The President of Ghana Tug of War Association (GHATOWA),  Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams aka 'Gas Man' has sent a message of condolence to the President of Ghana,  HE. John Dramani Mahama, the people of Ghana and the families and loved ones who have been touched by the tragic helicoter accident which caused the perishing of eight gallant public servants on duty to fight galamsey.

He said the Association is deeply touched and confused on the circumstances and prays only the Almighty will guide and protect the nation to avoid such occurrences.

He wished the families and loved ones of the departed well and encouragement to be strong in this trying moments.

"As the body in charge of Tug of War in Ghana, we are also sad and wish the President more strength, wisdom and knowledge to steer the nation.

The confirmed dead are 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 who were on a military helicopter that crashed in the Ashanti Region.

Mr. Williams who is CEO of Dreamland Sports Plus as well as One On One Foundation said galamsey operators must be ashamed and the fight against illegal mining must continue, even more intensive with severe punishment to those involved.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The African Women In Sports Association (AWISA) with its head office in Namibia has sent a statement of condolence to the President of Ghana HE John Dramani Mahama and Ghanaians.

The statement which was signed by Carol Davis, Executive Director and Co Founder said they join in prayer for the purposeful repose of their souls and for strength and comfort to be granted to the families and the nation during this trying time of mourning.

Mrs. Joyce Mahama of Ghana who is the current President of AWISA added that it is sad, however the Good Lord Almighty knows best and she prayed that lessons would be learnt and the people of Ghana will unite through this incident.

“We pray that never again shall we experience such tragedy” she expressed.

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 were on the military helicopter that crashed in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday.

By Sammy Heywood Okine                  

Local footballers featuring in the Ghana Men's Premiership and Malta Guinness Women's League have commended betPawa and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for initiating the Locker Room Bonus as it cushions them immensely.

Speaking at the launch of the 2025/ 2026 package renewal and contract signing at the Best Western Premier Hotel in Accra,

Beauty Abena Julius of Faith Ladies, representing the players said the wonderful incentive of 400ghc per match motivates them to give off their best to win.

She said the Locker Room Bonus energies them display skills that they never thought of and it also reduces financial burden on their management.

The Secretary General of the GFA, Prosper Harrison Addo revealed that the betPawa Locker Room Bonus is an idea originated from Ghana.

"This unique technical package was prepared and 'cooked' here in Ghana is easily accessed by players, it is now spreading to other parts of Africa" he disclosed.

He noted that the GFA believes in the player first agenda, and they are obliged to make players feel happy, safe and willing to offer their best to the fans.

"We continue to push for better things for Ghana and African football as Kurt Okraku is CAF 2nd Vice President.

betPawa has constructed a FIFA approved astro turf at our technical centre at Prampram, and we have used it for some international matches. However we want stands for fans and dressing rooms to add up" he expressed.

Borah Omary Ndanyungu, Head of Local Marketing and CSR at betPawa with operations in 17 African countries said both male and female players get the same amount, which is aside their club winning bonuses. "We have achieved our goal because the players are giving positive testimonies" she said.

Nii Armah Ashong-Katai, Regional Manager CSR and Sports Development for West and Southern Africa revealed that since 2022, betPawa has been paying 20 players and 3 officials of the clubs as a commitment to help the players.

Larry Abbey, a club Administrator of Jonina Ladies remarked that the Locker Room Bonus takes away pressure from clubs finances, and they really appreciate.

betPawa and GFA representatives signed the agreement as a presentation of a dummy cheque for $380, 843 to the FA, climaxing  another effort to support local football.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Young footballer Benjamin Kofi Yeboah has been signed by SP Sports Management.

The signing ceremony took place on August 5, 2025 and was an exciting experience for both parties as they hoped to work for mutual benefits.

Samuel Darkwa Agyei of SP Sports Management said Benjamin Kofi Yeboah who plays for Emmanuel City FA Academy is a strong striker with massive potential and ready to learn.

He said SP Sports Management has been established to support disciplined and talented sportsmen.

He prayed that Yeboah will train hard to attract bigger clubs and if possible the national teams to play in the future.

"We know Ghana has talent in football and boxing, and we are here to help them polish and for exposure to attract international interests so that they can realise their dreams" he expressed.

SP Sports Management has products like George Faho Mensah, Charles Tetteh and others who has bright future ahead.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Rising super star Charles Tetteh has joined the stables of SP Sports Management and Promotions.

The news was broke today after the young star agreed to sign for SP Sports Management in Accra.

According to Mr. Samuel Darkwa Agyei, Managing Partner of SP Sports, they are very happy to work with a potential world champion and hope he will shine as expected.

He said they have studied Tetteh for sometime and realised that he is disciplined,  committed and loyal.

He noted that their aim and objective is to support sportsmen in Ghana and push them to the next level to hit the international scene and perform to world standard.

"We are really elated to work with Charles Tetteh and believe he will abide by all our rules and regulations to make his dreams come true" he told Yours Truly.

Charles Tetteh who was named best boxer in the first Ghana Professional Boxing League trains at the Panix Boxing Gym and he is highly rated for greatness,  however he needs a company with international links and high reputation like SP Sports to strike the ultimate.

Meanwhile, Tetteh has stepped up his training and everything to a higher level as he hopes to grab an international crown within the shortest possible time.

The boxing fraternity wishes him and SP Sports the best.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Supremo All Play All Draught Competition hopes to be a real thriller as players and their fans have prepared for the event scheduled for BCDC from 26, 27 & 28 December 2025.

According to the organisers it is an all play all contest to determine the winner, and the catch word is ‘Who Born Dog’.

All the top notch players are on the bill like Addae, Abu National, Tei, Ardey, Kuma, Steven, Otega and Nii Ayi will be playing in the three days contest.

Day one will see three games, day two features two games and day three will witness the final two games in 45 seconds for a push strict adherence.

The contestants will take home 5000ghc for the first prize, 3000ghc for second, 2000ghc for third and1000ghc for the fourth place.

The remaining participants each take home 400ghc as consolation.

The event has been dubbed the Ground Breaking Hard Long Slog Tournament Of The Year. It is the game of intelligence, wits and agility.

Ke Osumoo Ene Meni Obaa Summo. Ebaafe Gbeyee !!!

‘No Baga Waya No Bone To Bone’ is the way the organisers have described the competition.

By Sammy Heywood Okine                                     

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