Four times Olympian, coach Dr. Ofori Asare believes there are many young boys who can bring glory to the nation if the government invests in boxing.

The man who trained Samuel Takyi to win an Olympic bronze medal for Ghana and Africa at the Tokyo 2020 Games said there are many unknown youth in Ghana who can achieve in boxing.

He said the only problem is finance, and wants the government and corporate Ghana to invest in amateur boxing especially.

He told Yours Truly in an exclusive interview that there are many youth, both males and females who must be supported to become better, and contribute to the socio economic development to the nation.

As Ghana prepares for the next Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, he knows that definitely boxing will get a medal, however he wants a haul of gold medals.

“We can do it if the boys are motivated and inspired” he expressed.

According to him, it takes a lot of things to become a top boxer with discipline, determination and devotion to training as some of the basic principle, however, the boxers must be happy and interested in the sport.

Coach Asare who manages the Wisdom Boxing Gym in Accra noted that boxing is not an easy sport, so the boxers must always be cheerful, and not lacking what to eat, wear or stay.

He thanked the National Sports Authority (NSA) for supporting amateur boxing, but their support is not enough, so he appeals to companies to aid the boxers.

He also commended the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and its sponsors like Twellium Industrial Company and Ashfoam Ghana, and prayed that their business will be more profitable.

Coach Asare who is known to be the trainer of Bastie Samed and other crack boxers will be among the dignitaries to bear the Queen’s Baton when it lands in Ghana, and he thinks it is a good initiative to promote the Commonwealth Games.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The 2021/2022 League season will be officially launched on Tuesday October 26 at the GFA Secretariat in Accra.

The event will be held at the GFA Conference room at 11am.

Tuesday’s launch will usher in the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League season which will kick off on Friday October 29 as well as other competitions organized by the GFA including the MTN FA Cup, DOL, Womens League, Women’s FA Cup etc.

The launch will be live on Max TV and all GFA Social Media platforms.

Members of the media are respectfully invited to cover the event, which will have the top hierarchy of the GFA, distinguished guests and members of the football fraternity in attendance.

For further details, kindly send your questions via email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

GFA COMMUNICATIONS

Ghana Swimming Association Thanks Partners And Sponsors

The Ghana Swimming Association has sent messages of gratitude to its partners and sponsors after successfully hosting the 14^th CANA African Swimming and Open Water Championship for juniors and seniors at the Bukom International Pool.

The Projects Officer of the GSA, Mr. Seth Nti named the partners and sponsors as the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), National Sports Authority (NSA), SK Holdings, CANA, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Stanbic Bank, Twellium Industrial Company, Mac Partners Mining and Construction and Agripower Company Ghana Ltd.

Meanwhile, the President of the GSA, Mrs. Delphina Quaye and Treasurer, Miss Farida Iddriss have commended the media for their support in promoting the championships.

The media partners include African Sports Media Network, UTV, GTV Sports Plus, Multi Media, TV3, Citi TV, Daily Guide, Graphic Communications, Ghanaian Times and others.

The 14^th CANA Swimming Championships was dominated by South Africa with Egypt and Morocca also doing well.

The President of CANA, Mr. Sam Ransamy from South Africa graced the event and commended Ghana for a great organization.

Ghana was able to grab two medals by Abeiku Jackson.

The 15^th CANA Swimming Championship will be held in Tunisia.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

… HE Nana Akufo Addo, Samuel Takyi and others to bear baton

A press conference to brief the media on Ghana preparations for the Queen’s Baton Relay has been held on Thursday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Baton will land in Accra Ghana on Monday. from 26th -28th, and will move across the principal streets of Accra, Tema and Kumasi.

H.E Nana Akufo-Addo will first receive it in a short ceremony at the Jubilee House from Sierra Leon, before it moves to Cameroun.

President of Commonwealth Games Association Ghana, Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah called for more support from the media and corporate Ghana.

He urged the various sports federations to work hard to motivate their athletes to win more medals for the nation.

He said the youth of Ghana who are the stars of the nation in sports must be supported.

Present at the press conference were members of the Queen’s Baton Relay planning committee, Mr. Isaac Duah  Mrs. Delphina Quaye, Mr. Hayye Yartey and Mr. Kwame Amponfi Jr. of the National Sports Authority.

The Baton will be held by other dignitaries including the Chief of Defense Staff and the Inspector General of Police, the Commonwealth Games Ghana President, members of the committee and other important sports personalities.

Popular artistes like Kofi Kinaata and Stonebwoy will also be  Baton bearers.

Mr. Isaac Duah, a member of the committee said Olympic bronze medalist, Samuel Takyi, Coach Asare and other sportsmen and women who represented Ghana at the last Commonwealth Games will also bear the baton during the relay.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

New President of the Confederation of African Football, Dr Patrice Motsepe is in Ghana for a two-day visit from Wednesday, October 20, 2021.

The South African business mogul is in Ghana for the Youth connects Programme held in Accra, organised by the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo Addo.

Dr Motsepe, a Special Guest of Honour  will speak on issues that affect the continent and how to be successful in the business field.

A series of activities have also been lined up for the CAF President, including a dinner with the president of the Republic of Ghana.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) will later organize a breakfast Meeting for him at the Kempinski Hotel where he will meet Youth and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif (Hon.), Football stakeholders, GFA Executive Council Members, Corporate Ghana, past and present football administrators and the Media.

Dr. Patrice Motsepe will round up his visit with a donation at the Dworwulu Special School before a brief session with Ghana’s Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif (Hon.) on Thursday evening.

The Sports Media is to take note that there shall be an opportunity for a media interaction (Questions and Answers) at the Conference Room of the Ghana Football Association at midday on Thursday, October 21, 2021.

This is Dr. Patrice Motsepe’s first visit to Ghana since he was elected into office as President of CAF in March 2021.

Beautiful Beneath in collaboration with Aegis Health Care are organizing “Breast Love 2021” campaign at their East Legon Shop on Saturday 23^rd October 20, 2021 from 8an to 5pm.

The event will comprise free breast screening, and breast bra measurement, plus 50% discount on selected items purchased.

“This is a unique opportunity which everyone must take advantage of, because the breast is a special part of the body, that is why we devote October every year for the awareness campaign. Don’t miss out, early detection can save your life” said Madam Juliet Gyamfi of Beautiful Beneath.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Republic of South Africa Topped the  Medals Table at the 14th African Swimming And Open Water Championships with 54 gold, 36 silver and 18 bronze medals.

Host nation, Ghana took only 2 medals; a silver and bronze.

South Africa 54golds, 36 silvers, 18bronzes - 108

Egypt 29golds, 43 silvers, 29 bronzes - 101

Morocco 1 gold, 2 silvers, 10 bronzes - 13

Algeria 2golds, 2 silvers, 7 bronzes - 11

Tunisia 4 golds, 2 silvers, 1 bronze - 7

Angola 0 gold, 0 silver, 6 bronzes - 6

Senegal 1 gold, 0 silver, 4 bronzes  - 5

Namibia 0 gold, 0 silver, 4 bronzes - 4

Mozambique 0 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronzes - 4

Cape Verde 0 gold, 0 silver, 3 bronzes - 3

Ghana 0 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze - 2

Mauritius 0 gold, 1 silver, 0 bronze - 1

Uganda 0 gold, 1 silver, 0 bronze - 1

Kenya 0 gold, 0 silver, 1 bronze – 1

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Host country, Ghana bagged two medals at the just ended 14th CANA African Junior and Senior Swimming Championship.

The 7-day event which commenced on October 11 ended on Sunday at the Bukom International Pool.

Abeiku Jackson, one of Ghana’s 18 participants won the country’s two medals at the Games. The 2-time Olympian finished 3rd in the Men’s 100m Butterfly with a time of 53.98s on day two and followed it up with a silver triumph on day three with a time of 24.18s in the Men’s 50m butterfly event.

However, in his bid to win Ghana’s first ever gold in the championship, the 21 year old slumped in his final race on day six after finishing 7th in the 50m freestyle event with a time of 23.47s.

Among Ghanaian swimmers were CANA Zone Two gold medalist, Nubea Adjei and Unilez Takyi who represented the country at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in July.

Ghana won two medals at the 14^th CANA African Swimming  Championship

12 countries mounted the podium as South Africa topped the standings with 101 medals attained (50g, 33s and 18b) They were named the overall best country in the Seniors and Juniors categories. Egypt in second with a total of 96 medals (26g, 42s and 28b).

Tunisia will be the host for the 15th edition of the CANA African Championship next year.

Credit Mubarak Haruna, Joy Sports

The podium looked as follows...

Junior women’s 4 X 200m freestyle relay

1. South Africa 8:46.88
2. Egypt 8:48.86
3. Morocco 9:19.09

Junior 4 x 100m mixed freestyle

1. South Africa 3:38.35
2. Egypt 3:41.56
3. Morocco 3:56.27

Junior women’s 400m freestyle

1. Hannah Robertson 4:26.93
2. Loijine Hamed 4:29.90
3. Sara Hassanin 4:32.86

Junior men’s 100m freestyle

1. Guy Brooks 50.80
2. Mohamed Mohamady 51.16
3. Sohib Khodry 51.54

Women’s 400m freestyle

1 Christin Mundell 4:40.02

2 Stephanie Houtman  4:40.17

Men’s 100m freestyle

1. Mohamed Samy 50.23
2. Guy Brooks 50.34
3. Clayton Jimmy 50.79

Junior women’s 100m backstroke

1. Sara Elsammany 1:04.62
2. Raghd Mohamed 1:06.34
3. Bernelee Doster 1:07.72

The competition saw great competition between Egypt’s Mohany and South Africa’s Guy Brooks. It was at an ultimate high level, congrats to all.

1. Mohamed Mohamady 2:02.16
2. Guy Brooks 2:07.07
3. Liam Vehbi 2:07.25

Junior women’s 50m breaststroke

1. Caitlin de Lange 33.28
2. Sara Solimon 34.16
3. Jayla Pina 34.60

Junior men’s 50m butterfly

1. Sohib Khodry 24.19
2. Matthew Lawrence 25.09
3. Guy Brooks 25.14

The quartet from Egypt took the 4 x 100 freestyle relay

4 x 200m freestyle relay  

1. Team Egypt 7:41.55
2. Team South Africa 7:48.78
3. Team Mozambique 8:28.98

South African Rebecca Meder won 100m backstroke

1. Rebecca Meder 1:02.90
2. Samiha Mohsen 1:04.73
3. Samantha Randle 1:06.01

New African Championship record holder by Martin Binedell (South Africa)

1. Martin Binedell 2:00.54
2. Mohamed Mohamady 2:03.07
3. Ruan Ras 2:03.98

Senior 50m breaststroke

1. Christin Mundell 32.64
2. Sara Soliman 33.83
3. Jayla Pina 34.65

Ali and Abeiku shared a moment of bromance after a tie in the 50m fly. Nonetheless the silent bomb Clayton Jimmy took home the gold and bragging rights as African champion. Swipe for bromance

1. Clayton Jimmy 24.13
2. Abeiku Jackson 24.18
3. Ali Khalafalla 24.18

4 x 100 Freestyle relay team consisting of 2 juniors and 2 senior swimmers South Africa’s women set New Championship Record

1. Team South Africa 3:49.91
2. Team Egypt 3:59.71
3. Team Senegal 4:11.35

Egypt won the 4 x 200 freestyle relay

1. Team Egypt 7.29.60
2. Team South Africa 7:34.09
3. Team Senegal 7:58.64

A new 50m backstroke Egyptian record was set by Samiha Mohsen in a time of 29.17

Junior women’s 100m fly

1. Nour Diana Elgendy 1:02.16
2. Rawan Eldamaty 1:02.67
3. Sawsane Elgamah 1:07.24

Junior men’s 400m Freestyle

1. Khalil Ajmia 4:02.12
2. Omar Rayan 4:03.35
3. Ahmed Abdelsalam 4:03.66

Junior women’s 100 breaststroke

1. Catherine van Rensburg 1:12.76
2. Nour Elgendy 1:13.71
3. Caitlin de Lange 1:14.90

Juniors 200m breaststroke

1. Matthew Randle 2:16.97
2. Jaiden Staines 2:23.14
3. Ahmed Ibrahim 2:23.50

Junior 800m freestyle

1. Leigh McMorran 9:01.61
2. Lojine Hamed 9:15.66
3. Jamila Boulakbeche 9:17.95

Junior men’s 4 x 100m Freestyle relay

1. Team Egypt 3:26.40
2. Team South Africa 3:27:49
3. Team Mozambique 3:39.83

100m fly

1. Oumy Diop 1:03.13
2. Inge Weidemann 1:04.09
3. Lizanne Viljoen 1:04.19

400m freestyle, African champion Marwan Elkamash retained position

1. Marwan Elkamash 3:55.93
2. Khalil Ajmia 3:59.97
3. Roberto Gomes 4:03.72

NEW African Championship Record holder Emily Visagie in the 100m breaststroke

1. Emily Visagie 1:10.81 CR
2. Christin Mundell 1:11.09
3. Nour Elgendy 1:12.74

200m butterfly

1. Ross Hartigan 2:00.10CR
2. Ruan Ras 2:01.67
3. Ramzi Chouchar 2:06.88

Women’s 200m individual medley

1. Rebecca Meder 2:15.45CR
2. Emily Visagie 2:24.45
3. Jayla Pina 2:27.06

100m backstroke final

1. Mohamed Samy 56.23
2. Martin Binedell 56.57
3. Abdellah Ardjoune ?? 56.67?

50m freestyle

1. Inge Weidemann 25.83
2. Caitlin de Lange 26.18
3. Amel Melih 26.23

1500m freestyle  

1. Marwan Elkamash 15:40.65
2. Mohamed Moselhy 15:51.80
3. Roberto Gomes 16:24.33

South African team managed a new championship record in the 4 x 100m mixed medley relay

1. Team South Africa 3:56.74CR
2. Team Egypt 3:58.28
3. Team Angola 4:14.58

Junior men’s 200m butterfly

1. Ahmed Mohamed 2:03.28
2. Liam Vehbi 2:08.94
3. Salvador Gordo 2:10.20

Nour Elgendy supports a frail Rawan Eldamaty after a hard fought 200IM, whilst South African Sarah McLaren fends off teammate to make her first individual podium

1. Nour Elgendy 2:21.29
2. Rawan Eldamaty 2:21.51
3. Sarah McLaren 2:31.83

Juniors 100m backstroke

1. Mohamed Mohamady 57.32
2. Liam Vehbi 58.72
3. Yassin Hossam 58.81

Junior 50m free speedies

1. Caitlin de Lange 26.18
2. Kirabo Namutebi 26.26
3. Carine Abdelmalak 26.73

30 laps in Bukom Arena produced the following results

1. Khalil Ajmia 16:01.29
2. Omar Rayan 16:19.61
3. Youssef Salem 16:44.47

Versatility (medley) relay

1. Team South Africa 4:00.83
2. Team Egypt 4:05.72
3. Team Namibia 4:22.88

Juniors 200m fly

1. Leigh McMorran 2:20.76
2. Meyrem Bahajoub 2:33.76
3. Nicole Redecker 2:36.15

50m freestyle

1. Guy Brooks 22.65
2. Yassin Hossam 22.78
3. Sohib Khodry 23.42

Junior women’s 200m backstroke

1. Bernelee Doster 2:23.26
2. Fareeda Morsy 2:23.69
3. Raghd Mohamed 2:23.71

Junior men’s 200IM

1. Matthew Randle 2:08.29
2. Mohamed Mohamady 2:10.52
3. Hamza Benhlima 2:10.89

Junior women’s 1500m

1. Catherine van Rensburg 17:08.04
2. Leigh McMorran 17.10.68
3. Lojine Hamed 17:53.82

Girls 17 & under 4 x 100m medley relay results were as follows

1. Team Egypt 4:20.80
2. Team South Africa 4:21.79
3. Team Morocco 4:43.69

Junior men’s 4 x 100 Medley relay

1. Team South Africa 3:46.52
2. Team Egypt 3:46.60
3. Team Mozambique 4:04.45

SPECIAL MENTION

Congratulate Jayla Pina from Cape Verde on achieving the first ever medal for Cape Verde at a African championship. Jayla took home 3 bronze medals and Jayla competed with her siblings at the competition, Troy & Latroya.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Nathaniel Attoh of Joy Sports has been named the Event MC of the Year (Male)

The sports journalist was mentioned at the Ghana Event Awards over the weekend at the Movenpik Ambassador Hotel, Accra.

He said it was a surprise as he was not present at the Ghana Event Awards, but at another event working for Ghana Boxing.

He said “I am grateful to God for the continuous strength and inspiration to keep delivering varied event genres consistently at topmost quality. I also share this with my wife and daughters who are always denied a father and husband when I have to be away for hours behind the and on the stage. I am also grateful to every corporate institution, event organizer/planner, stage manager, DJ, agency, sound engineer and above all every member of every audience I have served. The constructive feedback and the plaudits from close circle friends and groups have also kept me strong. Tons of gratitude also go to the Ghana Event Awards judging faculty and the voting public.”

“More importantly I thank the Ghana Boxing Supporters Union for all the support every time am in the ring announcing fights.”

“This is surely a big responsibility to keep my craft up there and maintain international standards the Ghanaian way. God bless. I remain Citizen Attoh” Your Master MC