MTN Group CEO and President Ralph Mupita has paid a day’s working visit to Ghana to engage some key stakeholders of the business and reiterate MTN’s commitment to help grow the telecommunications industry in Ghana.

The Group CEO and his team of executives paid courtesy calls on the Bank of Ghana, Ghana Revenue Authority, Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization to interact and discuss issues of mutual interest.

During the visit to the Bank of Ghana Mr. Mupita expressed his appreciation to the Central Bank for the support given to the business over the years. In his remarks the Governor of The Bank Dr. Ernest Addison congratulated MTN for the work done in the mobile financial services sector and indicated the BOG will count on the business to champion innovation and Financial Inclusion. Dr Addison was joined by the 2nd Deputy Governor Mrs Elsie Addo Awadzi.

Ralph Mupita and his delegation then called on the Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority Rev. Amishaddai Owusu-Amoah and his deputies where he commended Ghana for encouraging headline growth last year. 

In his engagements with the Ministry for Finance and the Ministry of Communications and digitalization, Ralph reiterated MTN Group’s commitment to the Ghana market and the company’s continuous support to the Government of Ghana in achieving its digital agenda.

This is the third visit of the Group CEO to Ghana since he assumed office.  The Group CEO is being accompanied by the Vice President for WECA Ebenezer Asante, CEO of MTN Ghana Selorm Adadevoh, CEO of Mobile Money Ltd Eli Hini, Chief Corporate Services Officer Sam Koranteng and Chief Finance Officer Antoinette Kwofie.

The visit to Ghana is part of Ralph’s commitment to growing MTN’s business in the various markets by consistently engaging local authorities to understand their expectations and to foster cordial working relationship. Ralph’s next stop is Nigeria where he will also engage key stakeholders.

Source MTN Ghana

The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) and Imax Media Group (promoter) have announced to the media and the general public, especially the boxing fraternity about the change of the boxing league calendar and the scheduled date for the first night event at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

Due to circumstances beyond the control of Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Imax Media Group (promoter) and the managers of the Trust Sports Emporium Ltd, the scheduled Saturday 5th February, 2022 date for the beginning of the boxing league has been rescheduled to Saturday 12th February, 2022 at the same Bukom Boxing Arena.

All stakeholders and friends of boxing are required to take note or be notified.

According to the GBA Communications, any inconvenience caused by this changes is deeply regretted.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Reigning African Beach Soccer club champions, Keta Sunset will participate in the 2022 Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW) World Winners Cup in Spain.

This follows discussions between the Volta based club and the FIFA accredited body.

According to the Chairman of Beach Soccer Ghana, Mr. Yaw Ampofo-Ankrah, the three-time Ghanaian club champions have received notification of the event which is scheduled to come off in Fuerteventura, Spain in April.

Sunset Sports CEO and Vice Chairman of the Ghana Beach Soccer Clubs Union (GHABSCA), Mr. Dzidodo Ruben Adjahoe confirmed the club’s interest in the event and stated its key objective was to play at the world event.

“It’s been in our plans to play at the World Winners Cup after we won the African Club Challenge in Lagos. It’s just right that we test our strength against the big boys after dominating in Ghana and conquering Africa. It’s also important because playing on a big stage will get us on the FIFA world rankings”.

The award-winning CEO indicated that his club would work hard in seeking support to participate in the tournament.

“It’s a big tournament and a lot of finances is needed to participate. We are seriously considering it so we would get to work and seek all the support we can get from corporate Ghana and our people from Keta and the Volta Region,” Mr. Adjahoe said.

Keta Sunset Sports is Ghana’s most successful beach soccer club having won the Ghanaian championship three times in four seasons. The Keta based side currently holds the title for the biggest African Beach Soccer Club tournament which was held in Copa Lagos.

Dreamland Sports Plus has presented  an Award to Mr. Jonathan O.  Baddoo C.E.O of Base Pharmacy for supporting Community sports in Okaikoi area.

These include the Okaikoi Homowo Gala, Abossey Okai meets Kokompe Tug of War, Okaikoi Triangular Marathon and Okaikoi Ampe Challenge in 2021.

The award was presented to him by Miss Sarah Awini, Secretary of Dreamland Sports Plus in the presence of the media and Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams, Youth Coordinator of the Ghana Olympic Committee and CEO of Dreamland Sports Plus / One On One Foundation.

By Elizabeth Alhassan

As Ghana prepares for up coming international sporting assignments like the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and African Games in 2023 which our cherished nation will host, there seems to be no current standing national boxing team with the requisite exposure, experience to excel.

After the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the sole Bronze medalist, Samuel Takyi aka ‘The Ring Warrior’ announced his movement into the professional ranks.

Also skipper Suleimanu Tetteh who won and lost one fight at the Olympic Games in Japan may decide to do other things since serving the national amateur boxing team for almost a decade is worthwhile.

Shakur Samed, the African Games 2019 Bronze medalist who lost his first and only bout in Tokyo 2020 has not yet disclosed whether to stay in the amateur division or go pro.

With the election of a new leadership for the Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation (GABF), and Mr. Ben Quartey taking the enviable office as President, new ideas and policies may come up, hoping for better management / administration and more medals for the nation at international Games.

Since the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil where only one boxer, Abdul Wahid Omar represented Ghana and came home empty handed, the nation has won one Bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2018 in Australia by Jessie Lartey.

Our female boxers are also doing well, by training hard daily to chance upon an opportunity to showcase what they can do.

Often times they are allotted few slots, but USA based Ornella Sathoud proved they are capable when she won Bronze at the 2020 Olympic Qualifier in Dakar, Senegal, but could not make it to the Olympic Games proper.

Other girls like Faruza Osman, Sarah Appew, Trudy Mathew are still training, but they lack motivation, and they can quit any time they feel like.

The Bukom Fist of Fury Amateur Boxing League seems to be put on the shelve, but I advise that it should be return to keep the amateur boxers in shape, active and ready.

Indeed the new executive of the GBF has a lot to do to equal or maintain the winning standard set by their predecessors.

GOC Board member and SWAG Sports administrator of the year 2021, Mr. George Lamptey who lost his presidential position is seeking an International Boxing Association (IBA) post and that would be good for Ghana if he wins, because the nation and continent needs representation at that international level.

Amateur Boxing has always been the backbone and hope of the nation at international meets, so Yours Truly want to plead with the new executive of the GBF with the support of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and National Sports Authority (NSA) to be smart and plan well, taking the right directions and decisions at the right times, to ensure that they win more medals at Birmingham 2022 and Accra 2023, to make a smooth way for Paris 2024 Olympic Games .

As I write this piece, the new Black Bombers team is yet to be constituted, and they need to be camped and engaged in training programmes before the main events..

I hear there would an Individual Open to select new boxers and a National  Championship, the date, I do not know yet, but I want to advise that it is always better to prepare and plan on time, if you want to be the best.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

12 clubs have registered to participate in the Ghana Professional Boxing League which will be held at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

The programme is under the auspices of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) and sponsored by IMAX Media Group.

The clubs are Attoh Quarshie, Black Panthers, Charles Quartey Foundation, Panix, The Gym, Wisdom, Akotoku, Fit Square, Discipline, Palm Spring, Sea View and Sonia.

The League which will telecasted live on Max TV and Max Radio starts from February 5, 2022, from 9am to 2am.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The first edition of HYDROTHERAPY course 2022, will be organized by Roni Leef ( B.Ed. in Physical Education and Sport for the Disabled ) an International Hydrotherapist and Rehabilitative Swimming Therapist and the CEO of Water Clinic based in Israel in partnership with department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports (HPERS-UEW) and the Ghana Footvolley Association (GFVA).

The date for the course is 28th February- March 4th, 2022. The five- day course will offer participants the opportunity to learn about the latest trends and best practices by using water in balancing the nervous system and treating sports related injuries. Join us for HYDROTHERAPY course 2022 at Olympic Arena Pool, Winneba in Central Region of Ghana and walk away with powerful knowledge that will empower you to forge the path for the future of Hydrotherapy.

To register for the course is GHC 150.00. The "Early Bird Registration Deadline" is on February 20th , 2022. Registration is limited to only fifty ( 50) applicants.

 WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT  AT HYDROTHERAPY COURSE?

* Ample interaction opportunity with the resource Personnel ( Roni Leef)

*Opportunity to establish a network of good company

*Participants will receive/awarded with certificate of participation.

 WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Coaches, Swimmers, Nurses, Professional involved in physiotherapy and physical education teachers, Students. Anybody with a passion for sports.

Contact numbers: 0246187584, 0244091826

Interested participants can pay into this momo account: 0246187584 (Mustapha Mohammed)

For accommodation purpose contact national sports college Guest house-Winneba manager (0246262922)

My name is Carlos Maeder aka Carlos Brown aka Kojo Benya Brown and I am a ski racer starting for my native country Ghana. For me there is more to sports than just winning. I want to set a good example and show young people in Switzerland and Ghana that you can do anything with the necessary will and effort – ain’t no mountain high enough!

I was born on 23.10.1978 in Cape Coast / Ghana. Since my mother was alone and could not feed me, she had to give me up for adoption. I was adopted by a Swiss family and grew up in the heart of Switzerland. Thanks to my Swiss parents, who maintained contact with my mother, I have remained in touch with Ghanaian culture all my life. Today I travel as much as possible to Cape Coast to visit my big family there.

Sport has always played an important role in my life. At the age of 3 years, I started skiing. Later I became a member of the regional ski racing team. As a teenager I last played in the U18 team of FC Lucerne and the regional youth selection.

In 2017, I had set myself a goal: I wanted to represent Ghana in the Olympic Winter Games. Unfortunately, I missed my dream due to a few missing FIS points. But with all the points I have earned, I will be participating in this year’s Ski World Championships in Åre (Sweden).

Carlos Maeder has qualified to represent Ghana at next month’s Winter Olympic Games to be held in Beijing, China.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Carlos Maeder, a skier, has qualified to represent Ghana at next month’s Winter Olympic Games to be held in Beijing, China.

The 43-year-old athlete, would be representing Ghana in the Alpine Skiing and would compete in the men’s giant slalom event at the Games.

The exotic skier with Ghanaian roots and Swiss domicile lost out in an attempt to qualify for the Games four years ago during the PyeongChang Games but lived to his dream and has now qualified to wear the red, gold, green and black star colors at the Games.

He took to his Instagram page to announce his qualification for the Games saying, “So proud to start for Ghana at the Olympic Giant Slalom and so honored to carry the flag at the opening ceremony”.

“Was a long, hard but exciting journey over the past 4-5 years – very thankful that I could make all these amazing experiences and friendships for life BIG THANKS to everybody that supported me on this way!!!!”

According to the International Skiing Federation (FIS), Carlos Maeder, competed in his first FIS event in 2017 and was ranked 46th and also has his first World Skiing Championship in 2019 and was ranked 106.

He is currently ranked fifth after competing in the Malbun National Championships in Liechtenstein to qualify for the Winter Games.

Ghana’s hopes of having a representation at the Winter Games was almost dashed as Akwasi Frimpong failed to qualify after missing out two major qualifiers due to the global pandemic, COVID-19.

Source GNA

RSA hockey teams for World Cup after winning 2021 Africa Cup of Nations

South Africa's men’s and women’s teams won the African Cup of Nations hockey tournaments in Accra, Ghana on Sunday.

South Africa's women beat hosts Ghana in the final with a 3-1 victory and have qualified for the World Cup which will be jointly hosted by Spain and The Netherlands in July.

The women's team have won the African Nations Cup since 1994.

The rampant team bagged 23 goals in the tournament and conceded a goal for the first time in the final when Elizabeth Opoku scored a sixth-minute penalty to take a surprise early lead. However, the South Africans staged a terrific fightback to run out convincing 3-1 winners.

South African attacker Tarryn Glasby was the tournament's top scorer with nine goals.

"It is nice to get a win in Ghana," said Glasby afterwards. "As a striker, you are supposed to score goals, so I am happy to be the top scorer.

"Looking forward to the World Cup, it is all about trusting our processes."

Nkuliso 'Inky' Zondi, coach of the SA women's team, was thrilled that South Africa had clinched a World Cup berth.

"I am really excited and happy with the game," said Zondi. It was a tough game, so thank you to Ghana.

"We have enjoyed our week here. We are a team that has changed, so we have to learn from what has happened this week and represent Africa well at the World Cup."

The best performance by an African team at the Women's FIH Hockey World Cup is seventh place by South Africa in 1998.

This year's event will be the 15th edition of the Women's World Cup.

Meanwhile, South Africa's men's team rounded off their Afcon assignments at the Theodosia Okoh Stadium in Accra, with a win over African powerhouse Egypt in the final.

After a 1-all scoreline at the end of regulation time, South Africa emerged 3-1 victors in the penalty shoot-out.

The South Africans have now won the previous eight men’s tournaments. The victory ensures SA of a World Cup berth at the FIH's blue riband event in India next year.

South Africa’s penalty corner specialist Matthew Guise-Brown was the top goalscorer at the week-long tournament with six goals.

The drama-filled final took its toll on the SA coach Gareth Ewing.

“I’m shattered, that was too close for comfort,” said a relieved Ewing. "Ghana is such a great host, there was such a great atmosphere in the stadium, it was great to win.

"Based on tonight’s performance, we have a lot to do before the World Cup."

Tim Drummond, the SA captain was the happiest man in Ghana. "We are ecstatic. That was tough but we are missing some players so that shows that we have depth in the squad," said Drummond.

"There is a long way to go before the World Cup, but we hope to make a lot of improvement and finish in the top ten."

Final placing at the Africa Cup of Nations

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

1. South Africa - qualified for the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup, Spain and Netherlands 2022
2. Ghana
3. Kenya
4. Zimbabwe
5. Nigeria
6. Namibia
7. Zambia
8. Uganda

Men’s Africa Cup of Nations

1. South Africa
2. Egypt
3. Nigeria
4. Kenya
5. Ghana
6. Uganda
7. Namibia