Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) presidential aspirant, Mr. Abraham Kotei Neequaye has promised a pension scheme for boxing coaches and boxers.

Speaking in a interview with Yours Truly, the second vice president of the GBA who lost the Okaikoi South Parliamentary seat during the 2020 General Elections said boxers and their coaches must have a pension scheme to cater for their future.

He stated having links with the Speaker of Parliament, Parliamentarians and Assembly members, so he can consult them to support Ghana Boxing since most of the are boxing fans.

According to Mr. Neequaye he has what it takes to contact companies in the Industrial Area to support and sponsor Ghana Boxing.

“We need someone who has time for boxing, and I am the one. I believe I am the heaviest weight among the contestants as I have the experience from amateur where I was chairman of Greater Accra and also worked as CEO of Baby Jet Promotions” he expressed.

He commended and applauded the GBA TV which is putting Ghana Boxing on the digital space.

“You guys are doing a good job, and I love it. The GBA TV will really help in promoting, advertising and marketing Ghana Boxing, continue with the good work” he said.

The GBA goes to the polls in an Elective Congress on July 22, 2021.

Among personalities who have come out to declare their intensions of contesting are Messrs. Henry Manly-Spain, Rabon Dodoo, Rasheed Williams, Mohammed Amin Lamptey, Alhaji Tofik, Referee Roger Barnor and Coach Charles Quartey.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Committee of the GBA has drawn a roadmap towards the elections and will be out very soon.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon Mustapha Ussif has launched the 6th Sheik Sharubutu Ramadan Football Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium.

This year's community football competition involving 24 teams will be played on 15^th and 16th May, 2021 at the newly constructed Astroturf stadium named after Chief Imam and recently commissioned by President Akufo-Addo.

The Minister commended the organizers led by Alhaji Tamimu Issa for sustaining such an important competition over the last six years. 

He assured them that Government will continue with its sports infrastructure development projects nationwide to ensure access to training facilities.

Prof. Peter Twumasi, Director General of National Sports Authority (NSA) praised Chief Imam for promoting peace in the country by not only advocating for spiritual health of an individual especially in this Ramadan month but also to ensure sound body and mind achieved through sports.

He also encouraged the organizers to expand the participating regions from current two to 16, and with promise to provide assistance from regional directorates of the National Sports Authority. Representatives from Chief Imam and Vice President Dr Bawumia were in attendance.

The opening match, according to the balloting will feature Cowlane against Sabon Zongo.

Some of the sponsors of the biggest community football tournament in Ghana are Electroland, Ashfoam and Bela Mineral Water and Adonko Next Level.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Four crack weightlifters have been selected to represent Ghana at next week's Tokyo Olympic qualifier in the island country of Madagascar.

Three of the four lifters were settled upon after a series of domestic trials in which they produced remarkably great performances.

They are skipper Christian Amoah, Winifred Ntumi and Sandra Mensimah Owusu.

The fourth lifter is UK-based Forrester Osei, who is expected to join his teammates in Madagascar for the one-week final qualifier for the quadrennial games. 

Only last Friday, the Ghana Weightlifting Federation (GWF) had its third trials at the Accra Sports Stadium; and it was designed to sharpen the arsenal of its lifters ahead of the trip.

President of the GWF, Mr Jerry Ahmed Shaib, presented an amount of GH¢1,000 and energy drinks to the athletes during the competition, urging them to train very hard for the onerous task ahead of them.

"I know the assignment before you is very challenging, but I also know you have the capability and character to surmount it and emerge with flying colours," he said.

The team is expected to leave Accra early next month for the championship that is expected to be held in the Madagascan capital, Antananarivo, from May 16-23, 2021.

Amoah and Osei are just a few points away from landing safely in Tokyo, and are heavily favoured to seal it off in May. Osei is said to have booked a place in the Games after an imposing performance in an individual event, but that would only be confirmed in Madagascar.

Some of the lifters who participated in the trials were Sylvanus Kugblenu, Abdul Salim, Emmanuel Allotey, Clement Korto, Emmanuel Boateng Amo and Eric Malibe - all of whom gave a superlative account of themselves.

CAPTION:

From left: Sandra, Coach Johnson Abotsi, Winifred and Amoah, ready to glow

Ghana’s International Muay Thai fighter Lawrence Nyanyo Nmai who is based in Switzerland will once again fight before his home fans in Accra when he takes on Emmanuel Shija from Tanzania for the WBC MuayThai Africa Championship title.

The event is on the bill of Dons Promotions and will happen at the Labadi Beach Hotel on Saturday May 15th.

Heading the ‘UNLEASHED -The Titans Return’ clash is Obodai Sai of Ghana versus Robert Kamya from Tanzania in a Middleweight contest, John Amuzu against Albert Commey in a Superbantamweight contest and Ekow Wilson meeting Raymond Commey in another Superbantamweight contest.

The clash of the night will see Swiss national Natacha De Almeida fighting in Ghana again against Najma Isike of Tanzania in an all female bout for the WBO Interim World Lightweight Championship.

The day will be special for Lawrence Nyanyo Nmai, the coach / athlete who is sure of winning the WBC African Muay Thai Championship belt.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Miss Farida Ayishatu Iddriss, a graduate with masters in sports ethics and integrity has been appointed as the new Administrative Manager at the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) / Commonwealth Games Ghana following the election of a new executive board in the second term of President Ben Nunoo Mensah.

She will work closely with the Secretary General running the daily activities as head / supervisor of the administrative staff of the Committee and secretariat.

She will also be in charge of Olympic Solidarity for the GOC and accreditation entries officer when Ghanaian sportsmen and officials are traveling for international competition.

Miss Iddriss comes into the job with enthusiasm and ready to discharge her dynamism, by ensuring that the presence and contributions of the national sports federations are felt.

The Treasurer of the Ghana Swimming Federation (GSF) who is also an Executive member onto the Confederation of African Nations Amateur (CANA) Zone 2 Executive Board which consists of 22 West and Central African countries comes to the GOC with some amount of experience in international programmes organization and implementation.

She is also a world swimming referee for the Federation International De Natation (FINA), an accolade she earned in 2015, which she combines with the love of football, the passion of the nation.

Her hobbies are cooking and traveling. The food she loves most is banku and pepper or okro soup.

She believes it is about time that females play a part in the management and administration of sports, and feels proud that the Ghana Swimming Federation has many ladies on their executive board as compared to others.

Her wish is to work with the vision of the new board and involve all the national federations in the activities of the GOC, as well as promises a vibrant sports body that would be make an impact in the world.

With the support of her committed, creative and coherent staff, she hopes to transform Ghana Sports at the international level by co operating with other National Olympic Committees (NOCs),various committees of the GOC and the newly formed media attaches as positive communications is key and imperative to the progress of any organisation.

She believes in the development of athletes is vital, and provision of adequate infrastructure by government as well as support from the corporate world is essential.

Her idol and inspirer is Marisol Casado, president of world triathlon federation and head of the IOC Women’s Commission.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah has sent a congratulatory message to the national 4x100 team describing them as "gallant athletes and Ambassadors of Ghana".

He said the nation expected them to qualify and they did it marvelously, however they could not get a medal following their disqualification in the final race.

Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah noted that their performance at the World Athletics Relay staged in the Silesian Stadium, Chorzów, Poland has earned Ghana much respect, and urged them to sharpen their rough edges for a better show at the Tokyo Games.

According to the GOC President some of the athletes are on the IOC Solidarity Scholarship which has buoyed them to put up the wonderful performance.

He said more athletes like the weightlifters, the Black Cranes and the fencing team are preparing to qualify and wished them success.

The Minister for Youth and Sports Mr. Mustapha Ussif has also sent his message on behalf of the President, HE Nana Akufo Addo and the Sports Ministry.

Ghana's Men Quartet comprising  Sean Sarfo-Antwi, Benjamin Azamati-Kwaku, Joseph Oduro Manu and Joseph Paul Amoah finished second with an impressive time of 38.79 seconds behind the Dutch who clocked 38.79 with 782 M/Seconds to qualify during the heats.

The 4x100m relay team initially finished third in final behind Brazil and South Africa with a time of 39.11s but minutes after the race and time confirmations, drama ensued as Brazil and Ghana were disqualified.

Ghana’s team was disqualified after breaking changeover rules. The final changeover took place outside the authorized zone.

Ghana’s disqualification came as a result of a late changeover – Rule TR 24.7 between the pair of Azamati and Joseph Manu.

The athletics team is taking shape with the earlier qualification of Triple jumper Nadia Eke, sprinters Joseph Paul Amoah and Benjamin Azamati secured their individual slots to Tokyo last month.

Meanwhile, the qualification success of the Men's quartet could not be duplicated by their female colleagues who placed fourth in the Women's 4x100 relay heat.

The ladies of Brazil and Italy booked their automatic slots in first and second places respectively. They were followed by Japan and Ghana. The athletes are expected to return to their bases in Europe and the US immediately after their events.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Goalball has announced that Cape Coast, Ghana, will stage the 2021 African Championships from 6-10 December.

Since the first edition of the competition in 2016, it has been staged once in Algeria and twice in Egypt. This year will therefore be the first time that the Championships head to Ghana, and will also see the debut of the countries’ men’s and women’s teams.

Kari Raisanen, Chair of the IBSA Goalball Committee, said: “We believe the African Championships will be a fantastic end to this historic year, offering the chance to attract new interest to the sport in the region following the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

“Africa is a continent in which we have seen growth over the past decade, and we want to not only keep supporting teams to improve but also encourage new nations to start. As goalball celebrates its 75th birthday in 2021, we will be doing just that.

“We are confident that the Local Organising Committee, the Ghana Blind Sports Association, will organise a great competition that reflects the importance of the time it is being held.”

Eric Kissi, President of the Ghana Blind Sports Association, said: “Ghana is committed to giving our utmost best in hosting a befitting Championship that will make Ghana and all of Africa proud. All visiting countries are assured of a peaceful and successful Championships.”

Around seven men’s and five women’s teams are expected to compete at the University of Cape Coast Sports Complex.

At the last African Championships in Port Said, Egypt, in 2020, the Algerian men’s and women’s teams both took gold to secure their place at the Paralympics.

Cape Coast 2021 will be a qualifier for the 2022 IBSA Goalball World Championships in Hangzhou China, from 6-18 July. The top three teams in each gender will secure their tickets.

In 2021 IBSA Goalball is celebrating 75 years since it was invented by Austrian Hans Lorenzen and German Sepp Reindle in 1946. It is widely known as the original team sport for athletes with visual impairments.

To mark the occasion, activities will include the first World Goalball Day. The sport will also deliver a series of online sessions to spread awareness and knowledge of the game.

By Philip Otuo

Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams, CEO of Dreamland Sports Plus Ltd has congratulated the Ghana 4x100 team who have qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

He said the whole nation knew they will qualify, but missing a medal was very disappointing.

He advised them to go to camp and prepare well for the Olympic Games, as they are capable of becoming champions.

Olla William who is also the Youth Coordinator of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and organizer of three major relay events, namely; the National 30 km Road Baton Race, Festival of Relays and High School Campus Relay said Ghana has sports talents who must be encouraged.

He thanked companies who supported Dreamland Sports to organize the relay events like Parle Biscuits, Ocean Spray, Kasapreko Puma Drink, Key Brillant Soap and Rexona.

Sprinters Benjamin Azamati, Safo-Antwi, Joseph Paul-Amoah and Joseph Manu simultaneously secured Ghana a place at Tokyo 2020 and the World Athletic Championship in Oregon, USA, it was a disappointing end to their weekend after their disqualification from the tournament.

Ghana’s team was disqualified after breaking changeover rules. The final changeover took place outside the authorized zone.

Ghana’s disqualification came as a result of a late changeover – Rule TR 24.7 between the pair of Azamati and Joseph Manu.

He also asked the Black Bombers to be very disciplined in camp and focus on what they want to achieve for themselves and the nation.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The first Combat Jujutsu Championship took place at Fitrip Fitness Center last Saturday where the participants put up a good display.

The officials expressed satisfaction of the event while the contestants called for more programs. Certificates were awarded the participants and best athletes.

The Atom weight ladies first position went to Getrude Kumi, Awawu Bashiru was second.

Bantamweight male was taken by Abdul Malik Adjei,  Ishmael Asamoah was second and Theophilus Teiko Tagoe placed third.

The Featherweight male saw Isaac Dowuona at first, Audrey Owusu Amoah at second and Prince Oppong placing third.

In the Lightweight male category, Ishmael Lamptey placed first followed by Edward Nii Neequaye at second and Divine Grace at third.

Middleweight male winners were Solomon Donne Ametepey and Fatawu Inusah

Super Featherweight male winners were Theophilus Laryea and Michael Ashong.

Mr. Bernie Johnson, President of the Association commended all participants and appealed to companies who love sports to support them.

The event was held under the auspices of the Professional Combat Sports Association (PCSA) under the theme ‘Knock Out Covid -19 in Ghana’.

Fitrip, Bwise, Kolsite Enterprise were some of the sponsors of the programme.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Bukom Boxing Ltd and Rocabella donate provisions to Black Bombers

Bukom Boxing Ltd and Rocabella Gives, a charity organization based in the USA on Monday presented some provisions to the national boxing team, the Black Bombers who are preparing for the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The provisions include milo, milk, energy drinks, fruit drinks, mineral water, oil and bags of rice.

Making the presentation at the Ga Mashie Hall of the Trust Sports Emporium, Mr. Raymond Tibson CEO of Bukom Boxing said they heard and saw the need to support the team so that they make an impact at the 2020 Olympic Games which begins on July 28, 2021 to August 8, 2021.

He said boxing is the sport that has proven to be the best in terms of achievements at the Olympic Games, and believes the current team is capable of winning medals in Tokyo, Japan come July.

He sent a goodwill message from Mr. Mike Akoto the Executive Director and leader of Bukom Boxing who is based in the United States and urged other companies to support the Black Bombers.

Nana Adjenim Boateng Sarkodie of Rocabella Gives.org said they are out to support deprived communities and unearth talents in sports, especially boxing.

He revealed that Rocabella will soon make available boxing equipment like boots, gloves, pants and singlets to juvenile and amateur boxers in Ghana.

He thanked his partner Cheryl Lee for the support and inspiration to contribute to Ghana Sports.

Mr. George Lamptey, President of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) received the items and thanked the two organisations. He noted that the gesture is a motivation and assured the nation that the Bombers will not let the nation down.

Skipper of the Black Bombers, Cp. Sulemanu Tetteh also thanked the donors and promised to come back from Japan with laurels.

Coach Ofori Asare called on other corporate bodies to support the national boxing team.

Present at the presentation were Mr. John Buxton, Operations Director of Bukom Boxing Ltd who are into media and management and match maker Rasheed Williams.

By Sammy Heywood Okine