the championship.

He said, “ Ghana always do well in the Arnold Classic and other international events when it comes to bodybuilding and I am very hopeful that we will do well in this event. All the athletes we are traveling with are big medals hopefuls and I will not be surprise if all the athletes comes home with medals”

He pleaded to the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ministry of Sports to please come to the aid of the association in future international events

The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has taken delivery of new National Championship Title Belts.

According to 2^nd Vice President, Roger Barnor, the new belts are in and winners will have them for keeps as they are trying to secure more belts for all the weight divisions.

“The wait is over. Ghana’s new national championship belt lands.  Win this beautiful belt and keep it for good” he said.

It would be recalled ace promoter Alex Ntiamoah Boakye of Box Office Promotions has a confrontation over the issue on the National Title Belts, and he was asked to pay a fine, however the availability of the new belts will make boxing in Ghana sweet again, and boxers will be happy to be decorated with them.

Currently there are many National Title holders without belts, and it would be nice to see the GBA decorate them with what they fought hard for.

For example, in recent times, Holy Dorgbetor won the National Featherweight Champion, while Musah Rahman Lawson is also the new National Super Welterweight Champion.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Michael Quarshie donates to Children’s Homes

Chairman of the Effia/Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) Football Association in the Western Region, Michael Quarshie has presented various items to the less privileged in society.

Michael Quarshie who is a sports enthusiast and loves giving to the poor is also board member of Bis Paradise FC.

The astute football administrator cum businessman has been contributing immensely to juvenile football in the Western Region and he extended his philanthropic efforts to Children’s Homes.

Michael Quarshie donated over 30, 000ghc worth of products to the less privileged in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi Children's home and Danase as well as Amazing Grace in Kumasi

He is also CEO of Daily Manna Credit union.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Mr. Archiebald Nii Martei Armah, proprietor of Prince De Henry Educational Complex, who is also a boxing manager / promoter  has appealed to young sportsmen and women to go to school to enhance their scope of life.

Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive interview, he said the best thing to give a young person is education, which can lead him or her to become a responsible citizen.

He hinted that he saw the potential in one young boxer named Africanus Neequaye and decided to support him with others so that their lives would be better, as education is the key to success in life.

He disclosed discovering the skillful boxer at a tender age, and spoke to his parents before taking him to his school.

Neequaye who started at boxing at the age of 8 years at the Sea View gym and now a member of the Black Bombers said his best subjects are English and ICT, with the late Roy Ankrah aka 'Black Flash' and former IBF Lightweight champion Richard Commey as his idols. His parents are  Africanus Neequaye and Doris Lamptey of James Town.

Neequaye is one of many students who are writing the BECE and has expressed his gratitude to the management and staff of Prince De Henry Educational Complex for supporting him in his sporting and education adventure.

"For now we want to push him to Senior High School, Accra Academy and prepare him for the next team that will represent Ghana in an international competition before he turns professional. Education is very important and we want all Ghanaian youth to take education serious. Prince De Henry Educational Complex is ready to support potential athletes and move Ghana Sports forward" said Mr. Archiebald Armah.

He promised  to collaborate with the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) and National Sports Authority (NSA) as well as the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) to encourage the youth of Ghana to embrace sports and education.

Mr. Matthew Aubyn, a sports volunteer, administrator and PRO of Real Innovation and Multimedia who has been instrumental behind the success story of Neequaye said it is their wish and ambition to see Neequaye  represent the Black Bombers team to international games, especially the  2022 Common Games in Birmingham, 2023 African Games in Ghana and 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

He thanked Streetwise Boxing led by Mr. Amoo Bediako for contributing to their initiatives by presenting training kits to young boxers who are in school.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Solomon Otoo aka ‘Mongola’ who has been organizer of the Greater Accra Amateur Boxing Association for several years and served as matchmaker for Box Office Promotions has declared his ambition to go for the second vice president of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF).

Mr. Otoo who also handles the Assassin Boxing Management and been a matchmaker for over 20years said he wants to contribute to change the face of Amateur Boxing in Ghana.

“We can do better at international competition if we plan well, Its all about organizing, and we know how to organize the boxers and coaches.  I believe we can win more medals at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. I want the delegates to vote for me to change for the betterment and best for Ghana Boxing” he said.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ga Mantse Named As Special Guest Of Honour For 46th MTN SWAG Awards Night

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), has named the Ga Mantse and president of the Ga Traditional  Council, His Royal Majesty Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, as the Special Guest of honor for the 46th SWAG Awards Night in Accra.

This announcement comes after SWAG leadership paid a courtesy call on him at his residence in Accra to officially congratulate and invite him to the prestigious SWAG Awards.

The 46th SWAG Awards which is scheduled to take place on Friday, December 17, 2021 at the Accra International Conference Center (AICC), will be held under the theme; “Ghana Sports in the post Covid-19 era; a business approach”.

The Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, also known in private as Dr. Kelvin Nii Tackie Abia Tarkie  acknowledged the contribution of SWAG in the sports industry and assured the body of his support as the custodian of the land.

SWAG President, Kwabena Yeboah, thanked His Royal Majesty for accepting to grace the awards night and also assured His Royal Majesty of SWAG’s readiness to support him whenever he calls on them.

The 46th SWAG Awards Night will honor over 30 sportsmen and women as well as individuals who excelled in their area of sporting endeavors and those who contributed in diverse ways in the sports industry in the year under review.

As a novelty, this year’s SWAG Awards will also honor the best sports journalist in the country.

SWAG Awards, the longest running award scheme in Ghana since 1975, rewards top performing Sports men and Women over the year, and recognises the efforts of persons involved in Sports development.

Source : www.swagghana.com