Ghana's top swimmer, Abeiku G. Jackson who will be competing for the second time at the Olympic Games says he is very sure of lowering his time at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

In an exclusive chat with Yours Truly at the Team Ghana training camp in Inawashiro  Fukushima he said the training he is undergoing in Kazakhstan has helped a lot and looking forward to shock swimmers and swimming fans.

According to Ghana's first ever male swimmer at the Olympic Games, he did 57 seconds in the 100m freestyle in Rio at the 2016 Olympic Games, and now he is doing 53. 53seconds, just a second shy of the Olympic qualifying time.

"I want to do 52 seconds, that is my target and I am very optimistic of raising the flag of Ghana in international swimming" he said.

On his recent feat of beating the European champion, he explained that he won the competition but did not beat the personal best of the champion which is 51 seconds.

He expressed that in swimming, it is a great achievement to drop seconds, and he will try his best to drop his time.

He noted that his new abode has helped him tremendously and thank the Ghana Olympic Committee GOC and FINA, the international swimming body for the support.

Abeiku Jackson is considering adding the 200 meters freestyle to his events.

His local coach Dan Opare who is in Inawashiro noted that they are very sure of an improved performance and hoped that Ghanaian swimming lovers will pray for him.

Meanwhile, Unilez Yebowaah Takyi born in 2004 who is based in Italy has replaced Zara Forson for the 2020 Olympic Games as she has amassed points than most female swimmers. She will do the 50 meters freestyle, which is her favorite.

She also told Yours Truly, this is her first Olympic experience, though she competes in Italy and she will make good use of the opportunity.

She thanked the Ghana Swimming Association for believing in her and selecting her to represent Ghana.

She was born to Ghanaian parents in Italy and feels honored to compete for her motherland.

The new President of the Ghana Swimming Association, Mrs. Delphina Quaye who is a member of the GOC Executive Board is in Japan with Team Ghana and she feels her presence will inspire the two swimmers to perform better..

By Sammy Heywood Okine / Inawashiro

The national boxing team, the Black Bombers have held their first training at their camping base in Inawashiro ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games.

After two days of traveling in the air and on land, the three Bombers Shakul Samed, Samuel Takyi and Suleiman Tetteh look hearty and energetic after their shake-up.

Weightlifter, Christian Amoah also had his warm up and will intensify his practice.

Coach Dr. Ofori Asare said the first day was just to warm up after it rained and they will begin full scale serious training from tomorrow.

He appreciated the weather condition and the facilities for training, as well as the support services.

He expressed that the boxers are hungry for success, and called on Ghanaians to pray for them.

Chef de Mission for Team Ghana, Mr. Michael Aggrey said he is happy with the discipline shown by everyone in the Inawashiro camp as every member of the delegation tested negative in the daily coronavirus tests.

“I am very excited like everyone and we pray that Team Ghana will prepare well in this facility to compete well and excel” he said.

He thanked the President, HE Nana Akufo-Addo for advising the nation’s representatives to beware of the coronavirus and protect themselves adequately.

Mr. Haruna Adamu, the Covid 19 Laison Officer (CLO) is also working hard, ensuring that all members of Team Ghana strictly apply all the health and safety protocols.

The team doctor, Julia Derban said she is impressed by the co operation of every member, and hailed the health culture of the Japanese.

The two swimmers, Abeiku Jackson and Unilez Takyi will begin training from today.

By Sammy Heywood Okine / Inawashiro

This time we art July 2, a day dedicated to international sports journalism, in a very particular psychological condition: some of us hoped to have come out of the COVID-19 nightmare by now, others still live in fear of the contagion. Sport goes on, tries to offer hope that the worst is over, but there is no certainty that the storm is over. Meanwhile, our profession is suffering, finding it hard to breathe as if it is affected by Covid- 19, but there are other causes of this suffering.

Organisers, federations, clubs are taking our breath away, that is, access to sources. Some limitations are rightly dictated by the health situation, but others are the result of a precise plan that wants to leave us on the sidelines, primed only with press releases, the social profiles of the champions, which are often managed by public relations agencies, and rumours orchestrated by those in power. They also want to cut the number of journalists present at the stadium and then gradually abolish mixed zones. Choking, logically in a gentle way, the freedom of expression in the world of sport.

The principles that govern social life are no longer of interest; they just want to exploit the lower instincts of the public. This is why we must react, because if we supinely accept the changes taking place, the new generations will have a grim future and this is not right. Sport is also culture, as is sports journalism, as demonstrated by the success of our AIPS Sport Media Awards. We defend this culture and the future of a clean and educational sport.

Source-AIPS

The first contingent of Team Ghana who are going to represent Ghana at the Tokyo2020 Olympic Games have arrived safely in Inawashiro.

The 14 man team led by Chef de Mission, Mr. Michael Aggrey (President of Ghana Golf Association) were met on arrival by His Excellency, Frank Okyere Ghana’s Ambassador  to Japan.

He was with the team for about four hours as they went through immigration and customs processes as well as coronavirus tests.

Luckily all the Ghanaians tested negative, but they have to under go daily tests.

1. Frank Okyere congratulated the athletes, coaches and officials leading the team and advised them to be worthy envoys.

He urged them to obey all the protocols and do well in their various disciplines and make Ghana proud.

Mr. Michael Aggrey expressed that after meeting the President of the Republic before moving to Japan, they are assured and determined to make history.

Team Ghana flew from Accra to Amsterdam, then to Narita in Tokyo, before taking a bus to Inawashiro where they will have their final camping and preparations for the biggest sports festival in the world.

In Inawashiro, they were given a rousing welcome by the Mayor of the town, Hiroshi Zenga and some personalities waving Japan and Ghana flags.

Ghana will exclusively train in the facilities at the Inawashiro Town General Gymnasium for free in the run up to Tokyo 2020.

The facilities include ten badminton courts, two basketball courts, three volleyball courts, fifty table tennis tables, two judo areas, a boxing ring, an athletics oval and other facilities for swimming, weight lifting and other disciplines.

An interpreter, transportation bus, medical facilities and free accommodation for at least 30 athletes will also be provided.

There have been cultural exchanges between Ghana and Inawashiro Town, in the centre of Fukushima prefecture.

The athletes making the first batch include Abeiku Jackson (Swimming), Unilez Yebowaah Takyi (Swimming), Suleiman Tetteh (Boxing), Samuel Takyi (Boxing), Shakul Samed (Boxing) and Christian Amoah (Weightlifting).

They were accompanied by their coaches, Covid-19 Officer, President of the Ghana Swimming Association, Team Manager, Doctor and Press Attache.

The remaing athletes most of them doing the Track & Field will camp in the USA before moving to Tokyo.

Ghana qualified in five disciplines namely; boxing, track  & field, judo, swimming and weightlifting.

The team left Ghana on Wednesday June 30 and arrived on July 1, 2021.

By Sammy Heywood Okine / Inawashiro

Philanthropist and boxing enthusiast Alhaji Inussah Sally has met the Black Bombers before they embark on their journey to Japan to represent Ghana at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

The businessman congratulated the team for the hard work they injected into qualifying Ghana in the boxing discipline for the Olympics and added that it is not just enough to qualify but to make a mark at the biggest sports festival in the world.

"Your qualification is just not enough, we want the medals, we want your names to be engraved in the records of Ghana as Olympic medalists and this will open the flood gates of opportunities for you" Alhaji Inusah said in his welcoming comments as the Black Bombers pay a courtesy call on him on the eve of their departure in his office yesterday.

"Boxing is your life, that is what you choose to do, it is your business and therefore you have to be determined the medals from Japan" he added as he motivates the young boxers.

Coach Asare appreciated Alhaji Inussah Sally immensely and described his message to them as therapeutic and timely.

Alhaji Inussah presented to each member of the team going to the games an undisclosed amount of dollars and said "No excuse, with determination you will come back with glory, think about Ghana and the glory you bring to yourself. Go and make all of us proud".

He finally said a word of prayer to the team and wish them well.

The Black Bombers will leave Ghana today, Wednesday to camp at Inawashiro to acclimatise, which is about 3-hour drive away from Tokyo were the games will be held.

The are expected to arrive in Tokyo by July 20.

By Mustapha Nettey / Boxing Writer

The defending champions of the MTN FA Cup, Asante Kotoko will face Asokwa Deportivo in the Round 16 stage.

This has been confirmed at the end of the Round 16 draw of this season’s MTN FA Cup competition.

Ghana Premier League leaders Hearts of Oak will lock horns with Young Wise in this stage of the domestic cup competition.

On the other hand, there will be two big clashes with the first being an encounter between Aduana Stars and Ashanti Gold SC.

The other tough tie will see Medeama SC hosting Great Olympics at the Akoon Park in Tarkwa.

Below is the result of the MTN FA Cup Round 16 draw:

Aduana Stars v Ashanti Gold SC

Asante Kotoko v Asokwa Deportivo

Kintampo v Berekum Chelsea

Kintampo Top Talents v Tamale City

Young Wise v Hearts of Oak

Attram v Legon Cities

Medeama SC v Great Olympics

Elmina Sharks v Tema Youth

Dr. Henry Manly-Spain, Vice president of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) on Tuesday presented 5000ghc to Ghana’s Black Bombers who are going to represent Ghana at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

The presidential aspirant also donated special GBA tee shirts to the team to make them remember that they must excel as great Olympians to become world class boxers and champions.

He advised them to be focused and determined to achieve their hearts desires.

The ace boxing promoter and manager commended the technical staff of the Bombers as they acknowledged that their training at the Bukom Boxing Arena has been superb.

He later briefed the media on his intension to contest for the GBA President position, saying that the Authority needs a bigger secretariat like the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

He also promised to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth & Sports and the National Sports Authority (NSA) to make boxing vibrant in the whole of Ghana to attract talents from the everywhere.

He touched on sports tourism and the welfare of boxers which need to be improved as well as capacity building for ring officials.

Dr. Manly-Spain hailed the GBA TV and promised to make it work to promote boxing and generate funds through advertisements.

He guaranteed a cordial relationship with the media and creation of more continental and world boxing champions.

Mr. Yoofi Boham, leading boxing consultant cautioned the Black Bombers against complacency and asked them to obey the coach, knowing also that there are millions of Ghanaians praying for them.

He expressed that being an Olympian is an accomplishment, and going to win a medal can bring enough respect to the amateur boxer and the nation.

Coach Ofori Asare, the hard working technical director received the cash donation, and promised that the Black Bombers will perform well in Tokyo.

Present to support the GBA Veep were Mr. Laud Aquaye, Coach Carl Lokko and some Friends of Boxing.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) Prof. Peter Twumasi on Monday visited the three qualified boxers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and their handlers at their training camp at the Golden Beach Hotel at Korle Gonno in Accra.

The Black Bombers, [Sulemanu Tetteh (52kg flyweight), Samuel Takyi (57kg featherweight), Shakul samed (81kg light heavy weight)], and their Head Coach, Mr Ofori Asare and his Assistant Coach, Vincent Akai Nettey, are expected to leave Ghana on Wednesday for Japan to continue with their camping programme before the main competition in Tokyo.

Prof. Twumasi congratulated the athletes on their qualification to represent Ghana in Japan for the prestigious, quadrennial games and assured them of government's support as was demonstrated during their qualifiers stage.

He presented a cash amount of GHS 2,000 for special meals in the next two days for the team. This does not form part of the full sponsorship package soon to be disclosed by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon Mustapha Ussif.

The Head Coach, who is staff of NSA, thanked the NSA and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for supporting the athletes throughout their qualifiers and camping prior to the Olympic Games.

He pledged the nation of high performance of his boys at this year's Tokyo Olympics.

The captain of the team, Sulemanu Tetteh, acknowledged excellent comportment of the boxers in camp and was hopeful that they will make Ghana proud despite high competitive nature of Olympics. Accompanying the Director General on the visit was the newly appointed Acting Deputy Director General (Technical), Mr. Kwame Amponfi Jnr.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The Women In Sports Association (WISA) has congratulated Hasaacas Ladies for beating Ampem Darkoa Ladies 4-0 to win the 2020/21 Ghana Women’s Premier League title at the Madina AstroTurf, Accra on Saturday.

The Sekondi-based side scored two in either half to win a record fifth league title at the expense of the two-time winners from Techiman.

Madam Gloria Commodore, President / Executive in a message said Hasaacas Ladies would be rewarded at the 2020/21 WISA Awards in September at the Media Center of the Accra Sports Stadium.

She commended the players, officials, Women’s League Board, and the Ghana Football Association led by Mr. Kurt Okraku for a successful season.

The veteran sports journalist and ex-athlete hailed the media, especially female sports reporters for promoting female football.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Trust Sports Emporium (TSE) has announced a sponsorship package valued at GHS50,000 for the country’s Olympic Boxing team, the Black Bombers at a short ceremony on Monday at the Mudor Conference Centre within the TSE complex.

The package which comprises two elements, is made up of a cash component of GHS25,875 (US$4,500) as per diem for the team and a training package which includes physiotherapy care valued at GHS24, 125.

Presenting the package, Mrs. Joyce Wereko-Ampim Opoku, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Trust Sports Emporium Limited stated that, “The mission of the Trust Sports Emporium is to generate a pipeline of world-class athletes and other performers through the provision of modern sports and events facilities within a professionally managed environment which also delivers a great experience and benefits to other users, fans and our communities.

This is the agenda of the Trust Sports Emporium and we have since 2016 endeavoured to deliver on such through offering our facilities for use by up-and-coming sports men and women either in preparation for competitions or as the platform for competing”.

Mrs. Opoku added that, “in actual fact the Black Bombers have started enjoying this package already. From the last week in April to the end of this month (June), they have on a daily basis, with the exception of Sundays, had free use of our boxing and fitness training facilities. They have also had the opportunity to receive free treatment at the Physiotherapy of the Bukom Fitness & Physio, one of our six facilities within the Trust Sports Emporium.

Commenting on the presentation, Mr. Kwabena Amponsah Dapaah, Managing of the Trust Sports Emporium indicated that, “It is the wish of every Ghanaian to see the Black Bombers come home with medals. In our opinion these wishes must at least take the form of effort and actions which take the Black Bombers closer to winning those laurels for Ghana. With that understanding, the Trust Sports Emporium has put together this sponsorship package for the team. It is our prayer that this corporate effort from the Trust Sport Emporium shall, together with other forms of support, energise the Black Bombers to be successful at the Olympiad. We at the Trust Sports Emporium will continue to offer support to our sports men and women, particularly those who engage in the lesser-funded sports because it is our corporate objective to support the promotion of disciplines such as boxing, swimming, table tennis, badminton, tae kwon do, wrestling, volleyball and basketball among others and ensure that we help unearth talents.”

The Trust Sport Emporium is a multi-sports and events complex which houses six facilities.

These include the Bukom International Pool, Ghana’s only Olympic standard swimming pool, the Ga Mashie Hall, a sport hall which seats between 800 and 1,200 spectators for events like boxing, badminton, table tennis, basketball, fencing, tae kwon do, mixed martial arts, wrestling and volleyball, and the Bukom Fitness & Physio, a fitness training club and physiotherapy treatment centre. The other facilities are the Bukom Boxing Arena, a 4,000-seater open-air arena which can be used for boxing, basketball, volleyball, mixed martial arts, tae kwon do, musical performances and corporate events, the Mudor Conference Centre, a

three-hall conference and function hall with collapsible partitions which seats 100 persons in each hall and 300 with the partitions pulled apart, and last but not the least, the Ring Restaurant & Sports Bar.

President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah assured the donors and Ghanaians that the Black Bombers will put up a good show in Tokyo and possibly bring home medals as they have really benefited from the training facility at the Emporium.

He commended the TSE for their wonderful motivation and hailed coach Asare for his unmatched credentials.

Skipper of the Black Bombers, Suleimanu Tetteh promised that they will not let Ghana down.

President of the Ghana Boxing Federation, Mr. George Lamptey showed appreciation by presenting a certificate to the TSEL.

From Sammy Heywood Okine