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Sammy Heywood Okine

Sammy Heywood Okine

Bastian Dieti of Obroni Cycling claimed a decisive victory on the second stage of the tour du Ghana, a demanding 80km race from Ho to Fume. Bastian Dieti broke away from the peloton to secure a solo win, solidifying his status as the Stage Winner.

The race started with 58 riders with action ignited early with a keenly contest race. The top three finishers  secured the bonus points, with Dieti taking maximum points (3 points), followed by Tom Wyfve of the Netherlands (2 points), and Soumaila Ilboudo of Burkina Faso (1 point).

Team Obron rider launched an attack and Maintained the pace, opened gap, leaving the peloton to contest the remaining podium places.

Dieti crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 2:06:57, more than two minutes clear of his closest rivals. The battle for second place was a tightly contested affair, with the Netherlands' Tom Wyfve ultimately securing the position in 2:09:05.

He narrowly held off a late charge from Burkina Faso's Soumaila Ilboudo, who completed the podium in 2:09:11.

Other riders trickled in such as the sprint for 11th place, where Belgium's Fil D’Heygere edged out Obroni's Aaron Wehde by just over a second.

The race was tough as  riders from Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Benin, and the Netherlands all featuring prominently in the top 20.

Team Ghana demonstrated formidable resilience, with Victor Cudjo Akpabli finishing as the top-ranked Ghanaian rider.

Stage 2 (Ho to Fume) – Top 10 Finishers

  1. BASTIAN DIETI (OBRONI) – 2:06:57
  2. TOM WYFVE (NETHERLANDS) – 2:09:05
  3. SOUMAILA ILBOUDO (BURKINA FASO) – 2:09:11
  4. SAVER KASPER (BELGIUM) – 2:09:14
  5. JONAS DE SCHAMPHELEIRE (BELGIUM) – 2:09:21
  6. GIJS DE KORT (NETHERLANDS) – 2:09:24
  7. BORIS WOUTERS (BELGIUM) – 2:09:28
  8. NIKLAS DE WISPELAERE (BELGIUM) – 2:09:32
  9. AARON WEHDE (OBRONI) – 2:09:35
  10. FIL D’HEYGERE (BELGIUM) – 2:09:36

The Youngest Overall category was won by Gandaho M.C. Charbel,  Meanwhile, on the home front, Farrakhan Shaaban Mohammed was adjudged as the top-performing youngest Ghanaian rider.

Philipp Bachi was recognized as the oldest competitor.

The team time trials revealed incredibly tight margins, with Team Obroni posting a leading time of 2:06:57. The teams from the Netherlands (2:09:15.679), Burkina Faso (2:09:17.292), and Belgium (2:09:18.841) finished within mere seconds of each other, underscoring the intense level of competition.

Quaye Love Adjei Prince of Bahati Foundation was crowned the Overall Best Ghanaian by time.

Source GCF

 

For 50 years, Mona Captan has embodied excellence, endurance, and elegance in Ghanaian golf. Rising from humble beginnings at Achimota, she became the country’s most decorated golfer, a symbol of passion, purpose, and lasting inspiration.

Born to a Lebanese father and a Ghanaian mother from Keta in the Volta Region, Mona Captan’s encounter with golf began almost by chance. In the mid-1970s, during her school days at Anumle near Achimota, she and a few friends passed by the Achimota Golf Club after a morning jog. Something about the serenity of the fairways and the precision of the game caught her attention. What began as curiosity soon became a calling. With guidance from a professional golfer,

Mona took her first swing, a young woman entering a sport dominated by men. That determination became her trademark.

By the early 1980s, Mona was already a force on Ghana’s golf scene. Her competitive spirit and unwavering discipline set her apart. Over the years, she has participated in over 850 tournaments, both locally and internationally, capturing more than 600 trophies, an unparalleled record in Ghanaian sports. Her victories span continents, from Nigeria and The Gambia to South Africa, Uganda, France, the UK, and the USA.

Two awards stand out in her storied career: being named Sportswoman of the Year by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) in 1996 and 1999, as well as receiving the Millennium Award from the Ghana Golf Association. Yet, despite the accolades, Mona remains grounded, her trophies are not merely symbols of success but milestones of service, discipline, and self-belief.

Mona Captan’s declaration, “Until my bones are rotten, I will not quit golf,” captures her lifelong dedication to the sport. After winning her 16th Ghana Open title, she credited her success to constant practice and perseverance. Despite challenges, her humility and passion remain unwavering as she continues to compete alongside younger players, proving her timeless strength and love for the game.

It is no surprise that the media have christened her the “evergreen Mona.” For fiftyyears, she has remained competitive, relevant, and inspirational. Her grace on the course and gentle command of the game have made her both a competitor and a mentor, a living legend who embodies timeless excellence. Beyond trophies and titles, Mona Captan stands as a beacon for women in sports. Long before gender equality became a rallying cry, she was breaking barriers and redefining possibilities. She has spent years visiting schools, encouraging young girls to take up sports, sharing lessons on discipline, teamwork, and the beauty of perseverance.

Her story is not just about golf: it’s about grit, grace, and the power of consistency. Today, younger players, particularly women, look up to her as proof that one can age gracefully in competition, that golf, like life, rewards patience and purpose.

WEEKEND OF CELEBRATION FRIDAY, 28 SATURDAY, 29 November, 2025. THE VENUE: CENTRE OF THE WORLD GOLF CLUB, TEMA CALL TO ACTION The Golden Jubilee Swing Celebrating Mona @ 50 in Golf is more than a tournament: it is a landmark celebration of legacy, excellence, and inspiration. For fifty years, Mona Captan has graced the fairways with resilience, skill, and dignity. This is our moment to honor her, and your opportunity to stand alongside us in celebrating one of Ghana’s most enduring icons in sport. By becoming a sponsor, your organization will: Be associated with a once-in-a lifetime event that will never be repeated.

Enjoy premium visibility and recognition across three days of golf, media coverage, and gala events. Demonstrate commitment to youth empowerment, gender equity, and women of excellence in sports. Align your brand with prestige, heritage, and leadership in Ghanaian sport.

Source Phil John Quartey

Bastian Dieti, a top cyclist from Austria representing the Obroni Team made up of Germany, Netherlands and Austria on Tuesday exhibited his skill in breaking away to win the first road race at the 2025 Tour du Ghana in Ho, capital town of the Volta Region in a time of 2 hours, six minutes and 57 seconds.

He stretched the pelotan of 58 cyclists on the tough but smooth terrain of hills and vallies from Ho to Fume and back to Ho covering a distance of 80 kilometers. .

The historic event took place in a serene environment  on a quality asphalted road shielded by beautiful green plants and trees.

He was followed by Tom Wyfve from the Netherlands who did a time of 2 hours,  nine minutes. 05 seconds. while Burkina Faso's Ilboudo Soumaila who did 2 hours, 9 minutes and eleven seconds.

After the race, Dieti was presented with six sponsored jerseys for winning most of the categories in the race.

Gandaho M.C. Charbel won the overall youngsters cyclist prize, while Farrakhan Shaaban Mohammed took the prize for Youngest Ghanaian to finish..

Philip Bach was the oldest best finisher while Team Belgium was the best team to finish by time

General Secretary of the Ghana Cycling Federation, Alhaji Shaaban Mohammed expressed his satisfaction for a successful event and congratulated the countries that participated.

Cyclists from Belgium, Austria, Germany, Holland, Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso and Ghana are taking part in the Tour which ends on November 23rd at Ablekuma.

The Tour du Ghana 2025 is sponsored by MTN, Stanbic Bank, Twellium Industries, SAS Financial Services, Prudential Life, Apetamin, Dot.Aleliers, DHL,  Akwamu Kotoi Black Star Experience and in collaboration with the Ghana Olympic Committee,  National Sports Authority and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana will flag the final stage of the exciting 10th edition of Tour du Ghana on November 23, 2025 at Ablekuma in the Greater Accra Region.

The Tour which started on November 13th with the prologue at the Osu Castle is being competed by elite cyclists from Ghana, Austra, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Togo and Benin.

According to Alhaji Shabaan Mohammed, General Secretary of the Ghana Cycling Federation the highest and most memorable part of the competition will be on Saturday when the President of Ghana shows up at the event.

He said the Tour which is aimed at promoting tourism in Ghana is being staged in Greater Accra and Volta, specifically Ho where some jerseys are at stake for winners..

He noted that this year's Tour has attracted sponsorship from Dot.Aleliers, Prudential Life Insurance, MTN, THP, Asa Plus, Twellium Ghana Ltd, DHL Global, Stanbic Bank and the chief of Akwamu Kotoi who have branded  jerseys to be won by the cyclists.

He said the Ghana Cycling Federation is very much grateful to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, National Sports Authority, National Tourism Authority, Ghana Olympic Committee and the Black Star Experience Secretariat for their support.

He expressed that the Ghana Cycling Federation is using the Tour to know the current best cyclists in Ghana and support them to compete at future international events especially the 2026 Commonwealth Games and 2028 Olympic Games.

Ghana is represented by the Golden Pedals, the Greater Accra team and the Bahati cycling team.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

 

 

SWAG Boxer of the Year 2025, Mathias Ashitey of the Black Panthers Boxing Gym at James Town has extended his sincere gratitude to all members of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana and boxing people who have supported him in his favourite sport.

Mathias, who was very confident of winning the award said he worked hard in the year under review and deserves it.

He was nominated alongside George Dowuona and Desmond Pappoe who all won gold medals at the African Youth Boxing Championship in Guinea.

Earlier, he had fought his way to the quarter finals of the IBA World Championship in Montenegro, and he won gold at a special boxing tournament at Bukom in Accra.

He said the award is most special to him, and dedicated it to his family, Coach Eben Adjei aka Killer, all members of the Black Panthers Gym and his fans.

“I want to thank my Lord, Our Lord for this precious moment I’m truly humbled to be standing here tonight, accepting this incredible award. I’m grateful to everyone who’s supported me on this journey – my team, my family, and friends. This award isn’t just mine; it’s ours” he said on his social media.

“To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you for believing in me. I’m honored to be part of this community, and I’m stoked to keep pushing boundaries and achieving greatness! Cheers. A Special day with special dignities celebrating a special moment for a special accomplishment” he added.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The much-anticipated 4th FNB Head of State Invitational Golf Tournament is set to take place on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the iconic Achimota Golf Club, the premier hub for golfing excellence in Ghana. This year’s tournament will be officially opened with a ceremonial tee-off by H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana.

The Head of State Invitational Golf Tournament is a prestigious amateur golf event held annually under the distinguished patronage of the sitting President.

More than a celebration of sport, the event serves as a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and business networking among leaders across sectors.

The 2025 edition, themed “Giving Back To The Community Through Golf,” will feature 120 golfers from clubs across Ghana and beyond. It underscores the tournament’s commitment to using the spirit of golf as a means to foster community development and social impact.

The event is proudly organized by Northwestern Solutions in partnership with the Ghana Golf Association, with First National Bank (FNB) serving as the headline sponsor. Additional sponsorship and support are being provided by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Aphro, La Villa Aphro, Mundus, SAP Gp, Danny List

Foundation, Caveman Watches, The Luckiest, and Nguvu Mining Limited.

Conceived as a unique initiative to honour the Head of State, the tournament symbolically bridges executive leadership with the private sector, creating a space for meaningful interaction, policy dialogue, and strategic partnerships.

In addition to President Mahama, other distinguished guests expected to grace the tee-off ceremony at Achimota Golf Club—and later attend the closing ceremony at the University of Ghana Dome—include the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Sir Sam Jonah chairperson, Frank Adu, President of Achimota Golf Club, Kweku Okyere, President of the Ghana Golf Association, Presidents and captains of several golf clubs, Mr. Warren Adams, CEO of FNB, and several executives of the supporting sponsor organizations.

The tournament features multiple categories designed to ensure fair and inclusive competition across all skill levels. These include divisions such as Men’s Group A, Men’s Group B, and the Ladies’ Group, among others. To promote competitive balance, the event employs a handicap scoring system, using both gross and net

scores to determine winners in each category. This format not only rewards overall excellence but also recognizes individual performance relative to skill level, encouraging participation from a diverse range of golfers.

Organizers and sponsors have also hinted at attractive prizes to be presented to the winners during the closing ceremony, adding extra excitement to the competition.

A particularly memorable moment in the tournament’s history came in 2018, when it received what many described as a “royal touch.” Hosted in Kumasi, that edition captured national attention as two of Ghana’s most revered traditional leaders and avid golfers - Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Okyenhene Amoatia Ofori Panin II - graced the event and jointly participated in the ceremonial tee-off.

Their symbolic unity and presence elevated the tournament’s stature, reinforcing its role as a bridge between tradition, leadership, and modern development.

Are they waiting for National Sports Commission to get involved before they do the right thing?

President, FIBA Africa Zone 3, Col Sam Ahmedu (Rtd) of Nigeria has congratulated the President of Ghana Basketball Association , GBBA , for the success of its Elective Congress, held in Sunyani, Ghana on Saturday 15th November, 2025.

Ahmedu commended GBBA, one of the eight National Basketball Federations under FIBA Africa Zone 3, for the exemplary and cordial conduct of its  Congress which produced a new President for the Ghana Basketball Association for the next 4 years.

Seasoned and experienced Alex Kukula, Chairperson of the former VP Technical and Development was elected unopposed as new GBBA President while Ayiteh Bulley, FIBA Africa Zone 3 Finance, Marketing and Sponsorship Council Chairman and Head of the Greater Accra League was  elected Vice President, Finance and Administration.

Also elected is Meme Falconer as VP, Technical while Aurora Commodore is elected Treasurer of the Association.

In another development, Iddrissu Ayambire, Chairman, FIBA Africa Zone 3 Technical and Competitions Council and former Vice President of the GBBA was appointed Honorary President of GBBA.

Ahmedu (Rtd), President, FIBA Zone 3 was also appointed Honorary member of the Ghana Basketball Association by the GBBA Congress for his contributions to the development of Basketball in Ghana.

Source Phil Johnny Quartey

In a significant move to bolster the upcoming Tour du Ghana, delegation from the Ghana Olympic Committee and the Ghana Cycling Federation paid a courtesy call on Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III in the Akwamu Akotoi State.

The meeting solidified a key partnership, with the Akwamu Akotoi State being proudly announced as a major sponsor for the Tour du Ghana national event.

This collaboration underscores the growing support between sports and traditional leadership in driving national development and promoting tourism and culture.

The discussions centered on the Akwamu Akotoi state pivotal role in hosting the cyclists and officials in the Volta Regional capital, Ho, setting the stage for a memorable and culturally immersive event.

As part of the event's itinerary, participants will be treated to the rich culture and stunning landscapes of the region.

The team will embark on an excursion to discover the beautiful scenery in and around Ho, offering a unique opportunity for athletes and officials and Journalists to connect with the local environment beyond the competition.

The Cyclists are set to ride through the vibrant streets of Ho, Fumi, Afadjato and traverse through the beautiful town of Akwamu before their final departure to Accra.

This partnership between the Ghana Cycling Federation and the Akwamu Akotoi State marks a new chapter for the Tour du Ghana. It promises not only a cycling event but also a celebration of Ghanaian heritage and hospitality. By integrating the race with cultural tourism, the event aims to leave a lasting legacy, boosting local visibility and inspiring a new generation of cycling enthusiasts across the Volta Region.

Source Ghana Cycling Media

Tour Du Ghana Day 1 results

The 3.5km prologue route from Osu Castle to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park set the tone for an exciting Tour du Ghana 2025

Ms. Paulina Acheampong, lady captain of the Damang Golf Club has commended the PGA Ghana for organising its eleventh tournament on their course and implementing the initiative of encouraging girls to play golf.

Paulina who has been playing for the past eight years either play alone or with some men because they are no many female players.

She said the idea of the PGA to involve and invite girls from Abosso Methodist Girls Junior High School was in the right positive direction and it was good to bring them to the course than going to school.

She has also experienced playing on many courses in Tarkwa, Achimota,  Kumasi and Tema winning a few tournaments, but want to be like her idol, Tiger Woods who she lives watching.

According to Paulina she is never bored as golf is there to play and advised Ghanaian females to try golf.

She is still an amateur so did not enter the draw for the PGA tournament, however she was present during the duration of the tournament to support.

She hopes to participate in the next tournament.                            

"I wish to encourage girls and ladies to join us on the course, golf is good, golf can change your life to be better" she said.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

 

 

Vice President of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) in Ghana, Alhaji Ahmed Padori has emphasized that golf is life.

Speaking exclusively to selected Ghanaian sports journalists at Damang during the 2025 Damang Open Tournament,  he noted that golf is a sport that one can play at an advanced age.

"You cannot play football or tennis up to 60 years, but you can play golf till you die, we have golfers who are 80 years and above" he said.

According to the veteran who joined the PGA 35 years ago, golf provides valuable lessons and a metaphor for navigating life's challenges, emphasizing patience, integrity, and resilience.

He expressed that golf mirrors life by presenting both good and bad breaks, and the importance of perseverance and the mental game in the face of adversity.

"With golf, you can play alone or with someone you do not like or with your wife and family" he said.

He noted that great personalities like the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Barak Obama and Donald Trump, American presidents play golf and encouraged President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana to start playing the game.

He stated that golf can calm politicians and unite them, like NDC and NPP who love to fight in Parliament.

Alhaji Padori stated that golf must be added to curriculum of schools, and that is the reason he had been propagating the importance of the game in some educational institutions.

At the Damang Open 2025, some female pupils of the Abosso Methodist JHS were invited to come and watch the game and acquire the interest in playing.

His main concern was the low participation of female golfers, because everyone can play.

He revealed that the PGA is drawing a plan to allow girls and women to play.

He was very happy that the number of female players increased from four to 13 at this year's tournament as compared to last two years when only four Ghanaian professional golfers took part.

This time, there were players from South Africa, Senegal, Togo, Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria who competed keenly and created some excitement on the course.

"The ladies game has improved because there were some top professional golfers"

He stressed that female golfers must be paid well to attract more of them, and he urged companies to come on board to sponsor them and the game in general.

He thanked Goldfields, Genser Engineers & Planners and all other companies that support the PGA.

He also thanked the media who give space and airtime to propagate the development and promotion of golf.

According to him, the benefits of playing golf are enormous, because it brings economic activity to where the game is played and players enjoy physical, moral and spiritually.

"I will suggest and encourage more people to start playing golf because it's not too late" he added.

He also diluted the myth that golf is a sport for the affluent and only rich people play golf.

"Yes, the equipment is expensive but you can manage and show interest" he stressed.

Alhaji Padori announced that the next PGA event which is sponsored by Genser will take place at the Royal Golf Club in Kumasi from November 25 to 27 and their Annual General Meeting (AGM) will also be held there.

By Sammy Heywood Okine