Former National and West Africa Super Featherweight boxing champion Adanko Deka aka Kweku Abraham of Alajo in Accra has appealed to Ghanaians to assist him.

The former entertaining boxer has been facing health and financial challenges for some time and found it very difficult to make ends meet.

He was at the office of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) to inform the secretary general about his condition and solicit assistance in cash and kind from the boxing fraternity to ameliorate his condition.

Patrick Johnson received his plea and promised that they would try their best to help him.

He expressed that the GBA has been assisting many boxers, trainers and others when the need arises.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Asarit Football Academy, based in Akutuase, Nkawkaw in the Eastern Region of Ghana have secured sponsorship from Bruynkens Vleeswaren, a company in Belgium that prepares tasty meat for more than 100 years.

Former Ghana international star, Emmanuel Asare who founded the Academy with his wife, Rita and backing of friends, Francis Amuzu based in Germany and George Ntori in USA said they are very happy as the gesture has motivated the young players to put in more effort to train hard to become super stars.

He hinted that Akutuase and surrounding villages are  blessed with talents and their vision is to scout, discover and groom quality player for top clubs in Ghana and Europe, which is the goal of every footballer.

He said they have about 50 players who are training with the ambition of playing big time football in the future, and contributing to the socio economic development of the nation.

The Belgium based ex star said Bruynkens Vleeswaren, the company where he is employed was captivated by his hard work and ability to groom young players to discover their talents in football in this hard times of the coronavirus pandemic, hence the support with nose masks, tee shirts, football equipment and some amount of money to boast their website and social media handles.

CEO of Bruynkens Vleeswaren, Mr. Marc Carpriau together with Carolien Lindekens, Quality Control Manager have promised more assistance as they plan for the future, with the possibility of exporting their products to Ghana.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

His Excellency the Ghanaian Ambassador to Japan, Mayor of Inawashiro, Director General of the National Sports Authority, Staff of the Ghana Embassy in Japan, Fellow NPC Board members, People of Inawashiro, Media personnel, Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is my deepest gratitude to be a part of this historic ceremony.

This will be the first time we have had a chance to hold discussion with a foreign community to yield such fruits that will go a long way to develop and promote the Paralympic Movement in Ghana.

Indeed, Inawashhiro has given Ghana a lot in the past in the name of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi who through his immense works in the field of medicine brought a lot of enlightenment to Ghana as a country and its people. It is for this reason that the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research was instituted in his honor.

Today again, his birth town Inawashiro has also made history by becoming the first foreign community to open their doors to the Paralympic family from Ghana to embark on a Pre-games camping experience in the lead up to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games from August to September of 2021.

We will endeavor to utilize this kind gesture shown us to raise the flag of Ghana very high and promote the Inawashiro Township and Japan as a country to the whole world.

I will like to use this opportunity again to thank the Mayor of Inawashiro and his staff for the great efforts they have made in ensuring this collaboration comes to be.

To the Ambassador of Ghana to Japan, I say a very big thank to you Sir for your positive energy and support you have given us anytime we call on you.

I thank you Minister of Youth and Sports and the Director General of the National Sports Authority for the constant support in all our endeavors to develop and promote Para sports.

Last but not the least, Inawashiro town, we say a huge thank you to you for even having the will to engage us on this level through your Mayor, Arigatogozaimashita!!

I again express my gratitude to the Para athletes from Ghana for all their efforts they have put in to ensure that Ghana is represented in this games, their efforts will not go unattended to.

Lastly, I thank the media and all NPC-Ghana board members for their constant support given to athletes and the NPC-Ghana.

We will make Inawashiro proud, we will make Japan proud, we will make Ghana proud.

Thank you

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The National Paralympic Committee of Ghana (NPC- Ghana) and the Inawashiro Township have signed a historic agreement that will enable the Japanese city to host the Paralympic Team from Ghana in a Pre-games training camp from July to August 2021.

The signing ceremony which was held virtually in Inawashiro was monitored live in Ghana by the NPC with members watching and contributing online.

Mr. Samson Deen, President of the NPC signed his portion of the pact in Accra, Ghana and revealed that Team Ghana  will move to the official games village for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games after the camping in Inawashiro..

He expressed that the COVID-19 pandemic has altered many programmed, which caused the Agreement Signing Ceremony be done online.

He stated that indeed, Inawashhiro has given Ghana a lot in the past in the name of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi who through his immense works in the field of medicine brought a lot of enlightenment to Ghana as a country and its people.

“It is for this reason that the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research was instituted in his honor”.

“Today again, his birth town Inawashiro has also made history by becoming the first foreign community to open their doors to the Paralympic family from Ghana to embark on a Pre-games camping experience in the lead up to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games from August to September of 2021.

“We will endeavor to utilize this kind gesture shown us to raise the flag of Ghana very high and promote the Inawashiro Township and Japan as a country to the whole world” he expressed.

HE Frank Okyere, Ghana’s Ambassador to Japan commended the parties and hoped for a successful Games. He said the camping facilities are excellent for training, and the Embassy will continue to ensure cooperation between Ghana and Japan.

He also hoped that Ghanaians will learn much about Japan and boast tourism in the two nations.

The Mayor of Inawashiro Town Hiroshi Zenga in his remarks said his people are grateful and promised to support Team Ghana to make the Games memorable.

He said due to the late Dr. Hideyo Nughochi’ role in Ghana, they love to work with Ghana.

Some officers of the National Paralympic Committee NPC of Ghana and media joined the virtual event.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Some members of the newly elected Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Executive Board led by President Ben Nunoo Mensah on Friday paid a visit to the family of late Emmanuel Ontumi at Kasoa Ofankor to show their sympathy and love.

The hard working Administrative Assistant also called Nana Yaw and ‘Makaveli’  who was the  Dispatch Rider of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) passed away on Thursday, 25th February, 2021 after a short illness. He left behind his parents, wife and 13 year old son.

Ben Nunoo Mensah said he has been really touched by the lose of the long serving deferential staff of the Committee and they will ensure that he is given a befitting burial on May 1, 2021.

He was accompanied by Board Members Messrs. Abdul Haye Yartey, Albert Frimpong and Mohammed Mahadi, 3^rd Vice President of the GOC.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Roll Ball Federation of Ghana  in collaboration with Deon Recreational Center will host the 18th Final on Saturday at Community 19 Junction, Sakumono in Accra.

4 teams will compete in the game which involves skating and basketball scoring. Accra Sunrisers will play Welts RBC while Cape Coast Roll Ball play Litz RBC

The battle for the grand trophy will be tough as  the four great teams contest, yet only one will emerge winner and go for the grand throne.

The 18th Anniversary battle for the ultimate Kings will be lively on the 20th March, 2021, at the Deon Recreational Center (DRC). The battle is only for the strongest. Don't miss out.

Roll Ball Ghana  President Mr. Gameki said with the presence of Roll Ball in all the sixteen regions in Ghana, it seeks to promote inter-cultural relationship, peace and national unity.

“ Our game empowers communities and supports schools in providing so many sports and business opportunities for both the youth and the public at large. It also keeps idle students busy in sports so they do not engage in unproductive activities such as drug abuse armed robbery and immoral activities” he said,

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Motsepe has disagreed with Infantino over the timing of the AFCON     

The new President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Patrice Motsepe has moved to prove that he is not a Gianni Infantino poodle by insisting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will continue to be played every two years.

The billionaire businessman assured teeming football fans over the frequency of Africa's flagship football competition in the wake of a call by the FIFA President for a switch.

Infantino called for the Africa Cup of Nations to be held only every four years during an African football conference in Morocco last year, claiming that it would serve the continent better.

But the call of the Swiss national, who is the leader of the world's football governing body, sparked a big debate across the continent as many favoured sticking to the two-year AFCON frequency.

With FIFA brokering the agreement that reached a consensus among the four presidential candidates to bring Motsepe to power during Friday's election in Morocco, it was thought the billionaire would be controlled by Infantino.

But Motsepe sharply disagreed with the FIFA President over the frequency of the AFCON insisting with CAF's revenues plummeting, the continent desperately needs to maintain the frequency to maximise its commercial potential.

"The AFCON will take place every two years, African football needs it," said President Motsepe during a press conference in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

“This is one area where there were different views [at Caf’s assembly]. And I’ve no doubt that where we are now‚ it has to be every two years — there’s no doubt about that,” Motsepe added.

The move by the new CAF leader has assured football fans on the continent that Motsepe will be fighting for the interests of African football when he assumes his role as a FIFA Vice President - an automatic position for a confederation head.

Infantino sparked a major debate in Africa last year at a Caf development seminar in Morocco when he called for the AFCON to be held every four years instead of two.

The FIFA president argued that holding the tournament every four years will provide massive commercial and infrastructure benefit just like the other continental competitions.

"I propose to organise the Africa Cup of Nations every four years rather than two years," the Fifa President said.

"The CAN [Africa Cup of Nations] generates twenty times less than the Euros. Having a CAN every two years, is that good at the commercial level? Has this developed the infrastructure? Think about spending it every four years."

But with the new CAF president Motsepe taking a firm decision on the frequency of the AFCON, the debate on the matter looks to have been settled.

The timing and the frequency of the tournament has been a big debating issue among coaches of European clubs who have been reluctant in releasing their African players to play in the tournament.

Some clubs in Europe have called for the tournament to be moved to the summer because its timing in mid-season disrupts their plans as their African stars leave to play for their respective countries.

The January and February timing of the AFCON had previously led to tug of wars between European clubs and African national teams but the decision to move the tournament to June and July two years ago satisfied the concerns of the clubs.

But with the 2021 edition set to revert to a January-February next year because of the torrential mid-year rain in the host nation Cameroon, the debate will be reignited.

Motsepe was elected unopposed as CAF's eighth president at the football body’s general assembly in Rabat on Friday.

ghanasoccernet.com

The Weightlifting Federation of Africa (WFA) has congratulated Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah on his re-election as President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC).

Mr. Nunoo Mensah who is an Executive Board Member of WFA and Chairman of the Marketing Committee of WFA was retained as GOC President by delegates of the Olympic movement in Ghana earlier this week.

In a statement issued and signed by the WFA President, Eng. Khaled Mehalhel, said the continental body was so proud of Mr Nunoo Mensah on his re-election and was sure the reposition of confidence in him is to the advantage of sports in Ghana especially weightlifting.

“WFA Executive Board, as well as the African Weightlifting family, it is my pleasure and honor to extend to you my sincere congratulations on the occasion of re-elected Your Excellency as the President of Ghana National Olympic Committee for the new Olympic term 2021– 2024.

“As we’re so proud of you, we’re sure and trusting that this top position is an advantage for the sport of Ghana in general and specially for the Ghana Weightlifting Federation and we trust that under your continuous the efforts through your high position will achieve greater success in the future and we also wish you a very successful term.

“I avail myself of this opportunity also to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the entire new Executive Board Members of Ghana National Olympic Committee, wishing you all the success and progress in your duties.”

Source - Kenneth O. Adade

Sec Gen - Ghana Weightlifting Federation

Young American Ghanaian born Joseph Awinongya Jnr. is very much optimistic of winning the ultimate at 2021 USA nationals coming up between 25th March to 3rd April in Louisiana.

After losing his last bout due to many factors, Coach and dad, Joseph Awinongya Snr believes they have corrected all the mistakes, and leant so many things. He is very sure of victory, and urged Ghanaians to pray for them to shine thrill.

Awinongya Jr has become one of the most exciting young boxers of recent years. The accomplished 7x national boxing champion who has received several honors over the years including being honored by USA Boxing, Illinois Association for becoming the 2020 National Silver Gloves Champion

The 13-year-old boxer and arguably most written about juvenile boxers of his generation has currently been nominated for the Joliet Chamber Scholarship award and looking forward to securing same to pursue his future career in medicine after boxing.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Seasoned sports administrator, Herbert Mensah has jogged the memory of those vying for various positions on the Ghana Olympic Committee that serving on the committee comes with obligations of which they must be ready and willing to go in accordance.

The Ghana Olympic Committee elected new executives with incumbent President Ben Nunoo Mensah as the leader.

Many believe this time around, the elections will be keenly contested unlike previous elections where the competition wasn’t competitive enough.

But the President and Board Chairman of the Ghana Rugby Football Union, Herbert Mensah who was expected to contest for a position in the ongoing elections but didn’t believes sports is a big business which the contestants for the GOC elections must have in mind and must know that serving on the Committee comes with huge obligations.

” The issue is very clear here, we have a divided GOC, we have two fashions in the same political party varying for positions , I served on a board which was disfunctional, because today those who are standing are all aligned in one section against another section, most of them who are standing now, Richard Akapovie, Mawuku, Charles, Evans, Rev Quarcooe, all served on the previous Board and now I see them actually standing again.”

” I don’t know if whether they were against the things that were going on before but maybe that is the reason the Board never function the way it should have which is what makes this elections so momentous and significant..

He continued that , “Ben [Ben Nunoo] decided later in the day to stand again ,he wasn’t decided as at last year , whether to stand or not. I have been preview to speak to people on both side to hear what it is they propose…. I have one message for both of them, Sports is a vacation that everybody has an opinion, I learned that from my days at Kumasi Asante Kotoko and other sporting endeavors I have been involved in different parts of the world, everybody has an opinion”

” And I have always try to say to people to understand that you are not a fan or a Journalist, both of them have very important opinions , but the issue of running sports is quite different issue here, because it ultimately about money, sports is a big business and your ability to connect with capital, with government, and with decision makers is critical if you are going to fell the dreams of all those involved and I say despite the fact of the background of both groups in different ways, you should find ways to connect with the government and us very important to those involved in both side.”

The former Asante Kotoko Chairman added that, Frederick Acheampong who is contesting for a position as a treasurer have the vote and backing of the Ghana Rugby Football Union.

” Secondly am massively excited about the inclusion of football, my young prodigy at one point, Fred Acheampong is on board , Kurt Okraku and GFA have come on board to help the GOC, I think that hugely important.

” We understand that the politics of sports is football and for them to understand that there are many other sports and can be working together is important for the GOC,

” Am sorry for those who are standing against Fred Acheampong, but naturally our vote at Ghana Rugby will be going in that direction..

” We really going to look at that, there are been alot of pluses and minors but at the end of the day, those are the two big factors I look at , to be elected into the Board of the GOC and not to be able to contribute anything apart from common sense makes no sense to me, to be involved in fashions that says you were part of something therefore I don’t want to talk to you, again makes no sense, the leadership of the GOC needs to come in all block, there is no point in Richard becoming President and the other executive coming from other camps, there is no point in Ben retaining the Presidency and not having the Administrative control of the GOC, that is the hard reality..”

by Stephen Kwame Yeboah