Ben Nunoo Mensah was re-elected President for the Ghana Olympic Committee on Monday by Congress at the CISR Hall in Accra.

The former Ghana Weightlifting Federation president got 35 votes to beat former General Secretary Richard Akpokavie who had 28 votes .

Ghana FA Executive Council member Frederick Acheampong amassed 41 votes to win the GOC Treasurer position over Christopher Essifie who had 22 votes.

For the General Secretary position Mohammed Sahnoon won the seat with 41 points as Richmond Quarcoo had 22 votes.

Over confident SWAG General Secretary Charles Osei Assibey lost to cool and calm Mohammed Mahadi for the GOC third Vice president position.

The Armwrestling Federation president was able to get 23 votes while the Ghana Fencing Federation president had 40 votes.

President of Ghana Volleyball Paul Atchoe retained his position as the GOC first vice president with 37 votes beating Ghana Table Tennis Association president Mawuko Afadzinu who had 26 votes.

In the other categories, the five federations recognised by the International Olympic body which were elected by Congress were:

Michael Aggrey (Ghana Golf Association), George Okoe Lamptey (Amateur Boxing), Albert Frimpong (Baseball and Softball), Emmanuel Tetteh (Judo) and Delphina Quaye (Swimming).

Elections results below:

PRESIDENT

1.Richard Akpokavie Esq – Hockey 28

2.Ben Nunoo Mensah – Weightlifting 35*

1ST VICE

Mawuko Afadzinu – Table Tennis 26

Paul Atchoe – Volleyball 37*

2ND VICE

Evans Yeboah – Badminton 12

Frederick Otu Lartey – Taekwondo 51*

3RD VICE

Charles Osei Asibey – Armwrestling 23

Mohammed Mahadi – Fencing 40*

SECRETARY GENERAL

Richmond Quarcoo – Squash 22

Mohammed Sahnoon Esq – Cycling 41*

Deputy Secretary General

Hon. Ahmed Shaib – Weightlifting 44 *

Bawa Fuseini – Triathlon 19

TREASURER

Frederick Acheampong – Football 41*

Christopher Essilfie – Olympian 22

DEPUTY TREASURER

Isaac Aboagye Duah – Tennis 41*

Christopher Darko – Amankrah – Athletics 22

Five Representatives elected from National Federation’s affiliates to the International Federations recognized by the IOC and whose sports are included in the Olympic programme :

Michael Aggrey – Golf

George Okoe Lamptey – Amateur Boxing

Albert Frimpong – Baseball

Emmanuel Tetteh – Judo

Delphina Quaye – Swimming

One elected member from a non Olympic sports federation

Abdul Hayye – Bodybuilding (unopposed)

*One elected member from a National Federation affiliated to the GOC :

Samuel Ayer – SESSA 27

Dr.Bella Bello Bitugo – GUSA 36*

*Three other members elected by Congress :

Rev. Emmanuel Dzani Nikoi – Netball

Michael Nkow Ayeh – GES

Emmanuel O. Asare – Cricket

From Sammy Heywood Okine

It has been quite the journey for Felix Ohene Gyan. Many a footballer dreams of a career that ends up in European football, and he is no exception.

Difference is, his dream has been realized.

And for those who know him, there is very little surprise in his being snapped up by Italian giants AS Roma.

Leading Ghanaians football agency, ArthurLegacy Sports are no strangers to identifying a diamond in the rough when it comes to football talent, and they knew they had struck the motherlode when their scout spotted Ohene Gyan playing for the Presbyterian Senior High School at Berekum in the Bono region.

It was not just his magnificent speed and power on the pitch that caught attention. Ohene Gyan was the full athletic package as he competed for the school in track as well, performing brilliantly in all sprint categories.

Football, however, was his calling card. He led his school to the regional tournament and was named, captain of the regional high school select squad.

The Wenchi born prodigy has always broken barriers.

From becoming his high school team captain and sports prefect as a second-year student when only final years are given that honour, Ghanaian super agent, Oliver Arthur, knew he did not just have a footballer, but a well rounded young man with the potential to reach the very top.

Ohene Gyan’s mother takes credit for his endearing personality. It was her who first discovered her toddler had a knack for football and encouraged his talent.

She also saw the value in him having an education and kept him honest as a student-athlete.

All that has paid off after his four and a half year deal with AS Roma.

It has been aeons since a major Italian club signed a player straight from Ghana and it comes with added pressure. But it is pressure Felix Ohene Gyan is ready to bear as he looks to take Rome by storm.

By Citi Sports

The President of National Paralympic Committee of Ghana, Mr. Samseen Deen has competed with national Wheelchair racing athletes in the “Walk In My Shoe “ #WalkInMyShoe initiative aimed at challenging Able Bodied Persons to compete with Para Athletes in their various disciplines..

The initiative is aimed at raising awareness and getting the general public to appreciate the strength and prowess of PWD. NPC Ghana will use this initiative to promote UKAID funded project Para Sports Against Stigma (PSAS) and equally as a digital campaign in the lead up to Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

President raced against Patrick Yaw Obeng - T54 Wheelchair Racer. Multiple Gold, Silver and Bronze medalist in 2003, 2007, 2001, 2015 All African Games and several other World Championships and World Cups. Expected to gain a qualification slot for Tokyo, with Felix Acheampong - T54 Wheelchair Racer. Multiple medalist in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 All African Games, 2018 Commonwealth Games (Full Marathon) and Emmanuel Yaw Boateng - T54 Wheelchair Racer. He also represented Ghana at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2011, 2015 All African Games.

It took the President 3min 41 seconds to complete 400m race.

Samson Deen expressed gratitude to the IPC President Andrew Parsons and his team led by Jose Cabo Montes for giving Ghana all the support to impact lives. And also to Jennifer Wong  from Loughborough University.

Samson Deen who doubles as President of the Ghana Para Powerlifting Federation used the opportunity to nominate the British High Commissioner to Ghana His Excellency Iain Walker, Ambassador of Japan and the Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports Mustapha Ussif for a match with the National Goal Ball Team.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Tournament Director for Ghana PGA, Mr. Akwasi Prempeh, has applauded the Achimota Golf Club for their readiness to host the 2021 edition of the PGA Qualifiers.

He said the pro players are also ready waiting for the tee off on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.

“The course is green and ready, and we are hopeful of a competitive event to select the best golfers in Ghana” he said.

He expressed that over 50 golfers have signed up to play to qualify for the finals at Damang which is the annual flagship tournament for Ghana  PGA members and other pro golfers from the neighbouring countries.

He thanked Gold Fields Ghana who have placed an amount of GHS70, 000 for the  two tournaments.

According to Prempeh, GHS3,500 has been put aside for the winner in the regular category, while the winner of seniors will take home 1, 500ghc.

In all there are 23 prizes at stake for players who will excel, as well as the right to be represented at th final show down.

He thanked Gold Fields Damang for their support towards professional golfers especially the friendly nature of open arms to receive them for seventh time running and the management of Achimota Golf Club for accepting to host the qualifiers, and all those involved in the planning and preparations for the tournament.

The three day event will end on Friday March 19, 2021.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Black Stars midfielder Mubarak Wakaso is optimistic about Ghana’s chances in the final AFCON qualifiers against South Africa and Sao Tome.

Ghana will take on Bafana Bafana on March 25 in Johannesburg before they take on Sao Tome and Principe three days later.

Mubarak Wakaso has been training with home-based players in Accra ahead of the two crucial ties.

“Everything is going on well, the guys are well prepared and ready to give out their best. Wakaso told ghanafa.org

“What I’m seeing here is massive, everybody is doing great. They were in camp before I came and I think what I saw was different. They were training hard and it motivated me as a professional player to play with the local players.

“They are playing in the Ghana Premier league and they are doing well in their teams that was why they were selected. They just need to be confident without any fear and from what I’ve seen, they are very confident and well-motivated.

“We can also help them with our experience. Without the fans, we are nothing so we need their support and prayers. We thank them for standing by us always”. Wakasso added

GFA COMMUNICATIONS

Abeiku Jackson Shines In Russia

Reports reaching Yours Truly state that Ghana’s top swimmer has registered impressive times at the Russian Swimming Cup.

He nearly shattered his national 50 meters Butterfly record and hopes to improve with other competitions. He was timed 23. 79 secs to win the Free style after swimming 24.18 secs. in Butterfly race. He did 28.39 secs in the Backstroke.

Jackson did 54.09 secs in the 100 meters Freestyle.

Other top African swimmers parading were Salvador Gordo of Angola,  Isihaha Iranhunda and Eloi Manraguha both of Rwanda

Jackson is on scholarship a 1 year scholarship at the FINA Development Centre Kazan in Kazan-Russia.

The Ghana Swimming Association has congratulated the rising super star as President Theophilus Edzie believes Abeiku Jackson will qualify for the Tokyo Olympic Games due to the facilities he will train with.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Legend of the sport Marvelous Marvin Hagler passed away on Saturday at his home in New Hampshire at 66, according to his wife, Kay Hagler. She informed his fans on Facebook and asked for privacy at this time.

Hagler was one of the greatest fighters in the 1980s, winning three world titles at middleweight, and battling the legends Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns, and Robert Duran.

Hagler was a powerful puncher with a huge heart, a great chin, and an attack & destroy-style of fighting. The way that Hagler took apart Tommy Hearns in a third-round stoppage in April 1985 was stunning.

Hagler’s other great fights during his career: Alan Minter, Robert Duran,Sugar Ray Leonard,Mustafo Hamsho,Vito Antuofermo, John Mugabi

Hagler’s 11th round knockout victory over knockout artist John ‘The Beast’ Mugabi in March 1986 was one of the last fights of his career and one of most entertaining.

Mugabi came into the fight with Hagler with a long string of early knockouts, and many boxing fans felt that he would be too much for Marvin.

But Hagler was able to withstand Mugabi’s power and take him deep into the fight to score a knockout. That fight was arguably a lot harder for Hagler than his fight with Sugar Ray Leonard, which he lost.

While still in his prime at 33, Hagler retired from boxing a year after his questionable 12 round split decision loss to Sugar Ray Leonard on April 6th, 1987.

Hagler asked Leonard for a rematch, but instead, Sugar Ray chose to retire from the sport rather than face him again.

Marvelous Marvin Hagler waited for 14 months for Leonard to give him a rematch, but when saw that it wasn’t happening, he retired from the sport in June 1988. Hagler said he was “tired of waiting” for Leonard to fight him a second time.

It’s understandable why Hagler chose to retire rather than stick around because the money he would have made fighting the other guys at middleweight would have paled in comparison to the payday he’d have gotten in a rematch with Leonard.

Interestingly, Leonard eventually offered Hagler a rematch two years after his retirement in 1990, but he was no longer interested in the fight. The money that Hagler reportedly would have made is $15 million.

“I am sorry to make a very sad announcement. Today unfortunately my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire.

Our family requests that you respect our privacy during this difficult time. With love,” said Kay Hagler on Facebook.

Source - www.boxing247.com

Former FIFA employee Veron Mosengo-Omba has been appointed the new General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The Swiss-Congolese replaces Morocco’s Abdel Bah, who had occupied the role in an acting capacity since March 2020.

Mosengo-Omba has left his role at FIFA, ‘with immediate effect’ according to the global body, where he had recently been working as Chief Member Associations officer.

“On behalf of all of FIFA, we would like to thank Veron Mosengo-Omba for his excellent work,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino and General Secretary Fatma Samoura in a joint statement on Saturday.

“[We] wish him the very best of luck in his next challenge as CAF General Secretary. FIFA also looks forward to working with him on future projects in helping to project African football to the summit of world football.”

Mosengo-Omba’s appointment will raise further questions about the role of football’s world governing body in Friday’s African elections.

An old friend of Infantino after the pair read law together at university, the Swiss-Congolese was one of two FIFA employees spotted talking to the four then presidential candidates in Morocco two weeks ago.

In the Moroccan capital Rabat, it was mooted that Patrice Motsepe would become the new CAF president with the other three assuming secondary roles.

That has now come to pass with Senegalese Augustin Senghor and Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya being named first and second CAF vice-president when the body’s new Executive Committee met for the first time on Saturday.

When Senghor withdrew his candidacy, he said he had joined his onetime rivals in standing aside after accepting “the proposal submitted to us by FIFA, Morocco and Egypt in the superior interest of the unity of African football”.

BBC Sport Africa has twice asked FIFA why Mosengo-Omba and Fifa’s Deputy General Secretary Mathias Grafstrom were meeting with the candidates in Rabat on 27-28 February, but has not received a direct answer.

A quote by Infantino was suggested instead, with the FIFA president having said, on 6 March, when explaining his widespread travels across Africa in recent weeks: “It is no secret that CAF has been facing some difficult times recently.

“So it is an opportunity to look forward to speak with everyone, to try to help African football in whichever way we can.

“I personally spoke with all four candidates for the presidency and many other presidents of associations, and I can certainly confirm that there is plenty of common ground between them,” he added.

After CAF’s General Assembly voted to its vice-presidential tally from three to five, Djibouti’s Suleiman Waberi, Cameroonian Seidou Mbombo Njoya and Kanizat Ibrahim of Comores have been appointed third, fourth and fifth vice-presidents respectively.

Ibrahim is the first woman to ever become a vice-president of CAF, which also determined today that Yahya, Mauritania’s FA president, would be co-opted onto the Executive Committee.

Source: BBC

The package of reforms was unanimously approved by the Session ©IOC

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session has unanimously approved the Olympic Agenda 2020+5 strategic plan that is set to shape the direction of the organisation in Thomas Bach's last four years as President.

IOC members rubber-stamped the package of 15 recommendations by a show of hands during the virtual 137th IOC Session, which concluded today.

The vote followed a near six-hour discussion on each of the recommendations made in the plan, the successor to Olympic Agenda 2020 which was devised by Bach and the ruling Executive Board.

Agenda 2020+5 features topics such as the global sports calendar, the IOC's relationship with esports, athlete representation, and gender equality and human rights.

The IOC hopes its new strategic "roadmap" will enhance the profile of the Olympics, the reputation of which even Bach has admitted has suffered in recent years owing to a series of corruption and doping scandals.

It focuses on five areas - solidarity, digitalisation, sustainability, credibility and economic and financial resilience.

"The coronavirus crisis has changed our world in fundamental ways," Bach said.

"The world will never again be like it was before. Even once we have finally overcome the health crisis, we will face the far-reaching social, financial, economic and political consequences.

"As leaders of the Olympic Movement, we must prepare ourselves for this new world. In order to shape our future, we need a vision of how this new world will look like.

"Olympic Agenda 2020+5 as our vision for the future of the Olympic Movement addresses these overarching trends."

Enhancing and promoting what the IOC calls the "road" to the Olympic Games is among the other key recommendations, along with a plan to "encourage the development of virtual sports and further engage with video gaming communities."

The recommendation regarding the "road" to the Olympics could see significant changes to the global sports calendar, which IOC members believe has become "overloaded".

It could also lead to the creation of more multi-sport events to act as Olympic qualifiers, while qualification events may be allowed to use Olympic branding to increase their profile.

The IOC has continued to assess further collaboration with esports amid the industry's boom in recent years.

Much of the latest recommendation is similar to previous statements from the IOC, which appears set to make a partner of the gaming sector in future.

Bach reiterated the need to draw a "red line" between video games that glorify violence or are in any way "contrary to the Olympic values" and digital versions of existing sports.

It came after Russia's double Olympic pole vault champion and IOC Athletes' Commission member Yelena Isinbayeva suggested the IOC should end its refusal to engage with "killer" games that are hugely popular across the world.

Gender equality and human rights fall under the recommendation to "continue to lead by example in corporate citizenship".

Uganda's William Blick admitted there was "not enough" female representation in the top brass of the IOC during the discussion on gender equality.

The IOC has also faced criticism for its human rights stance, where it has distanced itself from issues such as the treatment of Uighur Muslims in China, described by some as a "genocide", by claiming they do not fall under its remit.

The recommendation to "strengthen the Olympic Movement through good governance" was met with a suggestion from International Equestrian Federation President Ingmar De Vos that the IOC consider sanctioning those if good governance is not followed.

De Vos, who regularly intervened during the Session, said the evaluation of governance within the Movement "needs to be a bit stronger" and " there needs to be more focus on the implementation" of governance recommendations.

By Liam Morgan 

The Greater Accra Amateur Boxing Association on Saturday held a 1 day seminar for boxing club owners, managers and coaches.

According to Mr Alex Ntiamoah Boakye, Secretary of the Association, the program is to equip them with the necessary skill needed for effective management and marketing of their various clubs.

He said it is also to informed them on the program lineup for the year in order for them to prepare their various boxers accordingly.

Technical Director of the Ghana Boxing Federation Dr. Ofori Asare commended the 18 Gyms who were represented.

He said such interactions generate peaceful coexistence, unity, friendship and love.

The seminar took place at the Ashiedu Keteke Sub Metro Conference Hall at Jamestown.

By Sammy Heywood Okine