The 2019 African Games general team captain Derek Abrefa of the Ghana Immigration Service has urged all sportsmen and women to desist from all kinds of violence during December general elections.

"Sports is about discipline and brings unity. Likewise elections' Abrefa said

I therefore urge top sports athletes who have great influence in their various organizations and communities to use their influence as sports icons to affect the 2020 general elections positively

The coronavirus has not left us entirely. Let us be mindful and continue to observe the covid-19 safety protocols as we step out to vote on election day.

"Proper diet and physical exercise is what we need in such times as this is important for our growth as sports athletes" he expressed

Abrefa expressed gratitude to the Sports Ministry for the YEA financial package to Sportsmen and women nationwide.

He thanked the Ghana Olympic Committee GOC and the Ghana Table Tennis Association GTTA in ensuring the safety of athletes across the country.

“I support a peaceful election. I want us to be united than ever and show more love” he expressed

From Sammy Heywood Okine

On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women , FIFA, the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Commission and the European Parliament Sports Group have joined forces to raise awareness about the risk of domestic violence and call for an end to violence against women and children.

Following the joint campaigns earlier this year, the renewed #SafeHome campaign is a joint response to be launched on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25^th November.

The announcement comes as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect populations across the world and stay-at-home measures are re-introduced in many countries, putting both women and children experiencing abuse at greater risk. Of importance in this context is the recently published EU Strategy on victims’ rights (2020-2025) .

Speaking on the renewed campaign, Gianni Infantino, FIFA President said:

“Violence has no place in our society, and sports and football are no exception. FIFA is fully committed to continuing our work with leading international organisations to help end violence, by using football as a platform to raise awareness on this and other key issues facing society today.”

 “The world must remain steadfast in our efforts to end violence against women and girls. Preventing and addressing this pervasive violation of human rights should be a key part of every country’s response to COVID-19,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Every one of us must stand with survivors to ensure that they are safe and receive the support and essential services they need at all times.”

Helena Dalli, EU Commissioner for Equality, said:

“Violence against women and girls is a violation of human rights, and has no place in the European Union, or anywhere else in the world. This pandemic is a test for humanity. It has led to heightened exposure of women and children to domestic violence. We must eradicate this shadow pandemic.

“The EU is committed to working incessantly with its partners to prevent and combat violence against women. We must step up, our efforts to achieve gender equality and eradicate violence against women and children.”

“I’m honoured to be part of the #SafeHome joint campaign on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

“We all have a duty to speak up to protect women’s rights and fight any form of violence and this is particularly important during the current circumstances, with confinement often increasing the risk of domestic abuse. Let’s harness the power of sport to raise awareness of this issue and strive to put an end to violence and abuse.” added Mariya Gabriel, EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth.

“With almost one in three women worldwide having experienced violence at some point in their lifetime, domestic violence has devastating impact on the lives of so many within society.

“30 % of women around the world have been raped, beaten, forced to act or abused at least once in their lives. This is a real scourge that we must tackle without hindrance, at all levels of government and on every ground.

“The first thing to break is silence; This is the reason for this joint campaign with FIFA, the World Health Organisation and the European Parliament’s Sport Group. We need to do everything we can to put an end to violence and abuse. Every victim is a victim of too much!" explains Marc Tarabella, Member of the European Parliament and co-chair of the European Parliament’s Sports Group.

The campaign is aimed at the general public and decision makers (including recommendations to governments) to not only raise their awareness of the risks, but also what actions they can take to prevent and mitigate these risks.

The video awareness campaign features 19 past and present footballers - Álvaro Arbeloa, Rosana Augusto, Vítor Baía, Khalilou Fadiga, Tomasz Frankowski, Matthias Ginter, David James, Andrzej Juskowiak, Giorgos Karagounis, Annike Krahn, Marco Materazzi, Milagros Menéndez, Noemi Pascotto, Graham Potter, Mikaël Silvestre, Kelly Smith, Óliver Torres, Clémentine Touré and Theodoros Zagorakis - who have stressed their support in addressing this critical issue.

The campaign is being published on various FIFA digital channels, with #SafeHome also being supported with multimedia toolkits for the 211 FIFA member associations and for various media agencies to help facilitate additional localisation and to further amplify the message worldwide.

• Video 1: Survivor advice 1
• Video 2: Survivor advice 2
• Video 3: Survivor support
• Video 4: Perpetrator advice
• Video 5: Government advice

The video campaign can also be downloaded HERE for editorial purposes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and FIFA signed in 2019 a four-year collaboration to promote healthy lifestyles through football globally. More information on the WHO-FIFA memorandum of understanding can be found here .

The two organisations jointly launched the “ Pass the message to kick out coronavirus ” campaign in March 2020 to share advice on effective measures to protect people from COVID-19. This was followed by the #BeActive campaign in April 2020 to encourage people to stay healthy at home during the pandemic.

Factsheet

According to WHO, violence is a pervasive public health and human rights problem around the world. It affects women, men, boys and girls in all countries and cuts across boundaries of age, race, religion, ethnicity, disability, culture and wealth. Statistically, women and children (both boys and girls) are most affected by violence in the home and it is often perpetrated by men they know and trust.

Data (Source: WHO)

• Almost one in three women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence, not including sexual harassment, by any perpetrator
• Globally, 30% of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime
• Globally up to 38% of murders of women are committed by intimate partners
• Adolescent girls, young women, women belonging to ethnic and other minorities, transwomen, and women with disabilities face a higher risk of different forms of violence
• The majority (55% to 95%) of women survivors of intimate partner violence or sexual violence do not disclose or seek any type of help or services
• Being abused as a child or exposed to violence in the family when growing up, attitudes accepting of violence and gender inequality including gender norms increase the risk of perpetrating violence against a partner; in some settings violence is associated with excessive use of alcohol
• Globally, over one billion children – over half of all boys and girls aged 2–17 years – experience some form of emotional, physical or sexual violence every year
• The lifetime prevalence of childhood sexual abuse is 18% for girls and 8% for boys
• Homicide is among the top five causes of death in adolescents, with boys comprising over 80% of victims and perpetrators
• Regional statistics also exist. For example in Europe, it is estimated that one in five (20%) children have experienced sexual abuse, and in the WHO European region, a quarter of women (15-49 years) have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime. In Latin America and the Caribbean, it is estimated that 58% of children experience sexual, physical or emotional violence each year, and 30% of women have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime.

Resources

• EU Strategy on victims’ rights (2020-2025)
• Stop violence against women: Statement by the European Commission and the High Representative
• COVID-19 and violence against women: What can the health sector/system do?
• WHO, LSHTM, SAMRC: Global and regional estimates of violence against women: prevalence and health effects of intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence
• WHO: Respect women: Preventing violence against women
• WHO: Respect women: Infographics
• WHO: Inspire: Seven strategies for ending violence against children
• WHO: Inspire: Infographics
• End Violence Against Children: Global partnership

Joseph is the first kid in Illinois to keep winning nationals since 9 years old. He is a 3 times Silver Gloves National Champ, 1 time USA National Champion, 2 times Jr Olympic National Champion, 1 time Western Elite Qualifier National Champion, 2 times St Louis National Champion, 1 time King of the Jungle National Champion, 2 times Wisconsin National Champion, and Power Gloves National Champion.

At his tender age, he has received a congratulatory belt from the IBF International Boxing Federation for his athletic determination, and was also awarded a “Jo Boxer” license plate from Secretary of State for all his achievements.

Joseph Awinongya Jojo Jnr scintillating calling is supported by philanthropists across the world some of whom are Alhaji Inusah Sally who has been supporting Joseph since he was only 8 years old and Azumah Nelson, a staunch fan and mentor of Jojo, VIP travel and tour as key supporters of Ghana boxing aids the young boxing sensation to reach his highest height with his boxing career.

Father and Trainer of Joseph Jojo Awinongya Jnr, Josephy Awinongya says he is very determined to make his son a world champion.

According to the former boxer, he sees his son better than himself during his days as a boxer and believes his son, Jojo, is prospect for world boxing.

Former captain of the Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan believes American-Born Ghanaian amateur boxer, Joseph ‘Jojo’ Awinongya Jnr, is a great prospect for Ghana and world boxing judging from the successful bouts won by the youngster and National titles under his sleeve.

Football legend Asamoah Gyan who is also the owner of Baby Jet Boxing Promotion has been full of praise for the young boxer and encourages him to work hard to become one of the biggest boxing greats in Ghana and the world at large.

“Looking at your efforts and the success so far I believe you will be world champion, I am looking forward to having a chat with you on Whatsapp very soon because I saw your videos and I really really admire you, I know you can bring the world title to Ghana one day. I will also be supporting you in prayers and in everything. Just keep on working hard and I am very sure you will be a world champion one day,” Gyan said.

In response, the young and tough boxing genius expressed, “thank you very much. I really appreciate your efforts and comments and I must say i really admire your achievements, building a lot of companies and employing many people, helping the young people back home in Ghana and abroad. It’s really amazing and it makes me believe that everything and anything you set your mind to do, if you work hard, you can achieve it thank you very much I am so grateful.”

Joseph Awinongya Jnr. has won 13 titles including 7 national championships in USA. He is also National Champion at the Western Elite Qualifier, King of the Jungle National Champion and Power Gloves National Champion. Aside from his successes in boxing, the young American / Ghanaian super-star is also known for his benevolence to the needy in society.

He was preparing for the next 2020 USA Boxing National Championships from December 5th – 12t, 2020 in Shreveport, Louisiana National Championship, but it has been postponed; however we wish him success in all future endeavours.

 By Sammy Heywood Okine

USA Boxing has announced that the upcoming 2020 National Championships will be postponed until the first quarter of 2021 due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Through this challenging year USA Boxing has made all decisions based on three guiding principles;

1. The health and safety of our boxers, coaches and officials
2. The health and safety of administrators and USA Boxing staff
3. Being responsible members of society to help battle COVID-19

Following these principles USA Boxing was able to formally move #Back2Boxing on July 11.  During the following months our Local Boxing Committee (LBC) Leaders, boxers, coaches and officials worked to cautiously and responsibly begin boxing at the local and regional levels following our guiding principles.

In September USA Boxing was forced to change the location of our Nationals after Hurricane Laura struck Lake Charles.   USA Boxing quickly pivoted and partnered with the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, and with Mayor Perkins, Mayor of Shreveport, all of whom opened their arms to host our 2020 National Championships.

COVID-19 has challenged our nation and our membership with illness and death but we continued to move forward like all great boxers.  As we prepared for the 2020 National Championships, we again faced the uncertainty of COVID-19 and how it impacted our members and our nation.

“After speaking with our dedicated USA Boxing physicians and local health care professionals, as well as the Shreveport-Bossier government and the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, we have all decided it is in the best interest and safety of our members and the Shreveport-Bossier community to postpone our 2020 National Championships until a later date,” stated Mike McAtee, USA Boxing Executive Director. “All parties agreed this decision is based on our three guiding principles and even though we have been knocked down by COVID-19, we are rising from the canvas to continue the fight. USA Boxing and our Louisiana partners are committed to a safe and successful National Championships in 2021.  With that being said, again USA Boxing staff and our Louisiana partners are pivoting to provide a safe and successful event in early 2021.”

Because of the Thanksgiving Holiday and the changing COVID-19 landscape, USA Boxing is requesting our members to understand as we gather more information regarding tournament and membership registrations in the coming days.

USA Boxing is looking forward as we move into 2021 so we can support our LBC leaders regarding local, regional and ultimately our National Championships in the first quarter 2021 in Shreveport. All participants that have registered for the December tournament will have their event registration for the new dates transferred.

By USA Boxing  

Ghana Premier League side Legon Cities are set to announce experienced Ghanaian coach Bashiru Hayford as the head coach of the side.

The former AshGold and Black Queens gaffer has reached an agreement with the Accra-based club over a three year period.

The gaffer will be announced as the head coach of the club in the coming days as the mega-rich club looks to stabilize their technical department.

Following the dismissal of their Serbian coach, several names popped up as possible replacement for The Royals who have signed several top players this season.

Ghana Black Stars B trainer Ibrahim Tanko was the favourite to land the job but the club is believed to have settled on Bashiru Hayford.

Several names including Yaw Preko, Malam Yahaya and Godwin Attram also popped up but the experience of Bashiru Hayford on the local front gave him an advantage.

Hayford’s experience spans from his days as head coach of Medeama SC through to Asante Kotoko where he guided them to win the Ghana Premier League in 2008.

He also won the league for AshGold in 2015 before being handed the coaching job of the Black Queen’s for the 2018 AWCON hosted in Ghana.

His most recent job was moving out of the country to handle the national team of Somalia and also serving as the Technical Director of the Somalia Football Association.

Footballmadeinghana

Ghana and Ajax football prodigy Mohammed Kudus says he is making progress as regards his recovery from a leg injury which has seen him miss a month’s football for both club and country.

The young attacker suffered the injury against Liverpool in a Champions League encounter in October.

He had made a lightning start at Ajax following his high profile summer move from Danish outfit Fc Nordsjaelland. However, the fairytale start was short-lived due to the injury that put a spanner in the works.

The player looks well on the road to a return to action after sharing information about his rehabilitation process.

Speaking in a video interview with his club, Kudus said “I can do almost anything again, walk normally, drive a car. Life returns to normal. I watch every game. I’m with them, in my mind too. I pray for them every game they play.”

His injury meant he needed surgery, and according to him, everything went well. “The operation went well. I have received nice messages from everyone. I want to thank everyone for those boosts,” Mohammed Kudus revealed.

“It |injured leg] is almost back to normal now. I can do almost everything again, such as driving and walking without crutches. I am doing rehab and it is now back to normal.”

Ajax have estimated that Kudus will be out for several months. However with his recovery stepping up, he might perhaps make a return to playing sooner than expected.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Black Stars coach CK Akonnor and Technical Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Bernhard Lippert are both at the Accra Sports Stadium to watch the Hearts of Oak encounter against Ashanti Gold.

The German tactician was seen alongside Black Stars head coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor at the stadium.

Lippert was hired as Francis Oti Akenteng's replacement this year. He has been tasked to help Ghana identify its football pattern.

He was in Turkey last month when played Mali and Qatar in an international friendly.

The pair started working together recently and are expected to continue to help Ghana secure qualification to the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament and the FIFA World Cup.

Bernhard Lippert and coach CK Akonnor will most likely lookout for players that will help the national team as they sit to enjoy the titanic clash between two of the top clubs in the Premier League.

Below are pictures of the technical director and the coach captured at the Accra Sports Stadium.

ModernGhana

The Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has commissioned an ultra-modern sports complex at New Fadama in Accra.

The sports complex, funded by the Zongo Development Fund, saw the complete transformation of the old New Fadama Park, and it has been named after the National Chief Imam, an illustrious son of the community.

Addressing Zongo chiefs, Imams, and thousands of people during the commissioning, Vice President Bawumia said the complex was constructed and named after the Chief Imam in fulfillment of a promise to him by President Akufo-Addo on the occasion of his 99th birthday in 2018.

"This gathering is a culmination of a noble gesture by President Akufo-Addo in April 2018, on the occasion of the 99th birthday anniversary of our father, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, to build an ultra-modern sports complex for the youth of New Fadama and name the facility after the National Chief Imam, a true icon of our nation," Dr. Bawumia said.

"Transforming this popular football park into an ultra-modern edifice for the football-crazy youth of New Fadama and its environs, is as apt as naming the facility after the most iconic member of this community, and one of the greatest statesmen this country has produced, Dr. Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu."

With the construction of the complex, the Akufo-Addo government has now constructed 29 Astro turfs across the country in four years, and ten out of the 29 are located in Zongo communities across the country.

Dr. Bawumia explained that President Akufo-Addo, as a former footballer in his youthful days, recognises Zongos as a hub for football talents, hence his government's decision to invest in the provision of modern football parks and stadia to help unearth, nurture and promote more talents in Zongo communities.

"Historically, Zongos have produced some if the nation's finest footballers like Baba Yara, Mohammed Polo, Sulley Muntari, etc. and it is our vision to help unearth more of such talents in the Zongis that is why we are investing in these sports complexes."

The Vice President stated that the transformation of the previously grassless and dusty Fadama Park into an ultra-modern complex for the youth of Fadama is part of the broader vision of President Akufo-Addo to prioritise and accelerate the development of Zongos, using the Ministry of Zongo and Inner Cities Development and the Zongo Development Fund as vehicles.

"Through the creation of the Ministry of Zongo and Inner Cities Development and the Zongo Development Fund, many Zongos are witnessing accelerated infrasture development and opportunities for human resource development."

"The Zongo Development Fund has supported the building and rehabilitation of access roads, bridges, drainage systems, clinics, chip compounds, toilets and water systems in many Zongo communities in all sixteen regions."

Dr. Bawumia also highlighted the Akufo-Addo government's investment in education in zongo communities such as building of classroom blocks, providing tertiary grants to needy students and awarding scholarships to 40 students from Zongo to study medicine in Cuba on government scholarship.

Having stated many achievements of the Akufo-Addo government in the Zongos, the Vice President was unequivocal in stating that no government in the history of Ghana has paid as much attention to Zongo communities as the Akufo-Addo government has done in its first term of office.

He appealed to the people of Zongo to reward President Akufo-Addo by voting for him to give him four more years to continue with his good works.

ModernGhana

SCR Altach Ghanaian forward Nana Kofi Babil hailed "a dream come true" after making his Austrian Bundesliga debut for his side at the weekend.

Coach Alex Pastoor introduced the talented 18-year-old after 81 minutes, an almost made an immediate impact.

It was almost a grandstand introduction to Austrian football after he highlighted the pace of the game upon his introduction into the game.

The talented 18-year-old climbed off the bench in his first official match for the side in their surprised 2-0 defeat at home to Wolfsberg.

Babil, who is on a season-long loan from Ghanaian side Medeama, is expected to be key for coach Alex Pastoor in his debut campaign.

The hugely talented Ghanaian has already hit the ground running and will be heavily involved for SCR Altach this season.

The speedster arrived at the Zurich Airport two months ago but the coronavirus thwarted the attacking youngster and cost his entire pre-season preparations.

But the Ghanaian finally enjoyed a dream bow in the Bundesliga after playing a cameo role in the side's defeat at home.

"Ever since I started playing soccer as a little boy in my hometown, I've dreamed of becoming a professional in Europe one day. It was the fulfilment of a childhood dream and an incredibly exciting experience at the same time - a game I will never forget. However, it is only the first step on the path that I want to take. It would have been even better if we had won the game." he told the club's official website.

He also talks about how quickly he has adapted to life in Austria- crediting his teammates for the massive show of support for the 18-year-old.

"Almost everything, actually (laughs). And that's still the case today. Whether it's the weather, the landscape, the way you train here or everyday things. I didn't know a lot and I have to learn first. But I'm getting on better and better and luckily I have teammates who support me in all areas."

He is expected to play a much bigger role when SCR Altach travels to LASK on Sunday.

The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) and the Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation (GABF) have initiated moves towards resolving the Bukom Fist of Fury’s impasse with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) over a US$30,000 sponsorship.

According to the consultant of the Fist of Fury boxing league, Mr Moses Foh-Amoaning, the organisers of the competition had engaged the leadership of the state-owned company towards seeking an amicable solution.

Reaction

Mr Foh-Amoaning was reacting to a Graphic Sports publication which indicated that the GNPC had failed to meet its sponsorship obligation of US$30,000 to the Bukom Fist of Fury.

According to the story, the GNPC issued a cheque for GH¢30,000 as its sponsorship package for the Bukom Fist of Fury instead of an agreed $30,000.

The former GBA boss, however, thanked the leadership of GNPC for their continuous support for the development of boxing and looked forward to more fruitful collaborations in the future.

Amicable solution

“We have been engaging them to resolve the mistake amicably and we don’t know how this got to the public domain. The GNPC has been very good to us since the commencement of the Bukom Fist of Fury and we don’t want their image dragged in the mud,” Mr Foh-Amoaning told the Daily Graphic yesterday.

The Bukom Fist of Fury is an annual boxing league made up of juvenile, amateur and professional fights. It is based on a collaboration between the GBA and the GABF.

Graphic Sports