Sports Writers Association of Ghana’s Sports Administrator for the Year 2021, George Okoe Lamptey was shocked to the bones when he was beaten by his close pal, Ben Quartey at the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) elective congress held on Saturday.

The high tension election which took place at the Accra Sports Stadium saw Okoe Lamptey polling 45 votes while Bernard Quartey got 59 votes to become the newly elected president of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF).

Dauda Fuseini polled a landslide of 63 votes to be elected as the first vice president while Mohammed Abdul Samadu who held that position got 23 votes and Abdul Rasheed Williams aka ‘Believer’ polled 17 votes.

Solomon Otoo Lartey aka ‘Mangola’ went unopposed as the second vice president while Mustapha Nettey also went unopposed as treasurer of the federation.

Abdul Issaka Pangasur and Dagadu Enam Foster were also elected as Executive Members after polling 53 votes each. Laud Stephen Amihere got 47 votes.

Mr. Lamptey who is a Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Board member promised to offer his support and advise to the new executive.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Africa World Airlines (AWA) – the leading domestic and sub-regional airline in Ghana, has joined the list of sponsors for the 2021 Sekondi-Takoradi Marathon (STM), fixed for Sunday, December 26, in Takoradi.

The airline for the second time would provide domestic flight tickets to the organisers and some international athletes who would participate in the race, from Accra to Takoradi.

AWA, which plies Takoradi on daily basis would also provide sub-regional air tickets for the winner of the competition to participate in an international marathon in any of their destinations in the sub-region.

This year’s package from AWA is an improvement upon the previous one, following the addition of international tickets.

Medivents Consult- organizers of the event have in the past had a standing relationship with AWA.

Mr. Henri Senyo Penni – General Manager of Medivents Consult expressed appreciation to the airline for their continuous support for the event.

“We are happy AWA has decided to grow with the event as Sekondi-Takoradi is gradually becoming the biggest in the country and most look up to the event in the year.

“It would be the biggest race this year and we invite all to come to Takoradi to witness the event,” he added

The STM is sponsored by Africa World Airlines (AWA), Cowbell, mybet.africa, Lucozade, David Car Rental, and GOIL.

The race is fixed for Sunday, December 26, and would commence at the Essipong Stadium and end at the Takoradi Mall.

Source: STM

Ghana based Nigerian boxer Joshua Wahab Oluwasuen, WBO Africa junior lighweight champion and national featherweight champion, Holy ‘Jaw Breaker’ Dogbertor were engaged in a media workout on Wednesday at the La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel ahead of their scheduled Dec 25, 2021.

Oluwasuen (21-0, 14 KOs) who trains at the Charles Quartey Gym will defend his continental title against Tanzanian opponent, Jackson Minyilingi (11-4-1, 3 KOs).

“All my fans should expect the best performance from me because I’m 120 percent ready to take on any challenger,” said Wahab with poise.

“If today had even been the day for the fight, the world would see what I’m made of and what I will deliver. I am inviting all Nigerians in Ghana as well as my Ghanaian fans to all come in their numbers to celebrate another victory,” he expressed.

Rising star, Holy Dorgbetor (8-0, 5 KOs), the UBO and Ghana featherweight titles showed the stuff he is made of at the workout before he faces Emmanuel Otoo.

“All my fans should expect the best from me because I’m here to show to the world my other side. We have been quiet for sometime and now we are very ready to make a statement because it’s my time,” Dorgbetor said.

ACE Power Promotions’ General Manager, Isaac Amankwah promised to surprise package for boxing fans on the night.

“It’s Christmas Day and we are bringing Santa here on fight night so imagine the goodies we will deliver on the day,” Mr. Amankwah indicated.

Another press conference will take place at the La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel on Monday

The bill dubbed ‘Brawl in Accra’ is Put together by ACE Power Promotions in collaboration with Streetwise Management and DiBella Entertainment. Tickets are going for Gh¢600, Gh¢500 and Gh¢400. Diamond ringside is selling for Gh¢300, ringside platinum is Gh¢200, elevated sitting at Gh¢100 whilst general admission goes for Gh¢50.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana’s first Skeleton Olympian, Akwasi Frimpong missed the podium by 27 seconds in today’s International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation ( IBSF) North American Cup Skeleton races in Lake Placid, New York.

He earned his best career finishes with two 6th places and a 5th place. Frimpong also jumped from 72nd in the world ranking this week to 62nd.

Frimpong has had a challenging Olympic season with major injuries during the off-season and  some material problems.

He never gave up and keeps pushing to qualify for his second Olympics.

According to Frimpong he underperformed in his fist 10 races and that will make his chances to qualify for the Olympics very hard.

But he says this week he proved to himself and the rest of the world that "he's not an African on a sled anymore, but a skeleton athlete from Africa."

Frimpong needs to be ranked in the top 60 in the world by January 16th, 2021 plus be ranked among the top 7 single nations in the top 60.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The ceremony at the Accra International Conference Center took the shape of a Ga traditional outdooring (Kpojiemo) and it was so beautiful and expressive. The triplets were named Akwele, Akuokor and Tawiah.

Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare introduced the designers  of the artworks, Tracy Ampah Oppong and Fiifi Forson.

He said the website will provide all the relevant information on the Games, and the logo will drive publicity and creative awareness.

He spoke about some achievements like securing land at Borteyman and  sod cutting done by the President.

He indicated that the LOC has Interacted with all media and contractors are on site working around the clock

He announced that the LOC will visit the whole nation to create awareness and select athletes and officials to represent Ghana.

President Nana Akufo-Addo whose speech was read by the Minister of sports said he is committed to hosting of the Games.

Members of the LOC introduced.

Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif said he was happy to be part of the ceremony,  to tell the world that Ghana is ready to host a successful Games.

He thanked everyone associated with the Games

Ghana is ready to host 54 nations in Africa and over 5,000 athletes and officials.

Hon. Ussif urged Federations to prepare well to Ghana to organize a memorable Games.

"This is Ghana's time and the nation welcomes the continent, we are ready to take Africa by storm" he expressed.

GOC President, Ben Nunoo Mensah gave the vote of thanks.

In attendance were the Ghana Dance Ensemble, Ghana Sports Supporters Union and journalists from all walks of life.

By Elizabeth Alhassan

Players of the Ghana Amputee team have been rewarded following their victory at the Africa Cup The team presented the trophy to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon Mustapha Ussif on Tuesday where the players were promised $2000 each Ghana emerged victorious at the competition in Tanzania earlier this month.

Each player in the national amputee team has been rewarded an amount of $2000 which is approximately GHC 12, 230 for winning the Africa Cup in Tanzania earlier this month.

The team emerged champions of Africa after cruising to victory in the final against Liberia a fortnight ago.

The Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif commended the players for their heroics and pledged to reward each player $2000.

The team gained attention after sending a video to authorities as they were stranded in Tanzania at the end of the tournament. The ministry immediately sent support for them to be airlifted home.

The team defeated Liberia 3-2 in the final to emerge champions of Africa.

The team led by captain Richard Attah Opainstil were met by National Sports Authority chairman, Professor Peter Twumasi and a delegation from the Sports Ministry.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The National Treasurer Hopeful of the NPP, Dr. I.T Yusif, popularly known as Dr. Tedam, was The SNR. Aid and director of operations to late party legend, Hon. C.K Tedam has been speaking to Asaase Radio on the Minority in Parliament deciding not to support the approval of the 2022 Budget Statement and Economic policy of the government.

Dr. Yusif Tedam, a communication team member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) said the 2022 Budget Statement and Economic policy of the government is causing members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to have sleepless nights.

Speaking on Asaase Rsadio - The Forum on Saturday (11 December), Dr. Tedam said the number of employment initiatives projected in the budget as presented by the Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister for Finance will eliminate youth unemployment and give the NDC no chance of gaining power in the next elections hence, the opposition’s disapproval of the budget.

He said, “this budget, to be honest with you when it got to their (NDC) caucus they couldn’t sleep. They realized that if this budget comes and they (the government) are able to collect the levies, build roads, hospitals, and the youth after graduation will have a startup fund which is the dream of every youth in Ghana.”

“When every youth is an entrepreneur and is building their own company and doing well, who will mind NDC? That will be the end of NDC and they’ll not have a message come 2024. So, they agreed that whatever they’ll do to make sure this budget is not passed, they’ll do it,” he stated.

Earlier, Dr. Benjamin Kumbour, a former defence minister had said the agitations against the government’s 2022 Budget Statement goes beyond the introduction of the electronic transaction levy (E-Levy) of 1.75%.

Speaking to Beatrice Adu on The Big Bulletin, Wednesday (8 December), Dr. Kumbour noted that the relative hardship in the country has a major contributing factor towards the criticisms of the E-Levy and the overall rejection of the budget.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana’s former IBF Lightweight Champion, Richard Commey has been discharged from hospital after the fight against Ukrainian Vasily Lomachenko at the Madison Square Garden in New York.

His manager Michael Amoo Bediako said he was not hurt in the fight, but they have learnt their lessons and still focused on becoming a two-time world champion.

Michael Amoo-Bediako Snr. said "I could not be more proud of this young man. The consummate professional who proved to the world that he has the heart of a Lion.

Richard Commey  will always be a champion to me and like true champions he will rise again," Amoo-Bediako posted on Twitter some few minutes ago.

Added Lou DiBella, also co-promoter of Commey:

"There aren’t better people in #boxing than  @RichardCommey. He’s a credit to Ghana and to our sport. A sportsman, a man of faith, and a champion for poor children, Richie embodies the heart, courage, and resolve he showed last night in defeat. I’m truly honored to work with him

The LomaCommey fight was scored 117-110, 119-108, 119-108 in favor of Vasily Lomachenko who was decorated as the new WBO Inter Continental Lightweight Champion .

The Ukrainian took Commey through some boxing classes, knocking him down once in the seventh round, and actually motioned for his corner to throw in the towel.

They did not, which led to Loma taking Commey to more school. He could have knocked Commey out many times, but the Ukrainian was respectful and allowed the remaining five rounds to finish to make the fans happy.

“It was not a contest. It was an education” as seen by journalist Gary Al Smith, but to some Loma was too good and he has his day.

Vasiliy Lomachenko, the former three-weight world champion, brutalized former lightweight champion Richard 'RC' Commey, winning a wide unanimous decision over the Ghanaian in front of 8,555 fans.

Teofimo Lopez who defeated Commey, but recently lost his title to George Kambosos Jnr  also visited and congratulated the Ghanaian for his performance and wished him well.

33-year-old Lomachenko hopes to now face lightweight champion George Kambosos Jnr.

"I need this chance [for the undisputed title]," said Lomachenko. "I will go anywhere I need to go to fight [Kambosos]. ... I need all four belts."

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Concerning issues regarding use of our facilities, as already explained to stakeholders and the general public, since 2019 the NSA entered into agreement with Green Grass Technology Company Ltd as consultant in management of pitches in our major stadia (Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast and Tamale).

They (Green Grass Tech) regularly issue reports and recommendations to us for implementation. This is routine. Currently and per government's directive, each stadium renovated or constructed comes with maintenance and operation manuals that we adhere to strictly and religiously.

Due to extensive pressure on our facilities due to high number of clubs and matches per stadium (for instance 400 matches in Accra sports stadium per year instead of the ideal 40), the rate of repairs also increase per unit time.

Clubs that we have contract with, and permitted to play are unable to pay the Finance Ministry's determined rent of GHS 110,000.00 per match (including use of pitch) as indicated in the 2021 LI for Fees and Charges,  so NSA does not rent the facility to premier clubs but we co-organize with them and share gate proceeds (OPTION 2). Other clients can rent  places within the stadia for activities too per IGF mobilization mandate.

GT Bank rented the place for their end-of-year get-together (not concert per agreement we have with them). This one-day programme has no effect on sporting activities in the stadium, and did not influence timelines for pitch maintenance by the Green Grass Technology. They are to mount their systems on asphalted areas behind the goalposts but not to use the pitch which is currently being worked on by Green Grass and our Estate workers.

Our consultant in his report indicated that the pitch soil has become acidic with pH of 4 instead of 7 (neutral). Such acidic condition in the  soil kills our good grass and allow colonization of weeds on the pitch. As we speak now they have applied chemicals which will correct the pH in the next 7 days or so. Until such effect is achieved, and with fertilizer application, we cannot use the Accra stadium pitch for sporting activities. That's why we informed our stakeholders.

This kind of intervention is done on all our pitches. Currently, Cape Coast is undergoing same process prior to match of National U20 Women football team, and also at Aliu Mahama.

Please, further explanation would be provided as and when needed.

Thank you

NSA

The 2021 Okor Okpe Festival lived up to its billing as another wonderful sporting initiative to keep the people healthy in a clean environment.

About 250 riders took part riding for good health from Accra Ga Mashie to Osu, Ridge, Makola, Accra Central, Children's Hospital, Palladium, Korle Bu, Korle Gonno, Mamprobi, Chorkor, Lantemaami, Tea Garden, White House, Beach Road to Accra, James Town, Akamangjen, Bukom, Abola.

All the participants who spoke to the media described the 2021 Okor Okpe Festival as highly successful, exciting and fantastic.

They really enjoyed the riding and the refreshing moments from the sponsors Belaqua Mineral Water and Good Day Energy Drink.

Mr. Nii Otto Von Cofie, the brain behind the event said it adds up the the sports and tourism programmes and called on the tourism operators to come and collaborate in the next events.

He expressed that Okor Okpe is not a competition, but a leisure activity to reduce the stress of the people, as both the youth and elderly are stressful and need something to keep them moving and happy.

He said this year’s programme is aimed at cardio exercising  to keep the heart alive in a good mood and share love.

“We hope to get 500 riders next year because we are getting bigger and more riders are joining. We thank our sponsors, media partners and the Police who guided us with good ” he added.

By Sammy Heywood Okine