Mr. Roland Ofei Ansah, Retail Sales Lead of Star Assurance Group has explained why his company decided to bear the cost of the health screening of professional boxers in Ghana following the death of two boxers.

He told yours Truly in an exclusive interview that the Star Assurance Group took the move as a corporate social responsibility since most boxers and promoters find it difficult to undertake the screening exercise which has been established as mandatory by the Interim Management Committee of Ghana Boxing.

 “We know boxing is sport and entertainment and many young guys are involved so we didn't want them to loose their lives through negligence so we decided to come in when approached by the sports authorities” he said.

He noted that the initiative is part of their broader desire to promote athlete's safety, longevity, and professionalism in Ghanaian boxing.

He hinted that the exercise is expensive however they want to contribute to the safety of Ghana's talented athletes.

Mr. Gideon Oyiadzo, Coordinator of the IMC who was very much elated with the positive response of the boxers with their massive turn out to register said the suspension on local boxing has been lifted and they have sanctioned a bill by Dzata Promotions n Tarkwa which is going to test the ground on the new line of action taken to ensure that boxing is organised well in Ghana.

The licenced professional boxers appreciate and support the health screening initiative of the Interim Management Committee of Ghana Boxing which started on Monday at the Lapaz Community Hospital.

The initiative is part of the recommendations of the Lawyer Amarkai Amarteifio investigative committee that was set up after the passing of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwsegun, before Ernest Akushey aka Bahubali also passed.

The National Sports Authority (NSA), under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports and Recreation (MoSR) teamed up with Star Assurance Group to organize the health screening exercise for all registered Ghanaian boxers.

The screening started with registration at the Jamestown Police Station from where the boxers are conveyed in a bus to the Lapaz Community Hospital for the mandatory laboratory tests. The exercise would take one week.

The boxers who are screened would be captured in the database of the independent Medical and Safety Commission (MSC).

Abu Kamoko aka ‘Ambitious Tilapia’, and his colleagues thanked Star Assurance for their sponsorship and hoped that it would be successful.

Other boxers who spoke were Daniel Gorsh. Abraham Tetteh, Africanus Neequaye, Henry Malm, Ben Ankrah, Stephen Coffie, Alfred Lamptey as well as Coach Ebenezer Adjei of the Black Panthers Gym.

Senior coach Dr. Ofori Asare who is a member of the IMC advised that the health screening exercise is part of the prerequisites for the mandatory re-registration of all Ghanaian Boxers willing and able to fight under the flag of Ghana. 

He also commended Star Assurance Group and urged all boxers to participate and cooperate.

Dr. Philip Amekudzi of the Lapaz Community Hospital expressed that the tests would include mandatory medical tests necessary to ensure that all boxers are healthy and fit to compete.

He announced that they have the modern equipment to test many ailments and advised the boxers to obey their coaches and take good care of their lives by choosing the health facilities first and not the last choice when they have problems.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

In a decisive shift to bolster food security and support domestic agriculture, the Government of Ghana has announced a major reorganization of its decentralised School Feeding Programme, following a Cabinet decision. Under the new policy, the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) will now directly manage the procurement of six central grain and legume items: maize, gari, beans, peanuts, millet, and soybeans. This is part of a drive to streamline accountability and ensure reliable delivery of locally-produced staples.  Deputy Chief of Staff at the Presidency Nana Oye Bampoe Addo mentioned this on behalf of the first lady of the republic of Ghana Lordina Mahama during the 79TH SPEECH DAY OF ABURI GIRLS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL at Aburi in the Eastern region.

According to Nana Oye Bampoe Addo under the programme the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), in collaboration with the Ghana Commodity Exchange, will supply a further twelve essential food items which is expected to enhance logistical efficiency and broaden the diversity of school meals and also enhance the health of students at the various schools. Addressing the grand function which was theme” A legacy of Light: Influencing Future Generation” organized and financed by the 2000-year group of the school, the legal practitioner congratulated the board, management old girls and parents for their various roles in sharping the lives of many students who have passed through a well-trained system at the school. She later donated amount of ghc 20000 on behalf of the first lady and particularly praised the 2000-year group old girls for their massive and tremendous assistance toward the 79th speech and prizing day event and their legacy project.

Guest Speaker at the event, chief director at the Ministry of Education, Lydia Obenewah Essuah underscored the importance of quality educational system as a driving force for nation building and added her ministry in partnership with other agencies are working to ensure that the best will always be in place for every Ghanaian child.

The headmistress of Aburi Girls Senior High School, Wilhelmina Obuobisa – Atakora in her speech enlisted the several challenges facing the schools currently especially inadequate furniture for the glowing student’s population, the uncompleted teacher’s housing projects and the age-old acute water problem and appealed for assistance. She was excited about the various successes chalked by the school academically and in extra curriculum activities. Just like other speakers at the function, Mrs Obuobisa – Attakora expressed her profound gratitude to all those in various ways have assisted the school in their quest to ensure good environment for teaching and learning and mentioned especially the 2000-year group for the endless efforts in terms of assistance. Patron of the 2000 year group, Madam Obuobia Darko – Opoku congratulated the sponsors of the speech day function and them to ready to serve their alma mater which has contributed to sharp their lives.

President of the ever green 2000 year, Akua Boahemah Owusu-Sekyere in the company of other members joined by the special aide to President John Mahama, Joyce Bawah Mogatri to commission the refurnished school’s famous tower, some renovated offices and expressed her gratitude to the management of the school for the opportunity given them to assist and serve their alma mater. She used the occasion to thank fellow mates, the first family of Ghana, the chief of staff, Julius Debrah, Madam Mr. Darko-Opoku,Stanbic Bank, Frema Foundation  Amma Busia Foundation ,Brand Hub Ghana, Tobinco Pharmacy and the entire old girls for their encouragement and commitment to a good course. The function which was attended by people of all walks of lives including the Aburi hene, Nana Otoobuor Djan Kwasi II the clergy and some political figures saw both immediate past students, present student teaching and non-teaching staff recognized during the award session.  

Source Phil John Quartey

Almost every licenced professional boxer is supporting the health screening initiative of the Interim Management Committee of Ghana Boxing which started on Monday at the Lapaz Community Hospital.

The initiative is part of the recommendations of the Lawyer Amarkai Amarteifio investigative committee that was set up after the passing of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwsegun.

The National Sports Authority (NSA), under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports and Recreation (MoSR) has teamed up with Star Assurance to organize the health screening exercise for all registered Ghanaian  boxers. The screening started with registration at the Jamestown Police Station then boxers are conveyed to the Lapaz Community Hospital for the mandatory laboratory tests

The boxers who want to be captured unto the database of the independent Medical and Safety Commission (MSC) responded positively in exclusive chats with Yours Truly.

Led by Abu Kamoko aka Ambitious Tilapia, the pugilists thanked Star Assurance for their sponsorship and hoped that it would be successful.

Other boxers who spoke were Daniel Gorsh. Abraham Tetteh, Africanus Neequaye, Henry Malm, Ben Ankrah, Stephen Coffie, Alfred Lamptey and Coach Ebenezer Adjei.

Senior coach Dr. Ofori Asare who is a member of the IMC advised that the health screening exercise is part of the prerequisite for the mandatory re-registration of all Ghanaian Boxers willing and able to fight under the flag of Ghana. 

He also commended Star Assurance and urged all boxer to participate and cooperate.

Dr. Philip Amekudzi of the Lapaz Community Hospital expressed that the tests would include mandatory medical tests necessary to ensure that all boxers are healthy and fit to compete.

He noted that they have the modern machines to test many ailments and advised them to obey their coaches and take enough rest to regain their energies.

Mr. Roland Ofei Ansah, Retail Salesman of Star Assurance Group said the programme is part of our broader initiative to promote athlete safety, longevity, and professionalism in Ghanaian boxing.

He hinted that the exercise is expensive however they want to contribute to the safety of Ghana's talented athletes.

Mr. Gideon Oyiadzo, Coordinator of the IMC who was glad with the way the boxers can out in numbers to register said the suspension has been lifted and they have sanctioned a bill in Tarkwa which is going to test the ground on the new line taken to ensure that boxing is organised well in Ghana.

He said a stakeholders meeting has been fixed for Tuesday November 26 at the Accra Sports Stadium to further plan the way forward for the sport.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Health Screening takes place Jamestown/Bukom and Lapaz Community Hospital

As part of the commitment of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Ghana Profesional Boxing Body to safeguarding the health and well-being of all licensed boxers under our mandate, the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC) in partnership with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation (MoSR), the National Sports Authority (NSA) and Star Assurance is organizing a mandatory health screening exercise for All Boxers scheduled for Monday, 24th November 2025.

The processing:takes place at Jamestown/Bukom (Time: 8:00AM)

Another selected Hospital: is the Lapaz Community Hospital.

(Buses to be provided by Star Assurance / All tests also fully paid for by Star Assurance)

All active and aspiring professional boxers are required to attend in order to position themselves to be captured unto the database of the independent Medical and Safety Commission (MSC).

This Health Screening Exercise is a prerequisite for the mandatory re-registration of all Ghanaian Boxers willing and able to fight under the flag of Ghana. This exercise, which is exclusively sponsored by Star Assurance, will include mandatory medical tests necessary to ensure you are fit to compete safely.

“Your health is our priority, and this initiative is part of our broader initiative to promote athlete safety, longevity, and professionalism in Ghanaian boxing. Please bring along a valid form of identification and your GBA license card (expired or not): said the IMC Chairman..

For further inquiries or assistance, boxers may contact the following:

GBIMC Secretary (Patrick Johnson) – 0244201628

GBIMC Coordinator (Gideon Oyiadzo) – 0541706002

The GBIMC is led by Samir Captan who signed the release. He appreciates the cooperation of all stakeholders and look forward to your full participation.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Quartet of Belgian cyclists on Sunday November 23 sped to the top of the podium in the Grand Finale of the  2025 Tour du cycling race event with Joerik De Neve announcing his presence by finishing first in the final at Ablekuma Vicolis.

The 2.5km race of 20 Laps was characterized by a sprint finish that saw the top three positions secured by riders from Belgium.

De Neve, crossed the line with a time of 1:18:44.950, edging out his compatriots in the grand finale.

He was immediately followed by Jonas De Schampheleire (2nd) and Fil D’Heygere (3rd), with Kasper Saver rounding out the dominant Belgian performance in fourth place.

The minimal time differences among the first four riders underscored the intensity in the final sprint.

While the podium was dominated by Belgians who spotted number 9 on every team member, the final stage lived to its billing.

The top ten featured a diverse mix of talent, with Daniel Bichimann of Obroni securing a strong fifth place.

He was closely trailed by Souaila Ilboudo of Burkina Faso (6th) and Nigeria's Gabriel John Odum (7th), demonstrating the growing strength of African cycling in International competition.

The resilience and determination of Ghana's Victor Cudjoe Akpabli led the home contingent as he was the first Ghanaian to finish the race.

Riders from nations including the Germany, Austria and Netherlands forming the Obroni team, Burkina Faso, Benin, Togo, and Nigeria, as well as the team of Greater Accra and the Bahati team, completed the challenging route, each contributing to the event's resounding success.

The success of the Grand Finale not only highlights the victors but also celebrates the spirit of international sportsmanship and the unifying power of cycling.

The event also attracted Government delegation such the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Wilhelmina Asamoah and former member of Parliament for North Tong Hon. Kobby Woyome.

Ghana Olympic Committee President, Richard Akpokavie and board member Nana Mankatta were also present.

The Sponsors of the event were also present to witness the Grand Finale of the cycling event.

Top 10 Finishers:                                                                                               

1. De Neve Joerik (Belgium)
2. De Schampheleire Jonas (Belgium)
3. D’heygere Fil (Belgium)
4. Saver Kasper (Belgium)
5. Daniel Bitchimann (Obroni riders)
6. Ilboudo souaila (Burkina Faso)
7. Gabriel John Odumu (Nigeria)
8. Tom Wyeve (Netherlands)
9. De Neve Tomas (Belgium)
10. Kone Souleymane (Burkina Faso)

Stage Winners:

Bastian Dieti won the ultimate yellow as well as the best climber and intermediate sprints.

Luuk Van de Meer was adjudged the best rider and also claimed the overall best Breakaway.

Overall Best Team went to Belgium, a result that showed their collective strength.

Other accolades went to Tom De Neve earning the overall individual points. while Victor Cudjoe was celebrated as the Best Ghanaian rider on the stage.

Gandaho M.C. Charbel named the Overall Best Youngest rider, Farrakhan Mohammed the youngest rider and Daniel Bitchimann as the Overall Best Oldest competitor.

Source GCF

Ghana’s Allotey Beats Lookman, Hailu, Cheptegei and Tebogo at EMY Africa Awards

After missing the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Boxer of the year nomination, following an illustrious job this year, Ghana's Theophilus Nii Kpakpo Allotey has been named the Sports Personality of the year at the 2025 EMY Africa (10th) Awards.

The Ghanaian who holds the WBO Africa Bantamweight weight title as well as UBO Africa and National Super Bantamweight attracted and amassed the highest votes to win the prestigious Man of the year (Sports) award.

The awards ceremony took place at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre.and Theophilus together with his trainer Dr. Ofori Asare and managers, Ms. Sarah Lotus Asare were also among the best dressed people at the event. Also present were assistant coaches Emmanuel Adjei and Emmanuel Quaye of the Wisdom Boxing Gym.

He announced his next bout in Accra which is a WBO Global title championship.

He dedicated the award to his coach and team mates at the Wisdom Boxing Gym and all Ghanaian boxing fans.

The undefeated stylish boxer who had represented Ghana at the amateur level and gone to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Qualifiers beat other strong and very popular sportsmen in Africa including Ademola Lookman of Nigeria, Biniam Girmay Hailu, Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei of Kenya and Letsile Tebogo of Botswana.

Yours Truly congratulates the 2023 African Games medalist.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Kalmomi Amoo who led Team Nigeria to the 2025 Tour du Ghana has commended the Ghana Cycling Federation for an amazing experience and performance in organising the international competition.

In an exclusive interview with Yours Truly,  he praised Ghana for an excellent smooth road network in Ho where the main competitor was held for three days.

He said everything was on point.                  

"In fact I have to salute Shaaban Mohammed and his Federation for organising this event, I rate it over 100%, because everything was done well, supply of water and other drinks can at the right time, the volunteers, ambulance service and media did their jobs perfectly, the vehicles on the road obeyed instructions and gave way to cyclists at the right time in the town of Ho and the competition on the countryside was tough and challenging with the hills and valleys testing the strength of the cyclists.  Indeed it was a keenly contested event and I think my boys also did well" he expressed.

According to Amoo, tourism and the culture of the very hospitable people was exposed as Ghana people are very friendly and accommodating.

He advised that the Federation my be thankful to the sponsors and be consistent in organising more competitions.

He noted that bringing on board cyclists from Europe to compete was very unique and best for the African cyclists to challenge and give off their best.

The Tour du Ghana started in Accra before the cyclists were driven to the Volta Region to see and perform on the smooth asphalted streets in the Volta Region. The final session would be in Ablekuma in Accra to conclude the competition.

Meanwhile an excursion has been lined up for the cyclists and media to see other interesting tourist sites in the Volta Region.

The 2025 Tour du Ghana was made possible with the support of Dot.Aleliers the main sponsor, Twellium Industries, Stanbic Bank, SAS Financial Services, Apetamin, Prudential Life Insurance, MTN, DHL, Akwamu Kotoi paramount chief, Togbe Afede XIV, the Black Star Experience, Ghana Olympic Committee,  National Sports Authority and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Belgian cyclist Tomas De Neve displayed marvelous riding to win the yellow jersey at the third stage of the 2025 Tour du Ghana, crossing the finish line in a time of 1hour 54 minutes:07.276 seconds.

The stage was competitive culminating in a sprint that saw minimal gaps among the top finishers.

De Neve secured a seven-second margin over his closest rival, Tom Wyfve of the Netherlands, who finished in second place with a time of 1:54:14.622.

The battle for the remaining podium position was tight, with Belgium's D’Heygere Fil (1:54:14.977) narrowly edging out Burkina Faso's Yameogo Saturnin (1:54:15.321) by a mere 0.344 seconds.

The results underscored how cycling is growing in Burkina Faso with the Burkinabe team putting on a impressive display of teamwork and sprinting power. Three riders from Burkina Faso, Yameogo Saturnin (4th), Rawende Moucaila (6th), and Ilboudo Soumaila (7th) finished within the top seven, separated by less than a second.

The top ten was a mix of European and African talent, with notable finishes from Bastian Dieti from Obroni riders in 8th place and a strong Belgian presence that occupied five of the top ten positions.

Stage 3 Top Finishers

1. De Neve, Tomas (Belgium) - 1:54:07.276
2. Wyfve Tom (Netherlands) - +0:07.346
3. D’heygere, Fil (Belgium) - +0:00.355
4. Yameogo, Saturnin (Burkina Faso) - +0:00.344
5. De Neve (Belgium) - +0:00.354
6. Rawende Moucaila (Burkina Faso) - +0:00.286
7. Ilboudo Soumaila (Burkina Faso) - +0:00.219
8. Dieti Bastian (Obroni riders) - +0:01.341
9. Saver, Kasper (Belgium) - +0:00.240
10. De Schampheleire, Jonas (Belgium) - +0:00.555

The stage was dominated by De Neve Tomas, by securing a double victory. Not only did he win the classification for the Best Intermediate rider, but he also claimed the honour for the Best Breakaway.

Overall Best Team went to Belgium, a result that showed their collective strength. Other accolades went to Bastian Dieti earning the Overall Best Time, while Victor Cudjoe was celebrated as the Best Ghanaian rider on the stage.

Gandaho M.C. Charbel named the Overall Best Youngest rider and Daniel Bitchimann as the Overall Best Oldest competitor.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The 2025 edition of the Boxing Ghana Awards would be coming on live.

According to the Managing Editor of the popular portal, USA based Mr. Sammy Ofosuhene, the Awards programme has encouraged, inspired and motivated many boxers, so they are looking up to it.

He noted that this event was nearly shelved due to the suspension of all professional boxing activities following the death of two boxers, Nigerian Gabriel olanrewaju and famous jovial super middleweight boxer Ernest Akushey aka Bahubali.

Mr. Sammy Ofosuhene, a former host of HSTV sports show, Ultimate Sports expressed that some potential sponsors wanted to pull out, however he is trying to convince them to come back as those who will lose most are the young boxers.

Last year’s edition saw the likes of National and UBO lightweight champion, Joseph Commey aka ‘Jaguar’ and others grabbing awards and gaining international recognition.

Mr. Ofosuhene urged companies and individuals to support Ghana Boxing and the awards.

He stated that the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) alone cannot do everything, so other boxers and boxing people like promoters and managers ought to be encouraged.

The Boxing Ghana Awards would be coming on in December at the Idrowhyt Events Center at Dansoman in Accra.

Meanwhile, Omashi TV has expressed interest in covering it live, while some individuals have promised to support.

By Sammy Heywood Okine  

The Ghana Professional Boxing Interim Management Committee invites all stakeholders to an orientation workshop at the VVIP section of the Accra Sports Stadium on November 21, 2025 from 2pm to 4pm..

The invitation letter signed by General Secretary of the Committee, Mr. Patrick Johnson said as part of their renewed commitment to strengthening the governance, professionalism and collaborative spirit within the Ghanaian boxing fraternity, the GBIMC is pleased to invite all to a Stakeholder Orientation Workshop scheduled as follows:

This workshop is designed to:

- Provide updates on GBIMC’s strategic direction, policies, and regulatory reforms

- Clarify roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders within the boxing ecosystem

- Foster dialogue on athlete welfare, safety protocols, and international best practices

- Strengthen partnerships among promoters, coaches, managers, referees, matchmakers, and medical personnel.

According to Mr. Johnson the presence and active participation of stakeholders are vital to the success of this initiative and the future of boxing in Ghana. We believe that through shared understanding and collaboration, we can elevate the sport to greater heights.

By Sammy Heywood Okine