An exhibition on aspects of Ghana’s boxing heritage ‘Atswele Sane’ curated by Sarah Lotus Asare opens at the Museum of Archaeology and Heritage Studies at the University of Ghana from Wednesday, August 20 to September 2, 2025.

Ms. Sarah Lotus Asare is Ghana’s first and only female Matchmaker; she is also the Administrator at Wisdom Boxing Gym and Manager of Theophilus ‘Lopez’ Allotey, the current WBO Africa Bantamweight, UBO Africa Super Flyweight and Ghana National Super Flyweight Champion.

The daughter of Ghana’s celebrated boxing coach; Dr. Ofori Asare is also an executive member of the Greater Accra Amateur Boxing Association.

Boxing lovers and fans are expected to support Sarah Asare by visiting the Exhibition.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Accra Hearts of Oak beat Kpando Heart of Lions to lift the 2025 Gbese Mantse Homowo Charity Peace Cup with an authoritative 2-0 victory at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The Phobians who found the net through Frank Duko and Hamza Issah are building on this pre-season form ahead of the start of the 2025/26 Ghana football season.

Coach Didi Dramani tasted Gbese Mantse Cup match and won his first trophy with the Rainbow boys. He next competition is the GHALCA Top Four tournament that starts on Wednesday in Accra.

Mr. Sammy Anim Addo was the main organizer of the Gbese Mantse Homowo Charity Peace Cup Match which featured entertainment stars like Tinny and others.

Ghana champions Bibiani Gold Stars, Heart of Lions and Asante Kotoko are all in the prestigious pre-season GHALCA Top Four competition which will be honoured at the Accra Sports Stadium.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The 2025 edition of the African Junior and Youth Weightlifting Championship is happening in Accra Ghana from August 17 to 22, 2025 at the Ga Mashie Hall of the Trust Sports Emporium.

14 countries are represented namely, host nation Ghana,  Algeria, Botswana,  Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Libya, Madagascar, Morocco,  Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa,  Eswatini and Uganda.

Present at the opening ceremony were President of African Weightlifting Khaled Mehalhe and Secretary General of African Weightlifting, former President of the Ghana Olympic Committee Ben Nunoo Mensah also known as HRH Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira I - the development Chief of the Ga State who represented the Ga Mantse, current GOC President Richard Akpokavie, President of Ghana Weightlifting Federation Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Ms. Veronica Commey Deputy Director General of the National Sports Authority who represented the Minister of Sports and Recreation and other dignitaries.

The Alajo Mantse was present with his entourage and they enjoyed melodies provided by the Ghana Immigration Service band and Ga Mashie Dance Troop.

Hon. Shaib said the championship is not only a platform for competition but also a stage for inspiration, cultural exchange, friendship, and solidarity. He urged young athletes to compete with courage, fairness, and passion, noting that every lift contributes to their personal journey and the future of African weightlifting.

The GOC President declared the competition opened as he reminded athletes and officials to show the Olympic values in their performances. He urged the young athletes to take advantage of the opportunity, give their best, and embody the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship.

The President of African Weightlifting Khaled Mehalhe declared that Ghana is capable of hosting the World Championship with the set up he saw.

By Sammy Heywood Okine                                        

'The Big Game' featuring Skillsman XI versus License Coaches XI comes off at La, McDan Park on August 31, 2025

Skillsman Tornado, now a CAF License D Coach has thanked all who have contributed to his projects of selecting and training young footballers. He said the young boys will dazzle to the delight of football fans on the match day.

"The boys will thrill in the big game, come and see with your own eyes the skills and talent" he expressed.

The anticipated big game between the freshest set of young coaches, who took part in the CAF license D course will take place on Sunday 31st August, 4pm at the La McDan Park against Skillsman Tornado XI.

Skillsman Tornado who has been scouting and grooming young players starting from age 6 said the game aims to expose the players and test the skills of the new coaches.

He noted that the Skillsman 11 Foundation is an NGO trying their best in the area of Sports in general and football in particular.

Skillsman who is a cousin of Black Stars Legend Stephen Appiah also blessed with football power and skills.

He is involved in boxing management and beach soccer organization, aiding clubs and players around Teshie and Nungua in Accra.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana's Middleweight boxer is the last man standing for the nation and Africa at the innovative WBC Grand Prix going on in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

He is also rated among the top ten boxers by BoxinGhana -Pound for Pound.

Last week the 2020 Tokyo Olympian was in the ring, but he did not fight, however he got his qualification medal and got the opportunity to present a medal to an opponent in his weight class.

Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive interview at the Bukom Boxing Arena on his return to Accra, The 'Sharp Shooter' as he is known expressed satisfaction and joy over where he has reached by representing at the WBC event.

He disclosed that as an alternative opponent he has the chance to fight if any of the qualified boxers get injured or fail to report.

According to Samed, he is very glad to be in the show because it has really exposed him to meet the big men at WBC and also been offered an insurance package worth $100,00 through the Grand Prix programme.

"I have the chance of fighting a WBC Championship if I perform well, so the exposure and experience is massive. Indeed I am most grateful to Dr. Addae Opoku Amoako of Ace Power Promotions and my manager Edwin Theo Addo, CEO of Akotoku Academy for supporting my dream. I also thank my coaches for guiding me through" he said.

Shakul praised God as he was robbed and the verdict as overturned in his first fight, so that lesson made him perform better in his subsequent bouts.

His senior brother Bastie Samir,  the original Beast of Ghana Boxing also spoke to Yours Truly and he assured his fans of a grand comeback.

The former sparring partner of Floyd Mayweather hinted that he is still training and not hanged his gloves.

"I will return big and massively at the right time" he stated.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Sports Education and Management (SEM) presents ‘Monaco - The Night To Prove’ at Bukom Boxing Arena on September 12 as Ernest Akushey aka 'Baubali' faces Jacob Dickson aka 'The Beast' in a Cruiserweight contest at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

The introduction of boxers on the bill was done at on Friday where Dickson (14-2-0) promised to switch off Baubali in rounds three or four and end his career because he doesn't have IQ in boxing.

Ernest Akushey (6-1-0) replied that he will shock Dickson as he has corrected his mistakes, and coming with something new and explosive. He thanked all his fans all over the world.

In the undercard Daniel Gorsh aka Emperor,  John Laryea (Expensive Boxer) from the Bronx Boxing Club and Musah Rahman Lawson aka Awoodade are all featuring.

Lawson who was signed by Edward Coleman to join the SEM stable alongside 13 year old juvenile boxer Benjamin Ankrah for 3 years with a promise of scholarship, welfare package and education also promised a good show.

The reigning national Super Welterweight champion said the new contract should help him to climb to the top ranks in WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO.

Coleman added that the package include advertising of the boxers and managing them to become international champions.

Present to grace the event were GBA representatives, Michael Tetteh, Lord Acquaye, Patrick Johnson, Derek Ankrah and Yours Truly.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Madam Angela List, CEO of Nguvu Mining Limited and Chairperson of Danny List Foundation has sent a message of profound and sincere condolence to HE President John Dramani Mahama, the people of Ghana and close families of the eight gallant heroes who lost their lives in the tragic helicopter accident on August 6, 2025.
According to Madam List, she was devastated on hearing the very painful lose to the nation as the people involved were very distinguished gallant gentlemen who were on national duty serving the nation.
She stated that this incident should make Ghanaians come together and be strong in unity as a nation.
She described Hon. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah who she met at the International Youth Empowerment programme as a kind modest and patriotic personality, and noted that the nation has lost a fine gentleman alongside the others.
"May his kind soul rest in peace together with the others" she stressed.
She called for prayers, support, kindness and honour for their families.
Dr Edward Omane Boamah - Minister for Defence, ⁠Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed - Minister for Environment, ⁠Alhaji Muniru Mohammed - Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Dr Samuel Sarpong - Vice Chairman, NDC, Mr Samuel Aboagye - Former Parliamentary candidate, Squadron leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo lost their lives while travelling to Obuasi to engage in a safe mining event.
Madan List is Chairperson of the foundation named after the Ghanaian US Based professional golfer, Danny List.
By Sammy Heywood Okine

General Secretary of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) Mr. Patrick Johnson has explained that the Normalization Committee to lead in the reforms of Ghana Boxing will not work beyond 2026.

Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive interview, he said the Normalization Committee is supposed to work hand in hand with the Ghana Boxing Authority to bring on board the recommendations of the Ministerial Committee to lead the sport to improve at all levels, from juvenile, female boxing amateur and professional.

“The whole eco system of Ghana Boxing is going to be affected for the better so that all stakeholders will enjoy” he said.

According to the General Secretary the Normalization Committee will introduce a 5 year development plan whereby investment would be applied into the sport and the nation is going to attract deals to welcome international boxing deals to stage world title bouts and other engagements to boast business and sports tourism.

He urged the boxing stakeholders to support the Normalization Committee to do their work in time to hand over to a new President and Board.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Telecom giants, MTN Ghana on Thursday announced a landmark $2milion sponsorship package at MTN House, their head office at Ridge in Accra to become the headline sponsor of four national teams of Ghana, namely the Black Stars, Black Queens, Black Satellites and Black Starlets, as well as the Under 19 Elite Championship.

Mr. Stephen Blewitt, the CEO of MTN Ghana said the deal as a commitment to deepening the relationship between the company, the GFA, and the nation’s football fraternity.

“This sponsorship deepens the bond between the people of Ghana, the GFA, the ministry, and the sports community. It’s about national pride, youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and building a sustainable future for football in our country” he said.

“By embracing all the national teams; male and female, junior and senior we affirm that every Ghanaian player deserves the chance to shine. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, we believe Ghana can go all the way” he added.

He expressed that it is about national pride, youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and building a sustainable future for football in this country.

“We believe that every Ghanaian player deserves the opportunity to shine, and we’re committed to giving our national teams the resources, preparation, and exposure they need to succeed.”

Mr. Blewett also emphasized MTN Ghana’s dream of seeing Ghana win the World Cup. “With unity, preparation, and the belief of 33 million Ghanaians, we can change the narrative,” he added.

Mr. Edwin Simone Kurt Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association welcomed the partnership, saying it a “timely boost” for the teams ahead of major competitions.

He praised MTN Ghana for their continued support of Ghanaian football. “Since the 2010-2011 football season, MTN has stuck with the FA, believed in the FA leadership, and believed in the vision of offering opportunities to the youth of our country”.

Mr. Okraku emphasized the significance of the partnership, noting that it’s not just about the Black Stars, but also about the Black Queens, Black Satellites, and Black Starlets. “MTN Ghana is committed to investing in our today and our collective future,” he added.

Madam Wilhemina Asamoah, Chief Director of the Ministry of Sports and Recreation commended MTN Ghana for their support of football and encouraged other corporate bodies to follow suit.

“Ghana is undergoing comprehensive reforms to position the country as a hub for continental trade, business, tourism, and education,” she said. “The Ministry of Sport and Recreation is pursuing initiatives to promote corporate partnerships with sport, and we urge all stakeholders to work together to develop our sports industry” she noted.

The deal which runs from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2027 is expected to provide crucial financial and logistical support as Ghana’s national teams prepare for upcoming qualifiers and tournaments, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Present were Exco members of the GFA, retired Black Stars players, captains of the Black Satellites and Black Queens, coaches, senior managers of MTN Ghana, the Ghana National Supporters Union and the media.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The 2025 edition of the Gbese Mantse Homowo Charity Peace Cup promises excitement and entertainment as coaches of the competing clubs have met to media to assure fans what they should expect on Sunday  August 17 at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The final presser took place at the Gbese Mantse Palace in Accra where the head coaches and captains of Accra Hearts of Oak and Kpando Heart of Lions revealed to the media their preparations and plans ahead of the Cup Match.

Coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani said it is a very important match, which they need to win for the fans after missing the President's Cup.

He expressed that players are training hard and he expects an entertaining game.

"We are building a team with players who have the winning mentality. We are in and ready to challenge for every event" he said.

Bashiru Hayford of Heart of Lions noted that last year they came, saw and played but did not conquer. "We are here again and this time will be different because we started preparing long time ago and the boys want to win. It's a very important match for us, we have other matches with Hearts and we are glad to play with them, we are here to grace the occasion and honour the Gbese Mantse to promote peace and unity.  We are coming to make history. I have tasted this soup before and I know how it feels like, we are working underground and we will shock Hearts of Oak, only two of our players have left" he indicated

Hearts of Oak Captain Ben Asare thank all present and the opportunity to play again.

He assured fans of the players’ readiness to face Heart of Lions and win since they are the older club.

Bismark Anim, Captain of Heart of Lions said its a good test for both teams, but they have trained hard and well prepared to win.

According to Sammy Amin Addo, the chief organiser, Volta Region chiefs and people are interested and coming to Accrra to give full support as they will be represented by the Regional Minister and MCE.

He confirmed curtain raisers between Accra West versus Accra North colts players and Legends versus the British High Commission.

He also assured of good entertainment and cultural activities as the Black Star Experience office and Ghana Tourism Authority are backing the event.

He stated that the match will be used to honour the eight deceased gallant heroes who crashed in an helicopter accident and 16 children who died in a road accident.

The gate fees are Ga Mashie special at 5ghc, 10ghc, 20ghc, 100ghc and 200ghc for VIP.

Tinny, Jupiter and Yaa Pono will entertain fans with their music.

By Sammy Heywood Okine