HRH Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira I, Ga Noryaa Mantse, (Development Chief of the Ga Traditional Area ) and former President of the Ghana Olympic Committee has commended the Black Stars for qualifying to the FIFA World Cup to be hosted next year by USA, Mexico and Canada.

Known in private life as Ben Nunoo Mensah, the former President of Ghana Weightlifting Federation and Management Committee of Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club said the Black Stars deserve to be at every World Cup tournament because Ghana is blessed with quality football talent.

He praised the Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku and his executive as well as the Black Stars Management Committee which includes Dr. Randy Abbey, Stephen Appiah and Greater Accra RFA Chairman Samuel Aboabri aka Kataa.

Nii Ashiefie who is a keen sports enthusiast said the presence of Ghana at the biggest football festival is very important in terms of diplomacy and opportunity for tourism promotion and business.

He challenged the Technical Staff led by Otto Addo to go beyond the Quarter Finals of the World Cup if the chance is available.

He hailed Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare an indigene of Korle Gonno and urged the youth to copy from his commitment, dedication, discipline and showmanship. He advised him not to be swollen headed, but focus, pray and train harder.

He added that the playing body should unite and bond together to achieve results and support from from the fans.

He urged other young sportsmen and women to be inspired by the success of the footballers and also force to make it to the next Youth Olympic Games in Senegal and Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The city of Accra, the capital of Ghana will witness an exciting boxing tournament on Saturday, October 18 evening from 6pm to 11pm at the Hathiramani Hall, Accra Sports Stadium.

Ghana's team will be selected from the Bukom Boxing Gym, Black Rockets and Black Bombers to face the Drovais Boxing Club from France in the international amateur boxing clash.

According to the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) this is not just another fight card — it’s a chance for Ghana’s top prospects to prove themselves on home soil against a respected European opponent. The event promises skill, speed, and raw determination from both sides.

For the local fighters from Bukom Boxing Club, this is more than competition or opportunity - it’s a statement.

The Black Bombers will be looking to make Ghana proud, showcase their grit, and remind the boxing world that Ghana continues to produce warriors with heart. Accra will be rocking when those gloves touch.

There would be an exhibition of juvenile boxing  before the main bouts to showcase some of the future stars.

The President of the GBF Mr. Bernard Quartey and his team are working closely with the IMC on Professional Boxing to stage a memorable event and experience.

He said is will serve as training for the team preparing for the Youth Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The fantastic Black Stars of Ghana on Sunday put up a scintillating performance before a full house at the Accra Sports Stadium to end the qualifiers of the 2026 FIFA with a lone goal by Mohammed Kudus aka Star Boy against Comoros.

A goalmouth scramble saw the ball crossed low into the six-yard box and Kudus just tapped it coolly into the net from point-blank range.

Ghana topped  group I to become the fifth African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup after Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia.

With the massive crowd cheering the Black Stars, they dominated the first half when the Comoros team applied a strategy of not coming forward and playing defensive.

However in the second half, after Kudus had scored, they opened up and the fans enjoyed themselves.

The Comoros goalkeeper Adel Anzimati-Aboudou was shielded often by his defence

The victory against Comoros was just sweet because the Indian Ocean islanders had beaten Ghana at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the second round of World Cup qualifying two years ago.

Out of five matches between the two countries Ghana has now won two, they have also won twice and one draw.

Ghana has amassed 25 points from 10 matches. Madagascar finished second with 19 points despite a 4-1 loss to third-placed Mali in Bamako.

The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup would be the fifth appearance by the Black Stars in the global showpiece after Germany2006, SouthAfrica2010 which was. Ghana's best appearance, Brazil2014 and Qatar2022.

Qualification for the expanded 48-nation 2026 tournament, to be co hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico justified the belief that Ghanaians had in coach Otto Addo, who was under fire last year.

There were persistent demands from the public media and even Minister of Sports and Recreation for Otto Addo to be sacked after a disappointing 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign.

Ghana, who have won the African Cup competition four times between 1963 and 1982, could not win any of six AFCON qualifiers and finished a humiliating last behind Angola, Sudan and Niger with just three points, but that is also another history because what matters most is what is happening now.

Indeed Ghanaians really showed love for the Black Stars and the fans must also be commended for the huge support.

Personally I made my presence felt cheering boldly to display my patriotism.

My colleagues in the Heroes Supporters Group joined the Ghana National Supporters Union and we made it super.

The celebration went deep into the night but I must give special credit to Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, Alexander Dziku, Mohammed Salisu, Caleb Yirenkyi, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo and goal getter Mohammed Kudus, not to forget the Management Committee of the Black Stars led by Dr. Randy Abbey and Stephen Appiah.

For GFA President Kurt Okraku, who is a Vice President of CAF and Anti Racism Committee Chairman at FIFA, he has proven that when given another term, things would be better for Ghana Football.

USA, Canada and Mexico here we come.

By Wendy Naa Deide Sampah

Former President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) Mr. Abraham Kotei Neequaye has indicated that his son, Cann Neequaye, a product of Accra Academy has only one loss on record because there is a contention on his bout against Daniel Otoo.

Speaking to Yours Truly from his new base in the USA, he expressed that the result on that particular fight at the Bukom Boxing Arena was to be decided by a GBA Committee but does not know if the Acting President Roger Barnor and his board met on it after he resigned.

Putting the records straight, he noted that Cann Neequaye now has a record of 15-1-0, and went all the rounds against a champion in Tanzania who knocks out opponents.

Cann Neequaye suffered the lose in his first bout outside Ghana with Salmin Kassim.(9-0-2, 5 KOs) at Viwanja vya Posta, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania.

Commenting on recent happenings in Ghana Professional Boxing, the former GBA President was sad to hear the sad passing of Bahubali, the entertaining boxer and said during his time he stopped him from fighting due to medical reasons. He suggested that the family of Bahubali aka Ernest Akushey should be compensated like he did to the Nigerian Boxer Gabriel Oluwsegun who died in Ghana.

Abraham Neequaye was of the view that the IMC can turn things around to be better if the government supports them to attract investment to aid the boxers, cut men, trainers and the gyms in terms of capacity building and collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Ghana Medical Association to work with all sports federations including boxing, by providing personnel to assist in medical issues and doping.

"I think the three months is not enough because what can they do in that short period,  I would prefer six months or one year to set up structures and injection of administrative discipline" he stressed.

According to Mr. Neequaye it is about time the stakeholders in boxing think deep and outside the box than on the surface, because going on demonstration will not solve anything but rather sharing of ideas and strategies.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Heroes Supporters Group have prayed and wished the Ghana Black Stars victory and success in their final group game for the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Comoros at the Accra Sprts Stadium on Sunday 12^th October 2025.

Chairman of Heroes Supporters, Mr. Alex Ahenfo said the Black Stars must go all out and get the three points with an impressive performance that will make Ghanaians happy. He urged football fans to storm the stadium to support the players.

Meanwhile, Ms. Wendy Naa Deide Sampah has also predicted a 3-0 victory for Ghana. She said the team has what it takes to win handsomely and she believes they will score more than two goals at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Ghana is leading Group I with 22 points and are in pole position to qualify for another World Cup after 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2022.

Comoros had been a team that has worried Ghana in some crucial matches and many Ghanaian football fans want a revenge.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Leaders Of Ghana Boxing On Duty In Tanzania As Local Promotions Remain Halted

... Stakeholders Resisting Oppression And Suppression

The former acting President of the Ghana Boxing Authority, Referee Roger Barnor was at post in the ring on Friday night in Tanzania same as Samir Captan, the African Representatives of the WBO who is also Chairman of the Ghana Professional Boxing Interim Management Committee (IMC).

He presented the WBO Africa Junior Featherweight title belt to Tanzanian Salim Kassim who defeated Ghanaian Cann Neequaye through a unanimous decision, 99-91, 97-93, 98-92,

Salmin Kassim (now 9-0-2, 5 KOs) handed Cann Neequaye, son of Abraham Kotei Neequaye his second lose to drop his record to 15 - 2, 10 KOs.

The fight was held in Viwanja vya Posta, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania.

Daniel Otoo from Bukom earlier beat Neequaye in Accra on the 'Shi shi shi' Boxing Night to celebrate Ghana's 68th Independence Day anniversary.

Meanwhile, Ghana Professional Boxing is still under lock due to a suspension directed by the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.

Many boxing fans in Ghana are worried about the current situation in the country, because boxers may find other jobs to do.

Mr. Evans Bernie Johnson, Chairman of the Greater Accra Amateur Boxing Association said it unfortunate and sad because some of them have invested in boxers and seeing Ghana Boxing under suspension, while the board of the Ghana Boxing Authority has been toppled and replaced by an Interim Management Committee is like coup detat.

"We have to protect our integrity, our investment, our passion and our sport by resisting the oppressor's rule" he expressed in an interview.

He asked what magic is the IMC going to conjure to prevent death in boxing because boxers agree to contracts before fights and they know it is a dangerous but lucrative venture.

He said boxing is a profession just like a soldier going to war and defending his nation.

Meanwhile Alex Ntiamoah Boakye, CEO of Box Office Promotions has also disclosed that the boxing stakeholders will use legitimate means to address their concerns.

"We will seek legal advise, close all gyms and lay down our tools and go on a massive demonstration to to take back our rights and freedom to operate" he noted.

Mr. Augustus Dodoo, a boxing enthusiast wondered how Ghana Boxing could be suspended yet the 'bigmen' go and work in Tanzania with Ghanaian boxers while records are altered.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Through the instrumentality and hard work of young rising international matchmaker Mubarak Yusif Nanor, some Ghanaian boxers have the opportunity to exhibit their talent and skills in Morocco.

On Saturday, October 11, the Moroccan Combat League brings together warriors from around the world for an explosive International Boxing Gala.

There are two worlds colliding under one roof as Morocco's own Yassine Oubikhir, a local hero with precision, pride, and power in every punch faces Ghana's relentless warrior John Quaye aka The Magic Man.

It is going to be skill and speed versus strength, brawling plus the African fire to the ring.

Experience the electricity of two professionals stepping in to prove who truly dominates the ring.

Is it going to be Yassine Oubikhir or John Quaye who won the hearts of many fans during the first edition of the Max TV Boxing League sponsored by Premier Motors.

It is going to be Casablanca versus Accra and it is going to be very interesting.

By Sammy Heywood Okine    

The people of Ghana are planning a massive football party on Sunday when they host Comoros in their final Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

The national team, Black Stars, have qualified for the World Cup tournaments since 2006, missing only 2018 when the prestigious event was held in Russia.

They did well in Germany 2006 going past the group stages, improved in South Africa 2010 when they reached the quarter finals, but flopped in Brazil in 2014 due to unfortunate and unpardonable reasons.

In 2022, they resurfaced in Qatar but the story was not as pleasant as the fans want because they did not improve upon their performances at the world stage.

For 2026, they are in pole position to qualify and the Accra Sports Stadium is going to experience a jamboree on Sunday when they face a team that has beaten them in recent tournaments. It is certainly a time for revenge.

So it is also going to be a time for payback and an opportunity to outscore, win and qualify for another FIFA World Cup scheduled for the USA,  Mexico and Canada

Ghana is known to be a football nation, everyone (the over 30 million people) know something about the game, so the people are referred to as 'coaches'. Even kids and grannies know something about football.

As a nation winning the African Nations Cup four times before other countries woke up to know how to play football and realise the benefits and merits in football Ghana has boasted of very great talented and skilful players.

They have won the African Cup in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.

Although they struggled and failed to make it to the African Nations Cup tournament, the people of Ghana are more interested in the World Cup because they want to win it.

After claiming the Under 17 World Cup on significant occasions in 1991, 1995 runners up in 1993 and 1997 the nation became the first and only African country to win the World U20 Youth Championship, edging out Brazil.

Interestingly, the University of Development Studies (UDS) recently added the World University Games trophy after beating a team from Brazil.

Now the target is to lay hands on the senior World Cup.

Stephen Appiah the current Vice Chairman of the Black Stars management committee who led the team to its first qualification says he is very happy with the present team and their performance since they have not lost in any of the qualifiers but scoring at will.

Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare also seems to be a difference in the squad as he keeps locking the posts.

Skipper Jordan Ayew who said the national team is part of his life has also scored seven and assisted in seven goals in nine games, making him to be rated among the leading poachers in the world in the Qualifiers.

The son of three times Africa Footballer of the year, Maestro Abedi Pele Ayew and his brother Andre Ayew (in 2022) have made history captaining the Black Stars to the biggest stage in world football. Incidentally Andre aka Dede was skipper when Ghana conquered the world for the Youth Cup.

There are classic stars in the team like Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Kamaradeen Suleiman, Alidu Seidu, Fatau Issahaku, Inaki Williams Mohammed Salisu, Alexander Dziku and Gideon Mensah who are solid professional world class players.

Though many fans did not trust Coach Otto Addo due to his failure to qualify for the African Cup of Nations, he had excelled at the World Cup Qualifiers and Sunday will be the icing on the cake.

The Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku also seems to be doing something right with his leadership style and the team is beaming with confidence and success.

Yours Truly wish the Black Stars victory with a splendid and spectacular show because the spectators who will storm the Accra Sports Stadium are coming to enjoy the Ghana made football party. The motivation and inspiration is very high and nothing can stop the jubilation.

I only want to advise the fans to enjoy responsibly and consciously not to experience any problems.

By Sammy Heywood Okine​    

The Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC), established by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation (MoSR) and the National Sports Authority (NSA), reaffirms its commitment to reforming and safeguarding Ghanaian boxing following the suspension of all domestic boxing activities due to recent fatalities.

The GBIMC is tasked with overseeing the sport and recommending reforms to restore safety, credibility, and competitiveness. In its first directive, the Committee clarified that Ghanaian boxers scheduled for international bouts may proceed, provided they meet strict medical and anti-doping requirements.

Following its second meeting, the GBIMC has inaugurated sub-committees and begun work on:

• Reviewing medical protocols via the Medical and Anti-Doping Sub-Committee.
• Instituting insurance policies to protect boxers.
• Launching orientation and capacity-building programs.
• Driving investment opportunities and lobbying for government support.

The GBIMC will collaborate with all relevant actors to build a unified, transparent, and resilient boxing ecosystem.

While concerns exist about the impact of the suspension, the GBIMC views this moment as a reset, an opportunity to build a strong regulatory framework, protect livelihoods, and restore public trust. Ghana’s boxing heritage and talent remain unmatched, and with the right structures, the nation can once again produce world champions.

Samir Captan Chairman of the GBIMC said “together, we aim to position Ghana Boxing as a driver of investment, youth empowerment, and sports tourism”.

Updates and official information on GBIMC is available at www.ghanaboxingimc.com.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Armwrestling Federation has reconstituted the leadership of the Ashanti Regional Armwrestling Association in its efforts to strengthen the development and promotion of the sport in the region, taking Armwrestling to new heights and making it a household sport.

The GAF named Mr. Kwabena Osei Tutu, Manager at Sikka FM as Chairman, Mr. Philip Frazier Marvin Norman of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly as Vice Chairman, Ms. Sylvia Darko of the National Sports Authority as Secretary, Mr. Patrick Lartey of Ghana Education Service as Technical Head, Mr. Sylvester Anane, a media practitioner as Public Relations and Mr. Robert Amuzu as Member to steer the affairs of Armwrestling in the region.

The mandate of the Ashanti Regional Executives shall include the development and promotion of Armwrestling within schools and the community in Ashanti region, sanctioning and managing Armwrestling activities, formation of armwrestling clubs to nurture young talent and encourage participation, establish a regional armwrestling league to provide a competitive platform for athletes, solicit support for development and engage development partners to ensure the growth of armwrestling in the region, organize an annual regional congress to bring together stakeholders and discuss the development of armwrestling, provide training and capacity-building programs for coaches, officials, and athletes to enhance their skills and knowledge.

The leadership is expected to foster collaborations with national and international stakeholders to promote armwrestling development, identify and nurture emerging talent to ensure the future of armwrestling in the region and increase participation at the grassroots level to develop a strong foundation for armwrestling.

Newly appointed Chairman, Mr. Kwabena Osei Tutu who’s leadership is expected to bring a winning spirit to the team, will bring his invaluable experience in shaping the future of armwrestling in Ashanti region. The new leadership is expected to take their efforts to the next level, improving on performances and successes.

Kwabena Osei Tutu, who has enormous experience having worked for Armwrestling in so many years said in acceptance remarks "I am honored to lead the Ashanti Region Armwrestling team and contribute to the development of this exciting sport. With the support of our athletes, coaches, and stakeholders, I am confident that we will achieve great things, produce gloibal champions and bring glory to our region."

Mr Norman, the Vice Chairman indicated "Armwrestling is indigenous and popular. I am proud to serve Ashanti Region and work with our talented athletes to promote the sport and achieve success. Our recent performances at the African Games with the region producing athletes that won medals for Ghana demonstrate our potential, and I am excited to see what the future holds for our team the region”

The team regional team will in the coming days organize a training of the trainers program and school competitions to unearth talent and commence the development program.

In a related development, the regional Director of Sports under the National Sports Authority has welcomed the leadership and has promised her fullest support to ensure Armwrestling in Ashanti Region becomes bigger than it is. Nana Gyamaa stated that with a strong team spirit and a winning mentality, the Ashanti Region Armwrestling team is set to make a lasting impression.

Source : www.ghanaarmwrestlingfederation.com