Sports Journalist, Lecturer, Marketing & PR Consultant and Boxing oficionado Mohammed Amin Lamptey says he is the Reformist coming to package Ghana Boxing in a better shape.

“My dream to witness a massive change in Pro-boxing in Ghana is very much anticipated any time I think about boxing and the past golden era of boxing in Ghana” he said.

Having followed the game, business and sport for closely over the past two decades and at a point serving as a member of the GBA board in an effort to help regain the past momentum and passion boxing commanded in the past, he feels the need to play a critical roles in an effort to preserve the sanctity and integrity of Ghana Boxing through communication, Public Relations and Media Relations.

He revealed that over the past few weeks, he has been confronted by key stakeholders of the pugilistic sport who have  suggested his candidacy for the top post of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) in the upcoming Elective Congress in July this year.

As an enthusiasts of the fistic sport, he expressed his profound gratitude to them for such a remarkable recognition but told them he needed to consult and analysis himself as well as weigh available options before making any informed decision.

He told Yours Truly, he is still in the process of consulting more key stakeholders (home and abroad) and friends, while phone calls have started coming from some interest individuals and groups trying to enquire from him the authenticity of the rumor making  rounds about his aspiration to contest for the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) top position.

He commended all past GBA Presidents including the current President Peter Zwennes for their great efforts.

“If only I am given the chance to put my card on the  table for the top GBA post, I will simple called myself "THE REFORMER".

“My preoccupations shall be to consolidate our past gains and lead the forward march of a total revamping of Pro-boxing in Ghana in the areas of leadership, vision, administration, attraction, wealth and laurels.

“Due to the massive influence of globalization especially with the advent of social media, I will prefer to use the phrase "A FRESH START" as a catalyst for my vision and mission for Pro-boxing in Ghana.

“I hope this will not be construed as my prepared manifesto. l am only trying to share what is on my mind as I put together this information across.

It is always my ambition to consider highly the following as part of my priority and operational areas:

Plans & Projects

1. Strengthen the GBA board with relevant sub committees underpinned by an achievable 4 year development plan.

2.Ratings of boxers focusing on activities both domestically and internationally.

3.Rebuilding relationship with all stakeholders.

4.Identify strategic partners who either share our vision and passion for the pugilistic sport.

5.Identify corporate entities who can be partners in delivering our goals for this beautiful sport of noble art of self defence .

6.Establish a working relationship with the Ministry of Youth and Sports for strategic reasons.

7.Engage corporate Ghana for a more viable business discussion that is anchored on win-win situation.

8.Establish partnership with Ministry of Tourism, Art and culture to help rebrand our former world champions for the benefit of both Pro-boxing and the tourism industry.

9.Revive partnership with the media especially on Broadcasting Networks interested in partnering the GBA and promoters.

10.Relationship between the GBA and GABF to help monitor and evaluate movements of Amateur boxers to Pro-boxing, which is a priority.

1.Marketing and effective  communication

2.Considering highly the Broadcasting framework

3.Develop sponsorship and funding framework

4.Modernization - commercialization and monetisation of the sport.

5.Establish joint committee to supervise criteria for boxers  graduating from Amateur to Pro-boxing.

6.Proposal to government to sponsor national title bouts at least twice in a year.

7.Introducing GBA national awards night.

8.Redesign national titles and create national title challenge buzz.

9.Development of local boxers anchored on national title bouts.

10.Empowering of boxing fraternity through skills development programmes and other training opportunities locally and internationally.

11.Developing a mechanism to check, monitor and evaluate activities of all licensees(Boxers, promoters, managers, Matchmakers ring officials paramedics and trainers)

12.Enhancing all certified  professional boxing gyms.

13.Rebrand  boxing trainers and boxers.

14.Establishing retired Boxers and Ring Officials  welfare fund

15.National Health Insurance scheme for all  boxers.

16.Creating other sources of financial inflow.

17.Taking a critical look at the GBA constitution to propose relevant amendments to suit our mission and purpose.

18.Reactivating GBA website to help transmit information, preserve records of boxers and any other relevant data.

19.Get a bus for the GBA official activities

20.Taking a look at manager-boxer relationship and contractual agreements as well as Promoters -boxers engagements.

Reflection:

According to him, the upcoming  July GBA elections must be seen by all as a great opportunity to reshape the sport we all love.

It's very instructive for decision makers especially delegates who will be voting to know that Pro-boxing is a direct source of living for many people and so must not be taken lightly.

“Let's be critical in our thinking and be ambitious in our vision for the sport, Pro-boxing needs quality leadership underpinned by quality ,efficiency and competence that can take the sport to another level he expressed.

He concluded that people’s  advices, guidance and contributions are very much welcome will endeavor to make quality decision for the ultimate benefit of the sport he loves dearly.

Mohammed Amin Lamptey can be contacted via Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

1984 Summer Olympian Reks Brobbey, the founder of the Ghana’s Fastest Human Race says world known boxing promoter Don King was not a trainer, he was not a coach nor did he discover any boxer, I don't think, but he had a huge Brand that made anyone that fought under this huge Brand succeed positively in a plethora of ways. In boxers wanting to get noticed and advance positively, Don King’s Brand was it and wanting to get there gave a lot of boxers so much hope and vim!

In the same way the seven year package which has been extended, Ghana’s Fastest Human programme has become the platform to discover and groom the nation’s best sprinters and record breakers.

The GNPC Speedsters Club is an opportunity to gain all the first class scientific training, equipment and facilities that a sprinter needs, luck can also smile with a scholarship.

According to him, in 2020, the Ghana's Fastest Human event was not completed due to Covid but the year before, 2019,

“If you came to the Legon event, you would've seen a diminutive guy, Benjamin Azamati from UG, beating all at the 2019 Legon meet, and going on to beat all local sprinters at the final of Finals to be crowned GNPC Ghana's Fastest Human 2019!

He got to the U.S. on an athletics Scholarship in 2020 and this year, 2021, he's broken the 22 year old Ghana's 100 meter record by being the 3rd Ghanaian ever to run under 10 seconds. He was running 10.4 in 2019 and 2021, after being polished in the US, 9.97! Wow.

This Saturday, the event is at the Legon Stadium again and races begin from 1pm to 3pm.

Who else is striving to come and win under our brand, knowing that vim will get them far after?

“With Grace Obuor, we found her in Kumasi, paid for her schooling and everything else at T. I. AMASS and now, got her into the University at Legon as she waits to also leave our shores to the US” he said.

“Remember her mum and her peeps wouldn't let her attend legon as they wanted her to learn how to sew for her future life. Remember I had to go to the village tornnn with 'Noko fioo' before they allowed me to continue with her, hmm

“Grace is a 400 meter runner and in 2019, went on to get the Bronze medal at the African Games after being under us and being in our camp in Kumasi, a feat not equaled by any local Ghanaian athlete. She was 0.03 seconds OFF the 30 year old Ghanaian 400 meter record and Olympic qualifying time” Reks added.

This year, and in preparation for her 400 meter race, she has come down to the 100 and 200 and guess what, she has beaten ALL the Nation's local sprinters in the 100 and 200 meters races.

She will be at Legon this Saturday to face the Nation's sprinters again, who have vowed to teach her a sprinting lesson and kick her back to the 400 meters.

SO REKS BROBBEY ASKS AGAIN - WHO WILL SHOW UP THIS SATURDAY, WHO WILL BECOME THE NEXT BIG GHANAIAN SPRINTER?

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and former FEI President, dies age 99

Flags have been lowered to half mast in tribute to Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, the former International Equestrian Federation (FEI) President who has died aged 99.

The traditional bulletin was carried to the gates of Buckingham Palace this morning to announce his passing.

"It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," the bulletin read.

"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute by making reference to a sport which the Prince had helped to develop.

"Like the expert carriage driver that he was, he helped to steer the Royal Family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life," Johnson said.

The Prime Minister said he had "inspired the lives of countless young people".

The Prince had returned to Windsor Castle in March after a month in hospital, where he had undergone surgery for a pre-existing heart condition.

He had been born on the Greek island of Corfu in 1921, the son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Princess Alice, but left as an infant and spent his youth in Europe before settling in Britain.

The Prince was greatly inspired by the educationalist Kurt Hahn.

He attended Salem school in Germany and later, when Hahn founded Gordonstoun in Scotland, the Prince followed him there.

Both establishments set great store by personal resilience and outdoor activity.

In 1956, the Prince founded the award scheme which bears his name.

The "Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme" was designed "to equip and empower young people to build the skills, confidence and resilience they need to make the most out of life".

The Prince had been a cadet at the Royal Naval college in Dartmouth and served in the Royal Navy before marrying the then Princess Elizabeth in 1947.

He was an enthusiastic sportsman who played cricket and developed a great friendship with the sailor Uffa Fox, and the pair regularly raced together in the fifties.

Prince Philip was also a keen polo player and equestrian sportsman, serving as FEI President from 1964 to 1986 before being succeeded by his daughter Princess Anne.

He also remained an active participant in four-in-hand driving when it became an FEI discipline in the early 1970s.

The Prince represented Great Britain at six World Championships in the sport and was part of the gold medal winning team in 1980.

He became the only man in modern times to twice serve as President of the Marylebone Cricket Club.

His first term of office came in 1949 and this was followed in 1975, a Presidency which coincided with the first men’s Cricket World Cup.

It fell to him to present the Prudential Cup to West Indies captain Clive Lloyd after the final at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

Prince Philip had been the first member of the Royal Family to attend the Commonwealth Games and in 1955 he became Commonwealth Games Federation President, a role which he held for the next 30 years.

His final public engagement was a sporting one.

In 2017, he opened the new Mound Stand at Lord’s before retiring from public life.

With typical humour, he said: "I am standing down because I can no longer stand up."

By Philip Barker

Founder of the GNPC Ghana’s Fastest Human Competion has disclosed  that three former great athletes of Ghana will he honoured on Saturday at the University of Ghana Stadium, Okponglo.

He expressed that “A Country that doesn't honor it's heroes and sheroes is not worth dying for.....

“So, we at GNPC Ghana's Fastest Human use our platform to try and big up some of our past greats.

“Tomorrow at our event at the Legon Stadium, 1 to 3, #Adidas will honor 3 greats with gifts”.

1. Mike Ahey - 1962 Commonwealth Gold Medalist and multiple Commonwealth Silver 4x100 relay medalist
2. Oko Addy - 1966 Commonwealth Gold Medalist in the 4x100 relay
3. Ohene Karikari - 1974 Commonwealth Bronze medalist in the 100 meters and the ONLY Ghanaian 100 meter runner to have EVER won a medal OUTSIDE Africa!!

Ghana CONTINUES to APPRECIATE ALL YOUR EFFORTS!!!

“See you between 1 & 3pm tomorrow afternoon”.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Lara Bakhaya, a 16 year old tennis player from the UK participating in the ongoing 2021 Tennis Foundation Ghana Open ITF Junior World Tour Event in Accra, Ghana and her mother Natalya Bakhaya have presented tennis rackets to the Tennis Foundation Ghana.

Mr. Roger Crawford who received the rackets said he was really surprised.

After Lara lost in the quarter finals, she walked into the office and said: “I want to donate my rackets to support your work with young people.” I was touched, the Tennis Foundation Ghana is most grateful to the Bakhaya’s “ he said.

Meanwhile, Nii Noi Cando of Cando Fashion has donated beautiful garments to all finalists and winners of Week 1 of the Tennis Foundation Ghana Open - ITF J5 Accra

Pictured with Mr. Roger Crawford are Lara, Natalya and Philippina Frimpong, Secretary General of the Ghana Tennis Federation.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

All 64 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2022™, to be held in Qatar, will be broadcast live on SuperSport

All 64 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2022™, to be held in Qatar, will be broadcast live on SuperSport (www.SuperSport.com) after the World of Champions concluded a broadcast deal with FIFA.

This continues SuperSport’s long-standing association with football’s governing body and reaffirms SuperSport as Africa’s home of world football. SuperSport’s pay TV broadcast rights extend to all platforms across sub-Saharan Africa and represent even more opportunities to provide fans with compelling live content.

High Definition coverage will be across multiple channels with expert analysis, in-depth digital offerings, supplementary programming and much more in keeping with the grand scale of the event.

To be contested by 32 teams, including champions France, the World Cup will be held for the first time from November 21 to December 18, and the first to be held in one city.

The FIFA acquisition sits alongside SuperSport’s already substantial offering that includes all the major football leagues from around the world.

“This is fantastic news, especially after the success of the 2018 tournament, a fitting celebration of the beautiful game,” said Marc Jury, Chief Executive of SuperSport. “The FIFA World Cup™ always excites fans and the kick-off times will be most convenient for our viewers, given friendly broadcast time-zones.”

Get DStv Premium to watch all the local and international football action: https://bit.ly/3dJbGDc.

About SuperSport:

SuperSport is Africa’s premier sports broadcaster, producing and broadcasting local and international sport for GOtv and DStv pay TV customers across sub-Saharan Africa.

SuperSport provides a mix of 35 channels, offering a wide selection of the best local and international sport action across a multitude of disciplines.

Now available on DStv and GOtv as well as on SuperSport.com and DStv Now in 50 countries across sub-Saharan Africa.

Source - SuperSport.

Naomi Osaka says no one will be prouder to represent Japan at the Olympics than her

Naomi Osaka says Japan is her “heart and soul” and that “no one will be prouder” than her to represent the country at this summer’s Olympics in Tokyo.

The world tennis number two began the season in spectacular style, winning the Australian Open to claim her fourth Grand Slam title.

Osaka, whose mother is Japanese and father is from Haiti, has spent most of her life in the US but has been reflecting on her upbringing, Japanese influences and memories in a series for Nikkei Asia.

In the piece, written by herself directly to fans, Osaka talks about her love of the cuisine, fashion and culture, as well as the huge impact her parents have had on her career.

“I give credit equally to all those cultures for shaping me into the person I am today”, she said.

I CREDIT MY JAPANESE SIDE FOR MY DISCIPLINE, GOOD MANNERS, CLEANLINESS AND SENSE OF STYLE. MY MOM'S WORK ETHIC, WORKING TWO JOBS A DAY TO SUPPORT MY TENNIS, HAS RUBBED OFF ON ME TOO.

“My American side has allowed me to be more open-minded and progressive. And my Haitian side has given me the courage to push through when things get tough.

JAPAN IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART OF MY LIFE AND MY MAKEUP. I AM PROUD OF WHO I AM AND NO ONE WILL BE PROUDER THAN ME WHEN I COMPETE FOR JAPAN IN THE OLYMPICS LATER THIS YEAR - HOPEFULLY WITH YOUR FULL SUPPORT!

Osaka once again stated that she is reluctant to speak in Japanese in public, as she is concerned her pronunciation will be picked apart, but said she has a full understanding listening to it and still speaks the language to her mum, sister and physio.

She also revealed her passion for karaoke, though admits she is not the best singer and reading manga.

“I love the food and so many of my favourite restaurants in the world are in Japan”, she said.

“My favourite things to eat are sushi, katsudon (pork cutlets on rice), chirashi don (sushi in a bowl) and yakiniku (barbecued meat).

“(Sister) Mari and I also like to sneak out for karaoke -- though we are not especially good singers! We sing Nicki Minaj, Rihanna and Anaconda.

AS FAR AS I CAN REMEMBER, OUR HOUSEHOLD WAS AN ECLECTIC MIX OF CULTURES AND INFLUENCES -- JAPANESE, HAITIAN AND AMERICAN.

"We thought it was normal, it was our normal, but on reflection, I guess it's kind of rare. For example, we would eat a lot of Japanese meals prepared by my mom and always with chopsticks.

“We had to take our shoes off at the door and we learned to bow rather than shake hands where appropriate.”

By Eurosport /Image credit: Getty Images

Ghana’s Junior featherweight champion Theophilus Tetteh is on the bill to bang for the continental title in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) on  24th April 2021 at the Boardwalk Casino PE.

The sleek sensational boxer from Bukom will face home boy Ayabonga Sonjica for the vacant IBF Africa Junior featherweight title over 12rds in the Rumble Africa Promotions event.

The main bout will see the IBF elimination for World Jnr. flyweight title fight over 12rds between Sivenathi Nontshinga (RSA) and Cristian Araneta (Phillipines).

The main supporting bout will see WBO International Jnr bantamweight title fight over 12rds involving Yanga Sigqibo(SA ) against Jerald Paclar (Phillipines).

There would be the Republic of South Africa and vacant WBO Global flyweight title fight over 12 rounds between Jackson Chauke (champion and challenger (GP) vs Luyanda Ntwanambe(D/village challenger).

Lerato Dlamini (RSA) will clash with Hassan Milanzi (Zimbabwe ) in a Featherweight contest.

The event is spiced with a Jnr lightweight female bout over 6rds between Nozipho Bell (PE) and Asandiswa Nxokwana (EL).

A Flyweight undercard will see Lusizo Manzana (Mthatha) vs Thembelani Nxoshe (M'sane) and a Jnr lightweight over 6rds between Mhlanganisi Sogcwayi (M'sane) vs Mandlenkosi Sibuso(GP).

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Goalball has announced that Cape Coast, Ghana, will stage the 2021 African Championships from 6-10 December.

Since the first edition of the competition in 2016 it has been staged once in Algeria and twice in Egypt. This year will therefore be the first time that the Championships head to Ghana, and will also see the debut of the countries’ men’s and women’s teams.

Kari Raisanen, Chair of the IBSA Goalball Committee, said: “We believe the African Championships will be a fantastic end to this historic year, offering the chance to attract new interest to the sport in the region following the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

“Africa is a continent in which we have seen growth over the past decade, and we want to not only keep supporting teams to improve but also encourage new nations to start. As goalball celebrates its 75th birthday in 2021, we will be doing just that.

“We are confident that the Local Organising Committee, the Ghana Blind Sports Association, will organise a great competition that reflects the importance of the time it is being held.”

Eric Kissi, President of the Ghana Blind Sports Association, said: “Ghana is committed to giving our upmost best in hosting a befitting Championship that will make Ghana and all of Africa proud. All visiting countries are assured of a peaceful and successful Championships."

Around seven men’s and five women’s teams are expected to compete at the University of Cape Coast Sports Complex.

At the last African Championships in Port Said, Egypt, in 2020, the Algerian men’s and women’s teams both took gold to secure their place at the Paralympics.

Cape Coast 2021 will be a qualifier for the 2022 IBSA Goalball World Championships in Hangzhou China, from 6-18 July. The top three teams in each gender will secure their tickets.

In 2021 IBSA Goalball is celebrating 75 years since it was invented by Austrian Hans Lorenzen and German Sepp Reindle in 1946. It is widely known as the original team sport for athletes with visual impairments.

To mark the occasion, activities will include the first World Goalball Day. The sport will also deliver a series of online sessions to spread awareness and knowledge of the game.

By Philip Otuo

Supporters and fans of the young rising boxers who are fighting on April 17, 2021on the Winbase Promotions Bill dubbed James Town Fight Night - Road To Glory were at the Mudor Conference Hall of the Trust Sports Emporium Ltd. (TSEL) in their numbers to witness the press conference last Thursday.

Present were the Second Vice President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) Abraham Neequaye, Treasurer Laud Acquaye, young promoter Edwin Nii Odartey Evans and CEO of Leonart Yert Nii Okai Nunoo.

Also representing their boxers were coaches Dr. Ofori Asare of Wisdom Gym and Daniel Larbie of Will Power Gym.

Mr. Edwin Evans said his ambition is to create an opportunity for budding boxing talents in James Town and surrounding areas.

He hoped that fans will come to the bout to encourage the future champions.

Benjamin Lamptey who nearly quit boxing after he lost to Michael  ‘One Bullet’ Ansah in a national lightweight championship announced his return with a new inspiration for the main bout.

International Coach Asare who represented Charles Amarteifio said his boxer will surprise Ben Lamptey aka Daddy Lumba in the main bout.

All the fresh boxers including Mohammed ‘Golden Boy’ Aryeetey of Sea View Gym, Michael Decardi Nelson aka ‘Mayweather’ of Akotoku Gym had the chance to brag to the admiration of the fans.

On the night, hard hitting Yusif Seidu will face John Quaye, Derrick Quaye clashes with Elvis Mensah in a tough duel while Michael Decardi Nelson will face Moses Adjei Selvi.

Nii Okai Nunoo, a consultant to the TSEL advised Ghanaian promoters to come up with exciting debatable pairings to attract the crowd and sponsors.

He promised to ensure that all Covid -19 protocols are adhered to.

Eight years old boxing Whiz kid Prince ‘The Buzz’ Larbie will present an exhibition, while Ga Rapper Kpakpa Ko will entertain guests and fans with his music.

Tickets for the fights are available online at www.winbasepromotions.com at 20ghc for regular, 50ghc for VIP and 200ghc for Ringside.

All boxers and officials will be tested and only 25% of the 4,000 sitting capacity of the Bukom Boxing Arena would be occupied as a prevention and safety method against Covid -19.

Leonart Yert, Trust Sports Emporium Ltd (TSEL), Boxing Eye Media, GTV Sports Plus and Asuavo Security are supporting the promotion.

Sammy Heywood Okine