Mr. Samuel Koranteng, CSE of MTN Ghana has described 2020 as an amazing year.

“Our dear invitational golf nearly did not happen for obvious reasons. Yet we’ve braced the odds to be here, a testament of our resilience as a people and as business men and women. The pandemic resulted in a change in plans for the year, top of that, we lost some loved ones including our very own Prof Plange Rhule, MTN Ghana Foundation Board member and an ardent golfer. We will celebrate him in a special way shortly” he said.  

According to him the tournament was organised to provide us an opportunity to relax, re-strategize and share insights on business performance in our usual cordial atmosphere. I am sure we have had a therapeutic effect playing.

“Please permit me to share some insights into our business activities for the year 2020. We themed 2020 as “The Year of the Customer, The Digital Experience”. This theme is in line with our objective to become a Digital Operator by the year 2023. 

He said they are empowering the customer to interact with us through our ayoba and myMTN apps. There are so many functions on these apps and he encouraged all to download ayoba and myMTN app from the Google Play Store and the Appstore.

“We also had to make serious interventions as a good corporate citizen to support government’s efforts at fighting the pandemic, some of these include:

Using our platforms (caller tunes, SMS etc) to create awareness and educate people on the need to adhere to the protocols, providing through the MTN Ghana Foundation GHS 5 million worth of PPE, medical supplies and other essential items for first responders across the country, zero rating well over 200 educational websites to facilitate e-learning activities of students at home, significant investment in our network to ensure adequate resilience and optimum performance to support Work from Home plans by organisations and individuals who had to use that approach to stay safe. In all the total support to fight COVID -19 for stakeholders such as customers, staff and the community was GHC100 million Cedis” he revealed.

He thanked and congratulated all players, especially the award winners. For those who do not win anything, he asked them to enjoy the lunch, interact and come back stronger and make us all proud at the next MTN CEO invitational.

He remembered to stay safe even as we get closer to the elections.

“Wear your mask everywhere you go. At MTN we say, Be W.I.S.E meaning- “Wear It Safely Everywhere You Go” “We Are good together” he added.

Felix Kwame Akafo and Georgina Andoh topped all at 2020 MTN Invitational Golf.

100 golfers from all over the country took part in the 2020 MTN Invitational Golf Tournament.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana Premier League side Legon Cities have parted ways with head coach, Goran Barjaktarevic after just two games into the 2020/2021 season.

According to multiple reports in the local media, the management of club terminated the contract of the Bosnian contract following their 3-0 defeat to Great Olympics on Friday night.

However, official communication is expected to be issued by the club.

The Royals had opened the season with a 1-1 draw at home to Berekum Chelsea last weekend at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Barjaktarevic has been at the helm for 11 months after taking over from John Paintsil who failed to meet the league criteria of having a CAF License A certificate.

The 51-year-old won just 3 games out of 15 before the coronavirus pandemic led to the cancellation of the 2019/2020 season.

He managed a win rate of 17.6% in his 17 games in charge.

Legon Cities ahead of the new campaign made 12 new seasons ahead of the new season, including the addition of Ghana’s all-time leading goalscorer in international football, Asamoah Gyan.

They were expected to hit the grounds running and challenge for the ultimate but have started the season on a bad note.

Meanwhile, Techiman City coach, Ignatius Osei-Fosu, Medeama SC gaffer, Samuel Boadu and former Hearts of Oak boss, Kim Grant have all been linked to the job.

Legon Cities play Medeama in Tarkwa in their next Ghana Premier League game.

ModernGhana

Heavyweight prospect Fabio Wardley (10-0, 9 KOs) made a statement as he demolished Richard Lartey (14-4, 11 KOs) in two rounds.

Lartey was pressing forward, looking to land something big. Wardley working with his jab off the backfoot and just feeling out his opponent.

In the second round, Wardley was taking his time, working the jab and then landed a big two-punch combination and sent Lartey down and out. Lartey was down and very hurt as the ringside doctors entered the ring to give him oxygen.

Lartey had previously been stopped in four rounds by heavyweight destroyer Daniel Dubois.

By Boxing Photos 

Mr. Sammy Heywood Okine, Communications Director of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has welcomed ACE Power Promotions and called for more promoters to make the sport interesting and serious.

Speaking at the launch, the experienced sports journalist said boxing is the number one sport in Ghana because they have produced 10 world champions and many Commonwealth and Africa Champions.

He added that Ghana won the first medal for Africa in boxing at the Olympic Games in 1960.

He noted that boxing has brought Ghana many glories so the game should be organized well and in the modern business way.

He added his voice for the rebranding of Ghana boxing and called for more promoters so that there would be frequent bouts all over the country.

“We have the talents, but lack the promoters and trainers, we need to encourage businesses to venture into boxing, and train more coaches” he said.

Ace Power and Box Office will stage a contest without fans at the Ga Mashie Hall of the Trust Sports Emporium on November 29, 2020.

By Naa Amerley Commey

Hurray we are Five Years and keep counting.

The Zen Garden Special Anniversary Bash comes up on Saturday November 28, 2020 at Labone in Accra.

All roads definitely should lead there because it is going to be another wonderful experience in the serene exotic and graceful garden.

The entertainment is what makes people to feel the place and as usual the best of performers are on the bill.

Food and drinks are in different kinds and available on order. The service at Zen Garden is so unique that you will come back to become a patron.  You can also have private meetings and your own party at Zen Garden. 

If you are you ready for the Birthday Bash this November 28? Reserve now on 0244933339 or 0240714474. Tickets are limited.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

ACE Power Promotions, in collaboration with Box Office Sports Promotions, will host Ghana’s first bout since COVID-19 struck on Sunday, November 29, behind closed doors at Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.

Daniel Aduku will fight Sani Yidana Kugblie in an eight-round super welterweight contest for the main bout of the night.

Aduku (11-2-1, 7 KOs) recently joined ACE Power Promotions alongside Holy Dorgbetor and Emmanuel Baidoo. All expected to make their debuts on the card.

Dorgbetor will slug it out with Billy Quaye in an eight-round featherweight contest while Baidoo faces Daniel Kotey in a six-round, super welterweight encounter.

Alex Ntiamoah, CEO of Box Office said his outfit was willing to step up and partner with other promotional banners in order to give boxers the opportunity to return to the ring and make a living.

“It is good to have boxing return and I believe fighters will take advantage of these tune up bouts,” Ntiamoah told the media.

Aduku will be fighting for the first time in nearly two years; since he won a unanimous decision over Emmanuel Quaye in December 2018.

His opponent, Kugblie, last fought in February, suffering a knockout defeat at the hands of Nigeria’s Obinna Joseph Mathew.

Also on the card, undefeated featherweight prospect Alfred Lamptey will face Edward Kambasi whilst Prince Oko Nartey fights Prince Tetteh in a super middleweight contest.

John Dugu will clash with Ahmed Abdula in a light heavyweight contest, Ishmael Djan will fight Yakubu Alidu at heavyweight, a super welterweight clash involving Isaac Aryee and Raymond Ansah and finally, Amadu Seidu versus Michael Dicardi-Nelson in a bantamweight clash.

CEO of ACE Power Promotions, Dr. Adae Opoku Amoako, hopes the bouts will be held on a bright note. The focus, he said, is to make a significant impact domestically and on the continental stage.

“Our aim is to unearth and nurture talents for the future and to make them compete at the highest level. This is what we believe would make us a great organization.”

According to organizers, all boxers will be quarantined a week before their bouts and tested throughout.

“We are prepared to meet all COVID-19 restrictions to enable the fight to take place,” said Kizito Akudago, Legal and Corporate Affairs manager of ACE Power Promotions.

“The bouts will be streamed live on social media with only news outlets and organizers to be at the venue.”

More boxing events are expected on national television in Ghana due to the threat of COVID-19. These events will include frequent testing of fighters and officials. The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) believes their protocol will allow the sport to resume shows on a regular basis during this crisis period.

“Promoters will have some financial relief from the government because the COVID-19 tests would be catered for by the government,” said Patrick Johnson, GBA General Secretary.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) Ghana on Friday, November 20, 2020 organized one-day workshop on building sports brands through Social media for media attaches at the media center of the Accra Sports Stadium.

Chairman of 2023 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare urged the media to support in the promotion and marketing of the upcoming African Games through their social media channels and portals.

He said Social Media: Helps in globalization and socialization. It helps the individuals to interact.-It creates emotional connectivity.-Connects to consumers .

On Branding, he said Journalists should support federations to brand themselves which can help various sports win medals. He advised that the journalists should be mindful of what they put on social media.

He expressed that reporting on lesser known sports helps in branding them for people to know and understanding the game, as branding the game well by good reportage.

University of Ghana Business School lecturer, Dr. Kobby Mensah, also talked about building sports brands through journalism. He touched on brand management, brand journalism, branding terminology (Brand Awareness and Brand Association). Brand Image, Brand Identity, Brand.

President of Commonwealth Games Ghana, Ben Nuno Mensah said, "I am happy with the turnout of events especially the media attendance. Hope the workshop will have great impact on their reportage and how the media can use social media and branding to help lesser known sports.”

Some sports personalities present at the programme were Chairperson of the Women's Commission on Sports, Madam Elizabeth King, Executive Director of WISA, Madam Gloria Commodore and President of WOSPAG, Mrs Joyce Mahama.

Others who graced the program were the President of Ghana Netball, Rev. Nikoi, President of Ghana Volleyball, Mr. Paul Atchoe, President of Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation Mr. George Lamptey, President of Ghana Karate do Mr. Melvin Brown and Mr. Evans Yeboah, President of Ghana Badminton.

Most participants who were interviewed about the content of the workshop commended and congratulated Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah and his charges. They also hailed the resource persons for their knowledge and willingness to share and know more.

Over 50 sports journalists who took part in the workshop were awarded certificates.

The programme was sponsored by Papaye Fast Foods, Twellium Industrial Company, Jay Kay Industries & Investments Limited, AshFoam Ghana Limited and CODA.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Commonwealth Games Ghana has organized a well attended one-day workshop on building sports brands through Social media at the media center of the Accra Sports Stadium.

Speaking at the event, chairman of 2023 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare spoke on social media and branding.

Social Media:

-Helps in globalization and socialization.

-It helps the individuals to interact.

-It creates emotional connectivity.

-Connects to consumers .

Branding:

-Journalists should support federations to brand themselves which can help various sports win medals.

-The journalists should be mindful of what they put on social media.

-Reporting on lesser known sports helps in branding

-Understanding the game also helps in reporting of the game.

-Brand the game well by good reportage.

University of Ghana Business School lecturer, Dr. Kobby Mensah, also talked about building sports brands through journalism. He touched on brand management, brand journalism, branding terminology (Brand Awareness and Brand Association). Brand Image, Brand Identity, Brand Personality.

Speaking to ghanatennis.org, President of Commonwealth Games Ghana, Ben Nuno Mensah said, "I am happy with turnout of events especially the media. Hope the workshop will have great impact on their reportage and how the media can use social media and branding to help lesser known sports.”

Some sports personalities present were Chairperson of the Women's Commission on Sports, Madam Elizabeth King, Executive Director of WISA, Madam Gloria Commodore and President of WOSPAG, Mrs Joyce Mahama.

Others who graced the program were the President of Ghana Netball, Rev. Nikoi, President of Ghana Volleyball, Mr. Paul Atchoe, President of Ghana Boxing Federation  Mr. George Lamptey and Mr. Evans Yeboah, President of Ghana Badminton.

Ace media personality, Mr. Sammy Heywood Okine aka General One who coordinated the workshop said more of such capacity building programmes would he organized for Federations heads and others. He commended the participants for their compartment and contributions during the programme.

Over 50 sports journalists who took part in the workshop were awarded certificates.

The educative programme was sponsored by Papaye Fast Foods, Twellium Industrial Company, Jay Kay Industries & Investments Limited, AshFoam Ghana Limited and CODA.

By Gabby Amoako

Felix Kwame Akafo and Georgina Andoh top at 2020 MTN Invitational Golf

100 golfers from all over the nation took part in the 2020 MTN Invitational Golf Tournament which took place at the Celeibrity Golf Club at Sakumono on Saturday.

At the end of healthy encounters, Felix Kwame Akafo came out winning the Men’s Group A with 41 points, he was followed by Ellias K. with 39 points and Christopher Mbii who got 38 points.

Okoe Tackie won the Men’s Group B with 47 points, followed by Ross Han with 39 points and Alex Oppong – Bafour also at 39 points.

Georgina Andoh placed first in the Ladies Category with a score of 43 (33). Leticia Amponsah Mensah was second with 34 (10) and Helen Amponsah placed third on 43 (33), while Vivian Dick took the fourth position with a score 32 (16).

Charles Mantey won the Senior’s event with 37 points. He was followed by Jimmy Thorme with 30 points and Esther Antwi with 22 points, while the Elder’s trophy was taken by Mrs. Owusu Adyapong.

Closest to the pin was won by Isaac Awuni, while Christopher Mbii took the prize for the Men Longest drive.

Flora Hurtubiase won the Ladies longest drive and closest to the pin trophies. All the winners received special prizes from MTN, the sponsor.

Mr. Ishmael Yamson, board chairman of MTN Ghana eulogized the late Dr. Plange Rhule in whose memory the tournament was held. He commended the organisers for sustaining the event for the past eight years, despite challenges.

He expressed that consistent playing of golf has helped the winners.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana Football Association (GFA) president, Kurt Okraku has been named 2nd Vice President of the West African Football Union (WAFU ) Zone B as per the Statutes of the Union.

Mr. Okraku became President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) following closely contested elections held in Accra last year.

The soft-spoken football administrator has won many admirers with his approach to issues since ascending on the throne.

He is widely hailed for changing the narrative by being transparent and accountable to the football fraternity.

Mr. Okraku holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Ghana, trained as a journalist at the Ghana Institute of Journalism and also an MBA holder from the University of Liverpool. While in the UK, he also received various certificates in marketing, hospitality and tourism management.

The former Dreams FC bankroller is an astute football administrator and has his name synonymous with football administration serving on various executive committees of the Ghana Football Association as well as the national team, Ghana Black Stars.

He again served as the administrative manager of Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) from 2008 to 2010.

Before ascending the eminent GFA Presidential throne, Mr. Simeon-Okraku was the Chairman of the MTN FA Cup Committee, a position he held flawlessly to the admiration of all and Sundry.

He is therefore in no doubt well-equipped to hold the fort on the West African Zonal front.

Source: Ghana Soccernet