Mr. Bawa Fuseini, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Athletics Association (GAA) has appealed to Ghanaians and corporate bodies to come to their aid.

Speaking on GTV Sports Plus programme, INQUEST hosted by Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare, he said Ghana has the potential to excel at the Olympic Games in Athletics following the remarkable performance of the 4x100 team at the Selisia, Poland World Relay Championship.

He also called for a truce  between the Ghana Athletics Association and the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) since there had been a antagonistic relationship between the two over the past few years.

He said the GAA and the GOC must bury their differences for the athletes to have sound minds to compete and win for the nation.

Last week the GOC sent funds to the GAA for their Olympic preparations, but the newly appointed media relations coordinator of the GAA, Mr. Charles Osei Asibey went public claiming they had not received any money.

When the money hit their account, they later acknowledged receiving and asking what they should use it for.

Meanwhile the President of the GOC, Ben Nunoo Mensah says they do not have problem with the GAA as they treat all sports federations equal according to their performance and importance in the Olympic programmes.

He noted that athletics is held is respected by the GOC followed by boxing which has awarded the nation much laurels and others like football, athletics weightlifting and swimming.

Last Friday, the GOC President and the Chef de Mission for Tokyo 2020 visited the national boxing team in camp.

Most of the athletes are based outside Ghana, and they have also called for camping before the Games so that they can prepare well.

So far the 4x100 squad have joined three boxers and three athletes who have qualified to represent Ghana at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

The weightlifting team will also be in Madagascan capital, Antananarivo, from May 16-23, 2021 to seek qualification.

Christian Amoah and Forester Osei are just a few points away from landing safely in Tokyo, and are heavily favoured to seal it off in May. Osei is said to have booked a place in the Games after an imposing performance in an individual event, but that would only be confirmed in Madagascar.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Female members in the national boxing team, the Black Bombers have appealed to the media and sports authorities to grant them the much needed support and recognition.

Sarah Botchway of Wisdom Boxing Gym and Faruiza Osman of Fit Square Gym made the passionate plea to the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah on Friday when he visited the training camp of the Black Bombers who are preparing for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Sarah Botchway who has been in boxing for many years said it is sad for them to be training always and not competing.

“Also when we train hard and are prepared for Games, we are dropped on the grounds  of lack of finance” she lamented.

Faruiza Osman expressed that all sportsmen and women who have been selected to compete for the nation should be treated and rewarded equally.

Other hard working female boxers are Ramatu Quaye, Sarah Appau, Trudy Manteaw, and Priscilla Toffah.

The GOC President said his federation’s female weightlifters have often suffered similar ordeals, however he hopes things would change as the nation prepares to host the African Games in 2023, where the female boxers are going to be relied on to win medals, not forgetting the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

It would be recalled that the Greater Accra Amateur Boxing Association (GAABA) recently organized an all female boxing event dubbed ‘Girls Box’ which was very successful and attracted a lot of fans at James Town.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah and the Chef de Mission for Tokyo 2020 Mr. Michael Aggrey on Friday morning paid a special visit to the camp of the national boxing team, the Black Bombers who are preparing for the Olympic Games at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

They were accompanied the Youth Coordinator of the GOC, Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams, CEO of Dreamland Sports Plus.

The President presented the Bombers with assorted drinks, Brilliant Key Soap, Rexona deodorant and cash of 1,000ghc.

He assured them of total support from government and the GOC, and urged them to be disciplined and sacrifice a bit to reach the medal zone at the Olympic Games which takes place from July 28 to August 8, 2021.

Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah commended the boxers and their coaches for their persistence and comportment since they moved to the residential camp and started training at the Trust Sports Emporium.

He promised them a special package if they excel at the Games, as the GOC has contacted many companies in Ghana who are willing to come to their aid.

“You can compare yourself to any world class boxers, that is why you have qualified to the biggest sports festival, so never be afraid of any opponent, go all out and go for the ultimate” he told them.

The Chef du Mission, Mr. Michael Aggrey said the team will move to camp in Inawashiro in Japan for final preparations and intensive training as well as to acclimatize a month before the Games.

The President of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) Mr. George Lamptey, his vice Ahmed Samed and coach Dr. Ofori Asare thanked the GOC for the surprise visit and promised never to let the nation down.

Skipper of the Bombers, Sulemanu Tetteh who received the presents thanked the GOC President, while the female boxers in the team appealed for recognition and equal treatment for all sportsmen and women.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Vaccine developers Pfizer and BioNTech will donate doses to inoculate athletes and officials preparing for the Tokyo Olympics, the IOC said Thursday.

Delivery of doses is set to begin this month to give Olympic delegations time to be fully vaccinated with a second shot before arriving in Tokyo for the games, which open on July 23.

It’s the second major vaccination deal for the International Olympic Committee. An agreement was announced in March between the IOC and Olympic officials in China to buy and distribute Chinese vaccines ahead of the Tokyo Games and next year’s Beijing Winter Games.

The new Pfizer offer gives the IOC greater coverage worldwide ahead of Tokyo with most countries yet to authorize emergency use of Chinese vaccines.

“We are inviting the athletes and participating delegations of the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games to lead by example and accept the vaccine where and when possible,” IOC President Thomas Bach said in a statement.

The Pfizer donation followed talks between the firm’s chairman and CEO, Albert Bourla, and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

“Following this conversation, the Japanese government had a meeting with the IOC and now the donation plan has been realized,” Pfizer said in a statement.

The IOC said any vaccination program must be done “in accordance with each country’s vaccination guidelines and consistent with local regulations.”

The IOC-China vaccine deal includes two doses being made available to the general public for each dose received by an Olympic participant in that country.

Source: The Associated Press

President Weah is the only African to have won the FIFA World Player of the Year award

ZURICH, Switzerland, May 6, 2021/ -- A joint CAF and FIFA (www.FIFA.com) delegation travelled to Liberia to hold meetings today with the Liberian Football Association and government officials in Monrovia. Partnerships with the public and private sectors, increased opportunities for youth through football and the appointment of Liberian President George Weah as the first Ambassador of the Pan-African Inter-School Championship were among the topics discussed.

Upon arrival last night at Monrovia Roberts Airport, the delegation were greeted by Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha Raji, members of the LFA Executive Committee (EXCO) and Minister of Youth and Sports, the Honorable D. Zeogar Wilson. In Monrovia city, Mayor Jefferson T. Koijee welcomed the delegations to the capital and presented the FIFA President with a key to the city in a gesture of friendship.

This morning, the delegation attended a meeting with the LFA EXCO, listening to the challenges it is facing with football infrastructure. CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe underlined to members present that Liberia had huge potential, which could be harnessed by providing more opportunities for youth through football. He also stressed that working together for the good of African football is the best way to ensure progress for the game and the continent. FIFA President Gianni Infantino reinforced this message, referencing the iconic George Weah – now President of Liberia – as a great example of the positive impact football can have on a country.

An official meeting with the Minister of Youth and Sports followed. CAF President Dr Motsepe said: “We hear your concerns and would like to assure you of CAF’s commitment to work with Liberian football and government authorities to improve football infrastructure here.”

The delegation, together with the Minister of Youth and Sports, then visited the Samuel K Doe Football Complex, which has been fitted with a new turf pitch through funding from the FIFA Forward (https://fifa.fans/2R1hqAN) programme. Speaking at the complex, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “FIFA believes that every country should have access to the best quality pitches and football facilities, and we will work with CAF to bring about more improvements to Liberia.”

An audience with Liberian President, His Excellency George Weah, followed. Strengthening African and Liberian football was central to discussions, with Gianni Infantino stating: “We are happy to be in a country so passionate about football. We are here to give you CAF and FIFA’s full support to take football into a new era and we will work with you to do this.”

Talks also covered the power of football on economies. “Football and economic development go hand in hand, so let’s try through football to invest in job creation," said CAF President Dr Motsepe. "It’s also our duty to make sure stadia meet the required standards, and CAF will work with the Liberian authorities to do so."

The conclusion of the meeting saw the CAF and FIFA Presidents present President Weah – the only African to have won the FIFA World Player of the Year award – with a certificate announcing him as the first Ambassador of the Pan-African Inter-School Football Championship.

Gianni Infantino said: “President Weah is an icon of football and now a respected statesman. FIFA and CAF are delighted to have his support. His stellar football career is an inspiration to young Africans and we welcome him on board this initiative, supported by the African Union, which will see football competitions at national level in schools throughout Africa. Football offers us a unique opportunity to connect with young people and empower them through this programme.”

The joint delegation then visited the construction site at the headquarters of the LFA to discuss the developments that have taken place in expanding women’s football in the country, before attending a women’s youth football match at Antoinette Tubman Stadium.

Before kick-off, LFA President Mustapha Raji thanked both the CAF and FIFA Presidents for visiting his country and for believing in the power of football to give hope, education and joy to children in Liberia. This was followed by addresses from the Minister of Education and Youth and Sports respectively.

CAF President Dr Motsepe’s took to the stage for a short address, concluding: “We must be proud of and thankful to the LFA President for his excellent work. Football has a bright future here. The girl who is going to be the African winner of The Best FIFA Women’s Player Award (https://fifa.fans/3nZyxze) could be here today!”

SOURCE Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)

President Weah is the only African to have won the FIFA World Player of the Year award

ZURICH, Switzerland, May 6, 2021/ -- A joint CAF and FIFA (www.FIFA.com) delegation travelled to Liberia to hold meetings today with the Liberian Football Association and government officials in Monrovia. Partnerships with the public and private sectors, increased opportunities for youth through football and the appointment of Liberian President George Weah as the first Ambassador of the Pan-African Inter-School Championship were among the topics discussed.

Upon arrival last night at Monrovia Roberts Airport, the delegation were greeted by Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha Raji, members of the LFA Executive Committee (EXCO) and Minister of Youth and Sports, the Honorable D. Zeogar Wilson. In Monrovia city, Mayor Jefferson T. Koijee welcomed the delegations to the capital and presented the FIFA President with a key to the city in a gesture of friendship.

This morning, the delegation attended a meeting with the LFA EXCO, listening to the challenges it is facing with football infrastructure. CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe underlined to members present that Liberia had huge potential, which could be harnessed by providing more opportunities for youth through football. He also stressed that working together for the good of African football is the best way to ensure progress for the game and the continent. FIFA President Gianni Infantino reinforced this message, referencing the iconic George Weah – now President of Liberia – as a great example of the positive impact football can have on a country.

An official meeting with the Minister of Youth and Sports followed. CAF President Dr Motsepe said: “We hear your concerns and would like to assure you of CAF’s commitment to work with Liberian football and government authorities to improve football infrastructure here.”

The delegation, together with the Minister of Youth and Sports, then visited the Samuel K Doe Football Complex, which has been fitted with a new turf pitch through funding from the FIFA Forward (https://fifa.fans/2R1hqAN) programme. Speaking at the complex, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “FIFA believes that every country should have access to the best quality pitches and football facilities, and we will work with CAF to bring about more improvements to Liberia.”

An audience with Liberian President, His Excellency George Weah, followed. Strengthening African and Liberian football was central to discussions, with Gianni Infantino stating: “We are happy to be in a country so passionate about football. We are here to give you CAF and FIFA’s full support to take football into a new era and we will work with you to do this.”

Talks also covered the power of football on economies. “Football and economic development go hand in hand, so let’s try through football to invest in job creation," said CAF President Dr Motsepe. "It’s also our duty to make sure stadia meet the required standards, and CAF will work with the Liberian authorities to do so."

The conclusion of the meeting saw the CAF and FIFA Presidents present President Weah – the only African to have won the FIFA World Player of the Year award – with a certificate announcing him as the first Ambassador of the Pan-African Inter-School Football Championship.

Gianni Infantino said: “President Weah is an icon of football and now a respected statesman. FIFA and CAF are delighted to have his support. His stellar football career is an inspiration to young Africans and we welcome him on board this initiative, supported by the African Union, which will see football competitions at national level in schools throughout Africa. Football offers us a unique opportunity to connect with young people and empower them through this programme.”

The joint delegation then visited the construction site at the headquarters of the LFA to discuss the developments that have taken place in expanding women’s football in the country, before attending a women’s youth football match at Antoinette Tubman Stadium.

Before kick-off, LFA President Mustapha Raji thanked both the CAF and FIFA Presidents for visiting his country and for believing in the power of football to give hope, education and joy to children in Liberia. This was followed by addresses from the Minister of Education and Youth and Sports respectively.

CAF President Dr Motsepe’s took to the stage for a short address, concluding: “We must be proud of and thankful to the LFA President for his excellent work. Football has a bright future here. The girl who is going to be the African winner of The Best FIFA Women’s Player Award (https://fifa.fans/3nZyxze) could be here today!”

SOURCE Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)

The grand finals of the 2021 edition of the GNPC Ghana Fastest Human comes off at the Paa Joe Stadium, KNUST at Kumasi on Saturday May 15, 2021.

With the focus now on athletics after the qualification of the national 4x100 team to Tokyo Olympic Games, all the contestants want to be seen and known.

The event will feature U18 male and female as well as the Seniors Men and Women.

Ghana Gas has associated themselves with the final of finals which has the Nana Akufo Addo Cup at stake for the winner.

Chairperson for the occasion is Professor Rita Akosua Dickson with Mr. Nen Asante, MD of Ghana Gas as the Guest of Honour.

All the finalist of the Accra (Legon) Edition are representing and it promises to be full of fireworks. Edwin Gadayi and Kate Agyeman must prove that this season belongs to them.

Mr. Reks Brobbey, an Olynpian who invented the concept must be very happy as his dream of producing a world class sprinter is about to be realized.

The GNPC Ghana Fastest Human is sponsored by Ghana Gas, Adidas, Wrenco Printing, Moringa King, Pippas Gym, Kriate Lync and Global Media Alliance.

The programme is also fully backed by the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) as a splendid initiative to get champion athletes to represent Ghana at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Check Out Previous Winners - GNPC Ghana’s Fastest Human

2013 Emmanuel Dasor / Beatrice Gyaaman

2014 Emmanuel Yeboah / Latifa Ali

2015 Shadrack Opoku Agyeman / Beatrice Gyaaman

2016 Joseph Paul Amoah / Kate Agyeman

2017 Desmond Aryee / Hor Halute

2018 Emmanuel Oduro Mensah / Kate Agyeman

2019 Benjamin Azamati / Latifa Ali

2020 No Winner due to Coronavirus Pandemic

2021 Edwin Gadayi / Kate Agyeman (Accra Edition)

2021 Who wins the Olympic Year (Kumasi) Edition?

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The date for the election shall be Thursday 22ndJuly, 2021 and it shall be held at the Mudor Conference Centre in the Bukom Boxing Arena.

1. Nominations for elections shall open from 1st to 21stJune, 2021 between 9am to 5pm each day.
2. Only Members in Good Standing can contest and/or vote in the GBA Elections. A Member in Good Standing is one who has duly paid for and been issued with a current License.
3. Nomination Forms will be available for purchase at GHc 100.00 each at the GBA Secretariat located at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
4. Candidates vying for positions shall be required to pay the following as submission fees to be eligible to contest:
5. President - GHc 3,000
6. 1st Vice President - GHc 2,000

iii. 2nd Vice President - GHc 1,500

1. Treasurer - GHc 1,000
2. Executive Board Member - GHc 700
3. Nominations shall be in respect of the following positions in accordance with Article 4 of the GBA Constitution:
4. President
5. 1st Vice President

iii. 2nd Vice President

1. Treasurer
2. 4 other Executive Board Members elected by Congress.
3. A Candidate shall be nominated by a Member in Good Standing. Completed nomination forms shall be submitted in triplicates.
4. A Candidate in good standing shall be seconded by two (2) Members in Good Standing from the duly recognized associations in the boxing fraternity.
5. Candidates shall be required to meet the qualifications set out in Article 4 of the GBA Constitution.
6. Candidates will be vetted on Thursday the 8th day of July, 2021 and balloting for positions of Candidates will held on Thursday the 15th day of July, 2021 at the GBA Secretariat in Bukom Boxing Arena.
7. Former GBA Executive Board Members are qualified to vote.
8. Receipt of Nominations Forms shall be acknowledged indicating the date and time of submission.
9. Where at the close of Nomination for elections:
10. a) If only one Candidate is nominated for a position that Candidates shall be unopposed and shall be declared elected.
11. b) If two or more Candidates have been nominated for a position the Candidate who secures the highest number of the valid votes cast shall be declared elected.
12. c) In respect of elections for the other Executive Board Members, if there are more than four Candidates nominated, the first Candidates who obtain the highest number of valid votes cast will be declared elected.
13. d) In respect of elections for the other Executive Board Members, if there are only four Candidates nominated, all the four Candidates shall be declared elected.
14. The elections will be supervised by the Electoral Commission of Ghana and must be conducted by secret ballot. Votes must be cast by Members in a transparent ballot box.
15. Any dispute with regards to the elections shall be referred to an Electoral Dispute Committee which shall upon receipt of the Complaint adjudicate and render a final decision before the elections.

Source - GBA

The following athletes have been awarded an Olympic Scholarship in preparations for Tokyo 2020.

EKE Nadia Athletics 1st Sep 2017 - 30^th Aug 2021

AMPONSAH Janet Athletics 1st Sep 2017-30^th Aug 2021

OWUSUAGYAPONG Flings Joyner Athletics 1st Sep 2017 - 30thAug 2021

DADZIE Elizabeth Athletics 1st Sep 2017-30^th Aug 2020

AMANKWAH Alex Athletics 1st Sep 2017-30^th Aug 2021

AMOAH Josep Paul Athletics1st Sep 2020 - 30th Aug 2021

AMPOMAH John Athletics 1st Sep 2017-30th Aug 2021

OMAR Abdul Wahib Boxing 1st Sep 2017- 30^th Aug 2021

SAMED Shakul Boxing1st Sep 2020 -30th Aug 2021

AMPIAH Akimos Annang Boxing 1st Sep 2017-30^th Aug 2020

AHIAVOR Victor Kwabla Anum Judo 1st Sep 2017-30^th Aug 2021

OSEI Forrester Christopher Weightlifting 1st Sep 2017- 30^th Aug 2021

AMOAH Christian Weightlifting 1st Sep 2017-30th Aug 2021

CHODO Mercy Shooting 1st Sep 2017 - 30th Aug 2021

Maeder Carlos Alphine Skiing 2020-2022

Frimpong Akwasi Skeleton 2020-2022

Scholarship Agreement Scholarship agreements are signed by the Athletes, National Federations and the GOC before final submission to OS.

Scholarships are activated by OS upon receipts of the agreement forms duly signed by the three (3) parties.

Payment of Scholarships

First payment of scholarships is made after OS received the signed agreement forms.

Payments of the following periods are made by Olympic Solidarity only upon receipt and approval of scholarship holder’s evaluation forms and the GOC financial report for the preceding period.

Payment of USD 625 is paid for 4 months per athlete, making a total of USD 2500 per athlete per period.

Reports

The following report are submitted to OS after receipt of scholarship grant

1. a) Evaluation Forms

Athletes are required to complete and duly sign an evaluation form

National Federations are required to duly sign completed evaluation forms

GOC is required to duly sign completed evaluation forms and submit back to OS upon thorough review at the end of each period.

1. b) Financial Report

A financial report is completed by the GOC duly sign by the Treasure and Secretary General and returned to OS after every period.

Support for Qualification Competitions

The Olympic Solidarity offers an additional funding of USD5000 to scholarship holders to cover their transport cost for participation in Olympic qualification competitions.

For GOC with more than 12 athletes for budgetary reason by the OS, the total budget allocated to each NOC’ is USD 50000 and will not be exceeded.

Athletes are to submit a receipt only for their transport cost for this fund and this is after  participating in Olympic Qualification Competition.

The GOC will submit one financial report per athletes to OS with submitted receipts from athlete.

Reimbursement report submitted by the GOC will be subject to approval by OS according to the qualification and participation criteria by the Olympic Games.

Source - GOC

For young enterprising fashion designer, Jacqueline Onasis one must use the God-given talent and skills to succeed in any endeavor.

She is a graduate from the Accra Technical University (2019), after her SHS at Olla Girls (2015).

She did her National Service at Parliament House and learnt a lot, aside meeting a lot of people.

She decided to follow her passion in sports and fashion, and landed in the boxing ring, not as a boxer or referee or coach or MC, but a card girl who catwalks and shows the number of rounds gone or remaining during bouts.

She now works in partnership with the Ghana Boxing Authority and promoters to zest up boxing shows.

“I love boxing, my favourite boxer is Azumah Nelson. I have not seen him box really before, but I watched him on TV and I can say he is a living legend and very disciplined”

“My first job in the ring was Bastie Samir versus Bukom Banku on Box Office Promotion, and I think I did it well and loved it, since then it has continued to the last one on May Day” she said.

Miss Jacqueline Onasis advised young ladies to be creative and work hard by using what they have.

“Know yourself and work towards it, there is no end in learning new stuff” she stressed.

By Sammy Heywood Okine