Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif calls on Federations to begin preparations for 2023 African Games

The senior national football team, the Black Stars will need $25m for their respective campaigns in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers according to the Youth and Sports Minister Mustapha Yussif.

Ussif made mention of this in a presidential breakfast meeting with Chief Executive Officers from State institutions and Corporate Ghana at the Jubilee House in Accra on Monday.

The meeting was geared at raising funds for the Black Stars ahead of their respective competitions in order to ease the financial burden on the Sports Ministry and also cater for other sporting disciplines.

According to sources, the Sports Ministry spends close to a million dollars on each game for the Black Stars.

“It is the dream of the nation to win the Africa Cup of Nations again in Cameroon next year, and to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” the Sports Minister said.

“These campaigns require a substantial amount of investment to be able to execute this mandate, approximately $25 million and government alone cannot shoulder this responsibility at the expense of other sporting disciplines.

“Supporting the Black Stars will enable the government to use the sports budget to support other disciplines especially as we gear towards the Tokyo Olympic Games.

“Historically, the Black Stars have performed well every time corporate Ghana has backed them and it is our hope that you will do same again,” Mustapha Ussif told a gathering of CEOs from corporate Ghana.

The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, announced at the meeting that government will provide $10 million of the required amount with a 5-member committee, headed by the Sports Minister, tasked to raise the remaining $15 million.

The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has expressed its sadness at the news of the death of former Ghana Olympian, Mr Nii Ayikai Adjin-Tettey on April 23rd 2021.

A statement signed by Ben Nunoo Mensah President of GOC, said the death of the illustrious Ghanaian Olympian and Sports Administrator is indeed a big loss to the nation.

“He will be sorely missed by all, especially by those in the area of sports, where his contributions were immense”.

According to a family source, the legendary athlete passed away quietly at his Dansoman home on Friday, April 23, after a short illness.

The late Adjin-Tettey was the Athletics Coach when Ghana participated in its maiden All Africa Games (now African Games) in Congo Brazzaville, 1965.

He was one of the pioneers behind the establishment of the Dansoman Keep-Fit Club and also one of the brains that put together the famous Accra Milo Marathon.

According to the source, funeral arrangements will be communicated later.

Source: GOC Communications

The Technical Director of the national boxing team Black Bombers, Coach Ofori Asare who holds a honorary doctors degree says they are the best national team and the nation should  be proud of them.

Speaking to sports journalists at a media workout at the Trust Sports Emporium Ltd (TSEL) on Monday, he expressed that three boxers have qualified to represent Ghana at the next Olympic Games so the government and companies must support them in kind and cash.

He said it is good that they have moved to another level of the preparations towards the Games, and his boys are really determined despite the minimal support.

He promised that the Bombers would definitely not come home empty handed, but hope to repeat or better the historic feat in 1964 when Ghana’s Eddie Blay won bronze at the Games.

He noted that skipper Sulemanu Tetteh, Samuel Takyi and Shakur Samed are all focused and poised to reach the medal zone.

According to Asare who has been to four Olympic Games, he has the experience and knows that no one is coming to joke at the Games, so they are going with the ambition and determination to win all bouts.

President of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) Mr. George Lamptey added that the boys are well prepared and he believes they are capable of winning medals.

He thanked the TSEL who have put their ultra modern gym and Ga Mashie Sports Hall at the disposal of the Black Bombers till the end of June 2021.

Nii Okai Nunoo, Corporate and Marketing Consultant at the Emporium said he is very optimistic that the Black Bombers will shine in Tokyo and urged other corporate bodies to support them.

Meanwhile, Golden Beach (Royal Dede) Resort has also made available accommodation and refreshments for the coaches and boxers who have qualified.

Present at the workout and tour of the hotel was Mr. Mohammed Shaban, new Director of Operations at the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and Kwabena  ‘Quick Silver’ Ofori of  the VOA.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Trust Sports Emporium Ltd (TSEL) have put their ultra modern gym and Ga Mashie Sports Hall at the disposal of the Black Bombers from Monday April, 26 till the end of June 2021.

The Bombers had their first training session at the Sports Hall on Monday and they expressed satisfaction and joy as their preparations stepped up.

Nii Okai Nunoo, Corporate and Marketing Consultant at the Emporium said he is very optimistic that the Black Bombers will shine in Tokyo and urged other corporate bodies to support them.

He recalled that the TSEL gave them a package before the Olympic Qualifiers at Senegal where the team did well to sail through to qualify.

He commended skipper Sulemanu Tetteh, Samuel Takyi and Shakur Samed for there fortitude and enthusiasm in training to enter the medal zone.

Meanwhile, Golden Beach (Royal Dede) Resort at Korle Gonno has also made available accommodation and breakfast for the coaches and boxers who have qualified.

Mr. George Lamptey, President of the Ghana Boxing Federation thanked the TSEL and promised that the Black Bombers will certainly come home with a positive story from Japan

Mr. Mohammed Shaban, Director of Operations at the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) was present at the workout and tour of the hotel. He thanked the two companies for their contribution and wished that others will support the national boxing team.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Businessman and Akwashonng of the Muslim Communities within the Sempe Traditional Area in Accra, Alhaji Issaka aka Nii Adote Odaa Wulu 1 has pledged to support the May Day Akotoku Boxing event which come off at the Lebanon House at Tutu in Accra on 1st May 2021.

Speaking  to the media at the Bukom Boxing Arena about the impending bouts, he said it is about time that the private sector supports the promotion of boxing in Ghana so that what happened in the past can be repeated or made better.

"We realized that it is about time that we put our shoulders behind the wheel to move boxing forward. I am here to support my brother Emmanuel Nii Amoo Mensah.

“I believe I can help in a way and it is good,  why not, I must support the person to make sure that we move forward, so that is why I am here  to support Euroka Boxing Promotions for the May Day Akotoku Boxing Showdown" he said.

He expressed that fortunately it is a holiday urged boxing fans to come to the Lebanon House early and witness some of the exciting boxing bouts.

"It's going to be fun, and those who can't come, I know definitely it is going to be shown on Television as we have friends in the media "he added.

By Richard Achore

The Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation will organize a special juvenile and amateur boxing event to honor Mr. Emmanuel Adotei Brown aka Nii Adotei Nampon II, Mamponse Mantse on May Day.

The event which is on 1st May 2021 will also features novices and it is to honour the above named leader for his contribution to the socio economic development of his area and support for sports, especially boxing.

Mr. George Lamptey GBF President said the chief has contributed a lot to amateurs boxing and deserves to be honoured

He said fights start at 11 am and ends 4pm, with the Black Bombers making an appearance.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

News reaching Yours Truly from South Africa state that the IBF Super Bantamweight African title bout between Ayabonga Sonjica and Theophillus Tetteh has been called off.

According to the organisers, it is of a situation beyond their control, however they cannot give any further details beyond this as a promotion and are are very hurt and disappointed.

All other bouts were done.

Please no media enquiries

Office of the CEO

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The ‘Girls Box’ event at James Town was a major feature on Saturday, April 24 as it pulled an impressive crowd including children, old ladies and all the major directors of female sports groups in Ghana.

Present were the Chairperson of the Women’s Commission of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Madam Elizabeth King who is also vice president of Ghana Hockey Association, Madam Gloria Commodore President of the Women In Sports Association (WISA) and Mrs. Joyce Mahama President of Women Sports Associations of Ghana (WOSPAG).

Also in attendance was Abigail Okanta Twumasi founder of Achievers Supporting Club and Mr. Yoofi Boham, an executive member the GBA and boxing consultant, Coach Carl Lokko of the Bronx Gym and Technical Director of the Ghana Boxing Authority  (GBA).

The Greater Accra Regional Sports Directorate head and technical directors were also present as well as the PRO of the GBA, Yours Truly and president of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) Mr. George Lamptey

After the amazing young smart organizer, Sarah Lotus Asare had put things in order, the bell rang and proceedings began with the juveniles where the young girls displayed amazing talent and skill.

The amateur version was so thrilling as the experienced boxers would not allow the youthful boxers to have their ways. It was indeed so nice to watch.

The media were also there to have interactions with the boxers and the organisers, the Greater Accra Boxing Association (GABA).

Among the boxers were stole the show were Faruiza Osman from the Fit Square Gym who fought twice with Sandra Adjoa Darwah of the Will Power Gym after a hot bout against Sarah Apau of Sea View Gym.

Trudy Manteaw (Attoh Quarshie) and Priscilla Tofah (Powerful) both member of the Ghana Armed Forces put up a great performance, same as Police lady Ramatu Quaye (Attoh Quarshie) and Janet Acquah (Will Power).

Others who fought on the bill were Mary Torgbor of Wisdom, Mariama Ankrah of Will Power, Najat Lokko of Bronx, Margaret Owoo of Sea View, Rita Bonah and Millicent Dodoo both of Attoh Quarshie.

They were all presented with certificates and gifts from the sponsors.

National coaches led by Dr. Ofori Asare and other stakeholders who have supported the GABA were also recognized and honoured.

Young musician Myna was also on stage to entertain the fans with her sweet voice and powerful message to young girls.

The message against teenage pregnancy which was the theme of the event was preached and highlighted by all the boxers.

By Sammy Heywood Okine / Elizabeth Alhassan

MTN Pulse Customers To Benefit From Free Thematic Book Collections On The Worldreader App

MTN, Ghana’s leading telecommunications company is proud to announce a partnership with global nonprofit organization Worldreader to bring free digital books to MTN Pulse subscribers.

The e-books can be accessed in the MTN Pulse branded reading zone on the Worldreader App which can be accessed on the MTN Pulse app for Android phones and via a magic link on basic data-enabled phones.

The MTN Pulse branded reading zone on the Worldreader app will feature a curated collection of 20 books on a theme, changing every fortnight. The themes will include Women, Career, Parenting and Romance as well as themes tied to significant national and international recognition days. The books can also be downloaded for later reading.

Commenting on the purpose of the introduction of MTN Pulse Reading Zone and the partnership with Worldreader, Noel Kojo-Ganson, Chief Marketing Officer at MTN said,

Technology makes it possible to access a host of e-books at your convenience. In pursuant of our mission to make the customer’s life a whole lot brighter, we partnered with Worldreader to give our customers especially the youth and young adults the opportunity to gain access to a wide range of books that will enhance their knowledge on various themes. We are confident that this partnership will contribute immensely to knowledge acquisition and the digital experience we want our customers to have on the network.”

“This partnership with MTN Pulse will greatly expand the number of free quality books available to young people in Ghana, especially during pandemic disruptions,” said, Ethel Sakitey, Regional Director for Worldreader in West Africa. “With a touch of a finger on their mobile phones, MTN Pulse subscribers can access books for learning and pleasure.”

 The following are examples of the thematic collections that will be available to MTN Pulse subscribers on Worldreader:

• Career Zone: Through this collection of career books, readers will learn skills and values that are important in the workplace and in their personal lives.
• Women’s Health Zone: This collection of books is meant to empower women and give them the information they need to take charge of their health, covering everything from reproductive health and sexuality to mental health and more. Young men will also improve their understanding of women’s health through the facts provided in these books. Armed with this understanding, both young women and men will be able to make informed, healthy choices.
• Romance Zone: This book collection contains books on love and romance. Through these books, readers will discover what real love looks like, learn healthy relationship skills, and how to overcome obstacles in relationships.
• Kids Zone: This collection of children’s books has been carefully curated for parents and caregivers to read to with their children, introducing them to the value of reading.

With these curated collections, MTN Pulse and Worldreader will impact young people through the power of reading. MTN Pulse subscribers will learn about the books through SMS notifications, MTN Pulse App banners on home pages and on social media.

MTN Pulse is a youth value initiative that provides subscribers with exciting offers on both data and voice calls at affordable prices.  The app can be downloaded from the PlayStore.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

… Promises Him Special Award After Winning IBF Africa Title

Aspiring Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) President Mr. Henry Manly-Spain has promised Theophilus Tetteh a special award if he wins the IBF Africa Super Bantamweight title in South Africa on Saturday 24 April, 2021.

Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive interview, the GBA First Vice President said Ghana Boxing has more to offer and lined up a few plans for the future.

He expressed his readiness to support boxers and coaches and the gyms as well as work closely with promoters to put Ghana Boxing really on the world map.

He commended Lawyer Peter Zwennes for his successful eight year reign which earned the nation three world titles, and hoped Tetteh will win the African belt and go on to grab another  world title.

The Ghanaian super bantamweight champ, Theophilus Tetteh (14-1, 12 KOs) weighed in at 118.61 lbs whilst opponent, Ayabonga Sonjica of South Africa (9-0, 7 KOs) tilted the scales at 121.47 lbs, setting the stage for their IBF Continental Africa junior featherweight title fight Saturday night in Port Elizabeth.

By Sammy Heywood Okine