The youth coordinator of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams has called on the youth in Ghana to ensure peace and order in the country before, during and after the General Elections on December 7, 2020.

After organising a successful mini marathon for the people in the three Okaikoi constituencies in the Greater Accra Region, he expressed that the future of Ghana Sports is still bright.

The race which attracted about 300 runners was won by Nii Okaikoi Tagoe.

According to Olla Williams, the youth are the majority of the population and they must be wise and vote wisely too.

He adviced them not to join any vigilante group or violent people which can land them where they would not like.

He also called on the political leaders to accept defeat in good faith or enjoy in a decent manner not troubling the opponent.

He ended by tasking all sportsmen and women to keep on training ahead of up coming events in the new year.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Cabic Promotions & Management, the award winning boxing promoters in Ghana are poised to stage the first post Covid-19 professional bill on December 26, 2020 in collaboration with Box Office Promotions at the newly opened Idrowhyt Events Centre at Dansoman.

The main bout on the Boxing Day Rumble will involve former top world rated and WBO Africa Champion, Patrick Allotey against Volta region based Victus Kemavor an a super welterweight contest.

Kemavor, who has a record of 15 fights with 12 wins and three defeats said he will only respect Allotey outside the ring, but in the ring, it will be a different story. He promised not to disgrace himself and his gym, Remember Boxing Club at Aflao.

Allotey on the other hand said he has been starved of boxing for the past nine months and also promised to give guests and patrons a memorable Boxing Day.

Also on the bill, Emmanuel Quaye will take on Ben Ankrah in another super welterweight clash over 8 rounds.

Crack boxers like Michael Pappoe, amazing young super featherweight Yusif Seidu and a UK based boxer will thrill the few invited guests.

Mr. Alex Ntiamoah Boakye, CEO of Box Office said all participants in the bouts will be subjected to Covid-19 test.

He disclosed that they have written to the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) and health authorities to support them to undertake the tests to revive the sport.

Mr. Ellis Quaye, a director of Cabic expressed that boxing is a sport and big business, so those who invest in it must be supported by the government.

He appealed to the media to check their facts before publishing, not to discourage promoters from helping talented boxers.

Mr. Ivan Bruce Cudjoe, CEO of Cabic Promotions who addressed the press conference to announce the bouts said Covid-19 held back boxing, but they are back to revive the sport and entertain a few guests.

He revealed that Cabic is out to aid boxers, but like tomatoes not all would be good as some may over ripe and rot, so they have decided to work with disciplined boxers and put Ghana on the world map in boxing.

“We are on a new journey again and we have leant our lessons from managing heavyweight boxer, Harrison Lartey and hope to work with Allotey, Quaye and others to deliver attractive boxing packages to Ghanaians” he said.

Gideon Jingles, the marketing manager of Cabic hinted that Idrowhyt Events Centre is sponsoring the programme which is exclusively for invited patrons.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem tennis club will officially be inaugurated on 5th of December 2020 at  the Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem Tennis Court, Mile One, Akyempim - Tarkwa.

Guest of honor for the event is the president of the Ghana Tennis Federation, Isaac Aboagye Duah with support from the Western Regional Tennis Association president; Quainoo Ronald.

After the inauguration ceremony, there will be a friendly tournament between GMC Tennis Club House, Mobic Tennis Club and host Anglogold Tennis club.

Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem tennis club made up of employees of Anglogold Ashanti and some members from Tarkwa township

Speaking to ghanatennis.org captain of the club Karim Osman said, "the formation of the club is to ensure that members feel part of a community whose goals are to unite and have fun as well.’

He added, “Anglogold  tennis club soon will be regarded as one of Ghana’s topmost tennis club’.

Story: Gabriel Amoakoh

The Ghana National Paralympic Committee has marked this year’s International Day For Disability with a surprise Racing Chairs and Training Wheelchairs.donations to the Ghana Para Athletics, Ghana WheelChair Basketball, Ghana WheelChair Tennis and Ghana Para Badminton.

The historic initiative follows UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities’ theme 'Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 world' #Incusive.

The Ghana Paralympic Committee (GPC) presented 8 WheelChairs ‘’3 Racing Chairs inclusive to the Athletics, Tennis, Basketball and Badminton federations to support their preparations towards the Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Games.

In his message on the International Disability Day, the President of the Ghana Paralympic Committee, Mr. Samson Deen advised the Paralympic movement in Ghana to remain peaceful and be kind to one another before during and after the Ghana Election on 7th December 2020.

Mr. Samson Deen reminded all government offices to change their attitude towards persons living with disabilities as “Disability is Ability’’ and urged the Minister of Youth and Sports to leave a legacy by making sure his office and all his agencies becomes accessible #accessibility.

The grant support initiative - the biggest of its kind in the history of the GPC - is a result of development support from the International Paralympic Committee and its body Agitos Foundation Development Programme.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

AND THE NEW Denzel Bentley becomes British middleweight champ

…after Mark Heffron retired on stool because of HORROR eye injury

DENZEL BENTLEY became the new British middleweight champion after a gruesome stoppage win over Mark Heffron.

Bentley forced a fourth round TKO after a continued barrage with the right hand saw Heffron's eye close SHUT.

Denzel Bentley became the new British middleweight champion after a TKO win over Mark Heffron On November-13, 2020.

Mark Heffron's eye was swollen completely shut with the referee waving off the fight at the end of the fourth round.

The referee and doctors waved off the fight with Heffron unable to open his left eye.

The pair had fought to a draw just two months ago but Bentley looked a level above at the BT Sport Studios in Stratford.

The pair were even in the first but Bentley began to land right-hand bombs, with swelling showing as early as the second round.

In the third and fourth - and with Heffron's eye closing rapidly - Bentley was able to land heavy punches at will, inflicting yet more damage to the eye.

Bentley threw his right hand with pinpoint accuracyCredit: Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions

The referee waved off the fight at the end of the fourth round with Heffron unable to open his eye.

Source -The Sun                                                                                                  

Former GABA President Col. John Sharp has been reported dead on Thursday December 3, 2020.

He was a keen sports enthusiast who contributed massively to Ghana Boxing.

He was a member of AIBA, the international amateur boxing association, and also held position as president of the Ghana Kickboxing Association.

He encouraged many boxers in the amateur ranks, especially soldiers. He also tasked the the media to promote sports, especially boxing and kickboxing.

During his time, many kickboxers were able to travel out to fight outside Ghana and they won many titles.

The Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation, Ghana Boxing Authority and Friends of Boxing have sent their condolences. May he rest in peace.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Lizzy King Advises Sportsmen and women

Madam Elizabeth King, Chairperson of the Women’s Commission of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has advised sports men and women not to get involved in violence during and after the General Elections.

Speaking exclusively to Yours Truly, the Vice President of Ghana Hockey Association who also serves on other international sports bodies said Ghana needs every life, so people should not take the law into their own hands and do what they like as the security agencies are there to deal with them.

The former Ghana Prisons Services Director who is also known as Lizzy King said as we go on the elections trail people should be cool, calm and collected, and accept the decision of the electorate in good faith since this is not the only time that there have been elections.

She said sports people should not think because they train always so they are fit and will indulge in macho acts that will reduce their reputation.

“Sports people must use their fitness intelligently and also vote wisely. Ghana needs everyone, we are all Ghanaian first before supporting political parties, so I urge every one to be calm and collected, as we vote to elect leaders for the next four years” she expressed.

According to Madam King, Covid-19 halted most of the programmes of the Women’s Commission, but prays that next year is going to be better and Ghana Sports will shine brighter.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hearts of Oak, Frederick Moore, has resigned.

According to media reports, Mr. Moore, who replaced Mark Noonan last year and is currently on sick leave, will not return to his post.

Close sources told Joy Sports that Moore said “I think I should be back to the office on Monday (November 30)” when attempts were made to clarify when he will resume duty.

We understand there are some differences between the Board and Management. The Board hired former coach Kosta Papic, whom many believe will replace Edward Nii Odoom, without consent of management.

Papic was at the Accra Sports Stadium to watch Hearts’ 1-0 loss to Inter Allies.

Moore made intents to leave his role known to close associates following the brouhaha surrounding the appointment of a technical director before the new season commenced three weeks ago.

Moore, they say was unaware of the engagement of Manuel Vaz Pinto who left his role unceremoniously after just a week. Many of these issues culminated in his decision to resign.

MyJoySports

England-born Ghanaian defender Richard Nartey is happy to complete a switch to Premier League side Burnley FC.

The 22-year-old signed a short-term deal with Burnley in November 2020 on a free transfer after impressing the coaching staff during his training with the club.

He will be with Turf Moor outfit until the end of the 2020/2021 season with an option to extend.

Nartey was released by Chelsea in July this year and has since been training with Burnley where he has been able to convince the coaches with his performances to earn a contract.

"It’s a relief. After the whole COVID-19 situation, I was just happy getting back into the swing of it," he said

"Burnley let me come originally, just to get fit, which I was always grateful for, regardless. Now I’ve signed here is a great feeling for me."

"Everyone here made me feel like I had been here for years. I felt comfortable settling down and they have been a huge help in making me feel comfortable up here.

Nartey played on loan at Burton Albion last season in the League 1 on loan from Chelsea having made 29 appearances.

His Chelsea contract was not renewed at end of the season.

"You reach an age at Chelsea where you want to break through."

"The loan last year helped me a lot, but coming here with that family feeling I feel like I have a direction of where I’m going and progression. I think it’s a new chapter in my life," he added.

Nartey was born in London to a Ghanaian father and a British mother but is yet to represent Ghana or England at any level.

He spent 11 years at Chelsea going through the age ranks up to the U23 level before his release from the club.

GhanaSoccernet

Ghana Premier League side Accra Hearts of Oak have named Serbian trainer Kosta Papic as their new head coach.

This comes after coach Edward Nii Odoom was shifted to the youth side of the club.

Kosta Papic landed in Ghana last weekend as the technical director but has been handed the coaching role following the club’s abysmal showdown in the ongoing league season.

The 60-year old Serbian gaffer has returned to Hearts of Oak after many years of leaving the club.

Kosta Papic was at the helm of affairs of the club when they won the 2008/09 Ghana Premier League title.

He will be assisted by former Berekum Chelsea coach Asare Bediako who was named the assistant trainer of Hearts of Oak in November.

Kosta Papic has had stints with clubs like Young Africans of Tanzania, South African sides Black Leopards, Chippa United, Polokwane City and Royal Eagles.

He was appointed national coach of eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland) in December 2018 and left the role in December 2019.

From Sammy Heywood Okine