AfPC President rallies political and business leaders to champion disability sports as a symbol of unity, progress, and purpose.

Abeokuta, Nigeria – In a significant show of regional solidarity and commitment to inclusive sports development, the President of the African Paralympic Committee (AfPC), Mr. Samson Deen, paid an official visit to Nigeria on Thursday, 31st July 2025, ahead of the historic 1st West Africa Para Games, set to take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State in September 2025.

The visit forms part of the AfPC’s strategic mission to galvanize African governments, political stakeholders, and business communities to invest meaningfully in disability sports infrastructure, empowerment programs, and inclusive development.

An Inspiring Venue, A Historic Opportunity

President Deen’s itinerary included a thorough inspection of the M.K.O. Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, where he visited key facilities including the athletics oval, football pitch, swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts. The tour was aimed at assessing Ogun State’s state of readiness to host what will be West Africa’s first sub-regional para sports event, expected to welcome hundreds of para-athletes and officials from across the ECOWAS region.

“We need to change our mentality from being tourists crossing the borders of the African region to Europe and America by investing in games that will see us give enough opportunity and exposure to our athletes here in Africa. It is cheaper, just next door, and feels like home — rather than queue for visas, get denied, and shut the door on the athlete. We often spend thousands of dollars on tickets, accommodation, and feeding abroad, only to be faced with cold weather conditions that reduce our teams' confidence to perform.”

In addition, Mr. Deen engaged in high-level deliberations with the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, where both parties discussed operational strategy, accessibility upgrades, and the long-term legacy potential of the Games.

AfPC’s Full Endorsement and Rallying Call

Speaking to the media after the facility inspection, Mr. Deen officially announced the endorsement of the Games by the African Paralympic Committee, describing it as a “continental turning point” for inclusive sports diplomacy and empowerment.

“The West Africa Para Games is not just a tournament - it is Africa’s declaration that ability has no limit, and disability is not inability. Ogun State now stands on the cusp of making history for an entire generation.” - Mr. Samson Deen

He lauded Ogun State’s proactive vision and infrastructure development, encouraging His Excellency, the Governor of Ogun State, to use his influence and political platform to rally both national and regional support for the event’s success and sustainability.

A Message to African Business Leaders

The AfPC President also used the occasion to call upon the private sector and African business leaders to seize the moment and back disability sports as a high-impact investment in dignity, youth, and social innovation.

“When African businesses invest in disability sports, they invest in hope, in unity, and in the power of human potential. This is our moment to build arenas of equity across Africa.” — Mr. Samson Deen

Legacy Beyond the Games

Beyond competition, the West Africa Para Games is expected to spark new disability inclusion policies, boost regional sports funding, and strengthen collaborative frameworks among West African nations. It aims to reshape how African societies perceive and support persons with disabilities, creating sustainable pathways for participation and leadership in all sectors.

Preparations continue to accelerate, with the AfPC working in close partnership with the Government of Ogun State, the National Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (NPC Nigeria), and other regional and development stakeholders to ensure a world-class inaugural event.

Dignitaries in Attendance Included Mr. Sunday Odebode, President, NPC Nigeria, Mr. Suleiman Issah, Secretary-General, NPC Nigeria, Mr. Ignatius Elletey, Head of Secretariat/Administration, AfPC, Mr. Foster Kwarteng, Head of Protocol Services, AfPC, Sib Ali, Strategic Operations, AfPC.

Source AfPC

The Ghana Chess Association hosted the 13th President’s Cup which is the most prestigious annual chess open in Ghana from August 1 to 3, 2025 at the College of Physicians & Surgeons, Accra, with 33 players of all ages converge from all over the country and beyond to compete for a piece of the mouthwatering prize fund of GHC 12, 000. 

Candidate Master Clinton Cephas Fomevor went undefeated with 5 wins and 2 draws after 7 rounds to lift the championship trophy.

The Final standings (1st–5th): were CM Clinton Cephas Fomevor (GHA) – 6 pts , FM John Kojo Hasford (GHA) – 5½ pts, Nana Kofi Ampong (GHA) – 5 pts), Miracle Morris (GHA) – 5 pts and Kwasi Kporxah Maxwell (GHA) – 4½ pts 

This year’s event featured participants from all over the West African region with representatives from Togo and Nigeria as well as a participant from the United States of America

Women and youth were also visible contenders, with young girls Singh Ridham (Best Female) and Karina Alba Quartey representing the female chess community. Many juniors such as Harry Sarkodee-Addo, Jedidiah Acheampong and Dave Chief Acheampong (Best Junior) demonstrated competitive spirit, affirming the tournament’s multi-generational appeal.

This year’s competition was made possible through generous support from Prof. Richard Adanu of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, which hosted the event and Mr. Rajan Singh of Oceanspray Ghana who provided refreshments

Special thanks also go to Air Commodore George Kweku Arko Dadzie, Ghana’s first FIDE International Arbiter and former President — whose vision and patronage have been foundational in staging the President’s Cup since its inception. 

Edward Sosu, Treasurer of the Ghana Chess Association and long time advocate for financing grassroots chess, once again ensured smooth prize payouts and logistical support. 

The Arbitration & Organizing Team include Tournament Director and Chief Arbiter: IA Christiana Ashley and Deputy Chief Arbiter: Rev Charles Raymond Appiah Tandoh, IO. Their impartial oversight guarantee adherence to FIDE standards and fair play throughout the rapid built tournament schedule.

 “Each year, we strive to make the President’s Cup a model of excellence and inclusivity. I commend the emerging players among this year’s top five for elevating the standard of competition” Said Christiana Ashley, Vice-President & Tournament Director, GCA

Following the success of the 13th edition, the GCA confirms that the President’s Cup will return next year for the 14th edition, with an expanded field and continued partnership with Oceanspray and other corporate sponsors.

Source Ghana Chess Association

The Regional Qualifiers for the National 2025 Championship of Iron Forge is designed to select the best athletes for the ultimate test of strength, endurance,power and agility.

The event will take place at Eagle Choice, Dansoman on 9th August..

According to Mr. Charles Owusu Ansah, President of Functional Sports Ghana, it is all about developing, promoting and building a stronger, fitter community together through functional sports.

The IRON FORGEcompetition identifies strength, speed, stamina, stability and skill to be successful.

Winners will be rewarded with fantastic prizes from sponsors. Meanwhile the Functional Fitness Federation of Ghana is calling on corporate Ghana for support and sponsorship.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has announced Bill Eshun of Media General as SWAG Journalist of the Year for 2025.

Janet Nana Akua Amankwah and Yaw Ofosu Larbie were runners up.

Other nominees in the top five were Fiifi Anaman and Nii Otoe Bruce Tagoe, a photographer.

The announcement was fixed for August 3 to coincide with the SWAG birthday as the prestigious Association chalked 57 years.

Present at the announcement and crowning ceremony at the Central Hotel in Accra were SWAG President Kwabena Yeboah, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfuo, MO for Gomoa Central, Hon Obeng Kwame Asare aka Aplus and members of the Sports Writers Association.

The SWAG Journalist of the Year which was instituted in 2022 has seen winners like Saddik Adams aka Obama, Juliet Bawuah, Gary Al Smith and Bright Kankam Buadu.

Meanwhile, the Central Hotel has presented a package to Eshun at the ceremony, while the SWAG General Secretary Mr. Charles Osei Asibey hinted that the official presentation will be done at the 50^th SWAG Awards Night on November 15, 2025.

The 50^th SWAG Awards which is the Golden Jubilee would be celebrated in grand style.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Bronya Boxing Africa Foundation with the support of SafeBox Promotions and the Greater Accra Amateur Boxing Association on Saturday August 2 staged a successful boxing show at the famous Bukom Square in Accra.

Over 30 juvenile and amateur boxers performed and they really thrilled the large crowd that watched the event free.

New Promotions outfit MPT Foundation GH led by Rev. John Wesley Lawson was fully represented and he encouraged the boxers and Holland based Mr. Joe Bronya who initiated the exciting show since 2023.

He advised the boxers to be disciplined, train hard and learn the sport well to attract bigger platforms.

He assured that next year would be better as he is experiencing the needs of the boxers and gyms, and they will also support. .

All the boxers on the bill were presented with gifts such as gloves, boots, mouth guards, head gears, bandages, track suits, shorts and tee shirts while some selected gyms got punching bags. They include Black Panthers, Attoh Quarshie, Akotoku Academy, James Town, Wisdom and the Ghana Boxing Federation.

Mubarak Nanor of SafeBox thanked everyone who supported the event and promised that other gyms will benefit next year.

Alhaji Dauda Fuseni, Vice President of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) commended Joe Bronya for his efforts and love for young boxers as well as fulfilling his promises.

Joe Bronya is a coach, ring official and registered with the Netherlands Boxing Federation.  He promised to support the boxers who excel and organise exchange programmes to expose officials.

Former President of the GBF, Mr. George Lamptey who is an ITO with AIBA and former world welterweight champion Joshua Clottey aka ‘Hitter’ graced the event.

By Sammy Heywood Okine                                          

Ghana's Jacob Tetteh Laryea (12-1-0) aka 'Chorkor Fire' says he got injured in round 3 of his fight against DR Congo idol, Jacques Tshikubu Muvud, (10-3-1) at the Chapiteau de Kolwezi on Sunday. Congo DR for the African Boxing Union (ABU) Super Welterweight Championship, but fought hard to the last round.

"Though I apologise to my fans for my first loss, I am determined to go beyond and win something bigger as I have learnt a lot from the defeat" he told Yours Truly on The Big Fight Night on Omashi TV.

According to Laryea his right wrist affected him, so he could not punch and fought with one hand.

"If you watch the first four rounds, you can see my performance. I have accepted the defeat, but I want a rematch because he can't last seven rounds if I was not injured"

The man who is also called the Fighting Fisherman said "It hurts when I use my right hand so I used only left. As for the knock down in round 12, I didn't see what happened but I stood up and continued. I thank my able trainer Coach Carl Lokko and most grateful to my management and supporters." he added.

Laryea who is a member of the Bronx Boxing Club described the experience as a learning curve and hope to return better.

He showed his swollen hand and prayed it will heal soon for him to return to the gym.

"Chorkor Fire is burning wilder than people think, I am now eager than ever" he added.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The 26th July was another history making for the GOGETDEM wheelchair Racing Club athlete who took parts in the absa black star marathon in 10km regular chair category and also 42 Km wheelchair racing category some of the club athlete demonstrate a strong determination and the vision of the club of not giving up on our Dream of getting to the finishing line no matter what, the following Club athlete did so well

Fadiga Mohammed image winner in 10km km regular chair category he is 17 years old I could say the future look bright for this young man

Sulley Seidu Sagbarigu: came second in 42 km wheelchair racing category

Kodom Patrick: I was so excited seeing him with third position in his first ever participating in a major event like this after starting wheelchair racing for only one year it was a great feeling for me as a coach and a trainer for this young Ones.

A total of 12 club athletes competed, which is massive improvement from last year, this year evolved five new girls , the age of 14 years, 15 years, 17 years, and some 18 years,

Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe CEO,  coach, and one of the elite para athlete for this nation I won gold medals in the 42 km wheelchair racing category for the second consecutive time on the row this is not just a win but is a form of demonstrating leadership and a role model rule as they looking up to me.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to one of the former Paralympian based in the United States Yusuf for his support to some of prayers and club athletes to compete this year absa Blaster marathon

Source Botsyo Nkegbe, Gogetdem

The Greater Accra Kickboxing Association in collaboration with Kurodaiya Sports Association will organize a training programme for martial artists and coaches from 14th to 20th October 2025 at The Gym, behind Enterprise Insurance head office in Accra at 9:00 a.m.  

The event is open to practitioners of Martial Arts disciplines, such as Kickboxing, Boxing, MMA, Self-Defence etc.

The initiative is part of  efforts to promote the sport and practitioners through skills enhancement, discipline, and professional exposure for the Athletes.

In attendance will be Krishna Gopal, President and Founder of Kurodaiya Netherlands, a global Martial Arts icon known for his training techniques and deep knowledge of the Martial Arts disciplines.

Chairman of the Greater Accra Kickboxing Association Francis Okyere said they will train athletes in multiple disciplines associated with the sport.

“The seminar is an opportunity for both beginners and the experienced ones to enhance their techniques, learn new styles, and connect with each other through this seminar” he expressed.

He noted that participants must look forward to practical workshops on self-defense and sparring techniques, professional training in kickboxing and MMA fundamentals, interactive drills for youth and adult martial artists and certification opportunity for participants

He said the seminar is open to individuals of all category of ages, students, trainers, and enthusiasts to acquire new knowledge from top martial arts instructors.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced a new partnership with Adesa Production Limited (APL) as the new organization for the production of the Ghana Premier League games for the upcoming 2025/26 season.

The General Secretary of the GFA, Prosper Harrison Addo, revealed at the launch of the partnership deal that took place at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.

Adesa Production Ltd. will partner the Ghana Football Association to produce, manage, and market the Ghana Premier League.

Present were Hon. Kofi Adams Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader in Parliament and Hon. Julius Debrah Chief of Staff at the President's Office who proposed a football museum to generate funds for the GFA.

The Chief of Staff Julius Debrah who represented H.E. President Mahama, confirmed the initiative stems from a Cabinet directive to reposition sports as a national development engine.

The Second Vice President of CAF and GFA President Kurt Okraku aka Game Changer was the main host. He said the new order for Ghana Football has kicked off. "Our League must be a destination, not a transit point" he said.

He announced that every club will get financial rewards and for starters it is 1 million ghc for each club taking part in the Premier League for 2025/2026 Season.

APL General Manager Afeafa Nfojoh promised fans world-class storytelling, cutting-edge coverage, pre-match build-ups, fan engagement, and highlight packaging.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) has launched a 12-year development plan aimed at transforming the municipality into a sustainable, inclusive, and digitally efficient community.

Unveiled in Accra under the theme “Shaping Our Destiny: A Roadmap for Transformation and Prosperity,” the plan targets key areas such as infrastructure, sanitation, job creation, education, healthcare, and digitisation of services.

The Assembly aims to create over 5,000 decent jobs, digitise 70% of its services, improve waste management, and enhance climate resilience. Other goals include upgrading schools and health centres and supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Municipal Chief Executive Alfredos Nii Anyetei praised his predecessor, Solomon Kotey Nikoi, for initiating the idea, and described the plan as the result of inclusive consultations and technical expertise.

“This is more than a document—it’s our shared blueprint for progress,” he said, calling on government, private sector, traditional leaders and residents to help implement and monitor the plan.

The event also saw the unveiling of LaDMA’s new logo.

Member of Parliament for the area, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, stressed the need for consistent implementation to overcome challenges like poor drainage and inadequate infrastructure.

Acting Head of the Local Government Service, Prof. Lord Mensah, pledged the necessary human resource support for execution, while Prof. Kwasi Aning of the Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Training Centre urged assemblies to match revenue with quality services and called for citizen involvement.

“This plan must not sit on a shelf. Let us all help bring it to life,” Prof. Aning said.

Source LaDMA