The Bukom Boxing Arena was the action spot last Sunday as Sharaf Mahama and his Foundation staged the Legacy Rise Boxing event to thank fans who voted for the NDC to return to power.

Present at the well-attended programme was President elect HE John Dramani Mahama, who was the special guest.

The boxers who stole the show with impressive wins include Musah Lawson aka Awoodade, Cann Neequaye, Samuel Takyi the Ring Warrior, Kevin Carter, Ashanti Warrior Stanley Nyantekyi and Abu Kamoko aka Bukom Tilapia.

In the surprise bout of the night Ahmed Abdullah (8-0, 7KOs) dropped  Armed Forces Sergeant Bawa three times before stopping him in the seventh round.

Many fans expected David Bawa Akankolin (4-1, 3KOs) to put up a better performance, but he disappointed his fans.

CEO of Legacy Rise Sports, Sharaf Mahama thanked all the guests who attended the free show, including former WBC champion Prof. Azumah Nelson, former IBF champion Joshua Clottey, Hon Kotey Ashie MP elect of Odododiodoo and others.

Legacy Rise Sports presented ‘A Night of Ultimate Legacy’ – an unforgettable evening where Ghana’s top boxing talent took center stage at the iconic Bukom Arena.

After the interesting competition, electrifying moments, there was a huge celebration with fireworks and music.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Mr. Alex Ntiamoah Boakye CEO of Box Office Promotions believes Joseph Commey is slightly ahead of his main opponent in the contest for the Sports Writers Association of Ghana SWAG Boxer of the Year 2024 Award.

He said Commey who came close two seasons ago has gone ahead to add the UBO African Lightweight belt in his first professional bout.

Commey who is known as Jaguar is contesting Black Bombers colleague Amadu Mohammed for the SWAG Award and it has been a dicey situation as to who is the best.

However the Sports journalists body will vote for a winner before January 24th 2025 when the Awards ceremony will be held at the Accra International Conference Centre.

According to Alex Ntiamoah Boakye, manager of Commey, his ward won an IBA organised bout in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia after the 13th African Games gold medal.

Commey represented Ghana at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and reached the final,  but he got sick and could not fight so he settled for silver.

His first professional bout against Richmond Ashelley on November 24 has also been labelled as one of the most exciting fights of the year.

By Sammy Heywood Okine    

Amazing amateur, boxer Amadu Mohammed who has been nominated by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) for Boxer of the year 2024 has disclosed that he wants to win gold at the next 2025 World Boxing Championship and the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive interview on The Big Fight Night on Omashi TV last Friday, he expressed his joy over the nomination he received from the SWAG and thanked the august body of professional and dedicated sports journalists.

"The announcement didn't shock or surprise me  and I am excited because I know I am the excellent boxer in Ghana and Africa, I thank SWAG because they have given me more confidence and inspiration that people are watching my exploits.

"I want to win the next World Boxing Championship gold as well as the 2006 Commonwealth Games gold" he expressed

The 19 year old who trains under Coach Gabriel Allotey aka Zico is the gold medal winner in the Bantamweight division at the 13th African Games held in Ghana where he stopped three opponents.

Hitherto he has placed 5th at the 2023 World Youth Championship in Uzbekistan, the only African to reach the Quarter Finals stage.

According to Coach Zico who was on the show, “Amadu is number five in the world, number one in Africa and Ghana”.

He noted that the story of Amadu.an orphan is divine, hoping that goodness and mercy will follow him all the days of his life.

On his chances to win the 2024 SWAG Best Boxer Award he said everything is clear because Amadu Mohammed is the most exciting among the four gold medalists in boxing at the 13th African Games and also very disciplined and respectful.

Amadu who loves music is a fan of Shatta Wale and his best dish is Jollof rice and Tilapia.

He comes up against Lightweight Joseph Jaguar Commey, also a gold medalist at Accra 2023 for the prestigious SWAG award which comes up at the Accra International Conference Centre on Friday January 24, 2025.

By Sammy Heywood Okine                   

Young Ghanaian boxing matchmaker, Daniel Donkor has disclosed that since he decided to shift from coaching at the Fit Square Gym under Coach Lartekwei Lartey to matchmaking, he has become popular and feels his positive contribution to Ghana Boxing.

Speaking in an interview on Omashi TV, The Big Fight Night hosted by Yours Truly, he said there many boxing talents in the country, but they lack exposure and experience because there are not much organized tournaments for the juvenile and youth.

He commended the organisers of the Memphis Depay Fight Day held at the Old Kingsway which attracted the Dutch super star and guests including presidential hopeful, Nana Yaw Bediako.

Donkor called for more programmes for the juvenile and youth boxers.

“If we can have one amateur tournament every month, it will keep boxers in shape and conditioned and we can see the best of the best” he stressed.

He was also surprised to be nominated as Matchmaker of the year 2024 in the Boxing Ghana selection of distinguished performers in the past year, as his third show for Cabic Promotions comes up on December 27, 2024 at the Idrowhyt Events Center at Dansoman.

“I was really surprised at my nomination and I thank God, the organisers, Boxing Ghana and the one who saw what I was doing good to earn nomination, I have realized matchmaking has made me popular than coaching and am learning a lot” he expressed.

According to him, there are many challenges in the game, and the GBA has to put its feet down to correct many things like impersonation and security at some shows. He noted that some boxers are ungrateful, which does not encourage support for them.

He feels Ghana Boxing is down as many people think or see as there is no current world champion; however there is hope in the youth who are rising.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ayawaso CP football team beat the Emirates Club 4-3 in a friendly match at Kotobabi Wembly Park in Accra. The Man of the match was Emmanuel Baidoo who scored 4 goals for the Ayawaso team.

Wendy Naa Deide Sampah of Wendy Foundation was there to support the players. She said as Christmas approaches the disabled and venerable should be remembered.

Mr. Emmanuel Akpabli, CEO and Coach of the Ayawaso CP football team said they will be busy in the coming year and hope to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

He appealed to corporate bodies and philanthropists to support the disabled sports federations in Ghana.

Akpabli who is the welfare officer of the Black Challenge, the national amputee team, congratulated HE John Dramani Mahama for winning the elections and prayed that he will look at the welfare of disabled sportsmen and women.

By Sammy Heywood Okine                  

Ghana Karate Association took part in the just ended African Karate Championship West Region Zone 2 tournament was held at Treichille Palais Des Sports – Abidjan (Cote D’Ivoire).

According to ace karateka Edmud Amoako Asante, Ghana won five medals made up of one Silver and four Bronzes. The medal winners were  Edmund Asante Amoako, Gideon Ashiley, Edward Amartey, Abdul Jelil Larbie, Gabriel Commodore.

He said it was a good tournament as they need more of such programs to be in shape.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has released names of nominees for the 49th Awards ceremony.

The names include Carl Lokko of the Bronx Boxing Club, experienced match maker Rashid Williams aka Believer and Dr. Ofori Asare Asare of the Wisdom Boxing Club.

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) secretariat announced the 49th Awards ceremony will be held on January 24, 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Among the nominees for boxing are coaches Carl Lokko and Rashid Williams for the Dedication and Valor Award and Dr. Ofori Asare who led the Black Bombers at the 13th African Games for Coach of the Year.

Two boxers Amadu Mohammed of Sea View and Joseph Commey will compete for the Boxer of the Year slot.

Mr. Bernard Quartey. Present of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) is in the nominations for Sports Administrator of the Year.

The topmost SWAG Award for Personality of the year is between High Jumper, Rose Amoanimaa Yeboah and Arm wrestler Grace Mintah.

Three corporate awards went to Access Bank, KGL and AFE Lotto

Other sporting disciplines covered by the Awards are football, arm wrestling, hockey, golf, handball, taekwondo, swimming, cricket, athletics and table tennis.

The SWAG Awards is the longest running prestigious ceremony in Ghana since 1975.

By Sammy Heywood Okine    

… Rose Yeboah Amoanimaa and Grace Mintah battle for topmost award

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), the umbrella body of sports journalists in Ghana has announced nominees for the 49th edition of the most prestigious SWAG Awards.

The SWAG Awards, an occasion and event to celebrate sports excellence, is the longest running award scheme in Ghana that rewards top performing Sports Men and Women consistently since 1975 and recognizes the efforts of persons involved in Sports development.

A statement issued and signed by the General Secretary of the Association, Charles Osei Asibey, mentioned that the 49th edition is scheduled to take place at the Accra International Conference Center on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 6pm prompt.

The statement said over 80 Top performing athletes and officials within the year under review who contributed to results and the development of sports have been shortlisted for honours.

Below is the full list of nominees for the 49th SWAG Awards.

CORPORATE AWARDS

Access Bank

KGL

AFE Lotto

MERITORIOUS AWARD

Mr. Ernest Thompson – Football

Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare – 13th African Games

Ernest Danso – CDM, 13th African Games

DEDICATION AND VALOUR

Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah Asare – Cricket

Hannah Akua Humphrey – Taekwondo

Believer, Matchmaker – Boxing

Mr Joseph Yaw Appiah – Football

Carl Lokko – Pro Boxing Trainer

Alhaji Grunsah – Football Administrator

New Juaben Table Tennis Club

POSTHUMOUS AWARD

Dr Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah

STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

William Amponsah – West Texas A&M University

Mariam Yussif – St Louis Senior High School

Naseera Efua Kwansah – Effutu Senior High School

REFEREE/UMPIRE OF THE YEAR

Nii Otoo Larkyne – Armwrestling

Julien Nunoo – Football

WO1 Clement Smith Danyagri – Athletics

PROSPECT OF THE YEAR

Abdul Aziz Issah – Football

Blessed Abeka Nunoo – Arm wrestling

DISCOVERY OF THE YEAR

Jada Yankey – Swimming

Ayisha Aminu – Golf

SPORTS ADMINISTRATOR/PRESIDENT OF THE YEAR

Bernard Quartey – Ghana Boxing Federation

Charles Osei Asibey – Ghana Armwrestling Federation

Bawa Fuseini – Ghana Athletics

SWAG TOP FIVE (5) FEDERATIONS

Badminton Association of Ghana

Ghana Hockey Association

Ghana Arm wrestling Federation

Ghana Taekwondo Federation

Ghana Athletics

Ghana Swimming Association

Ghana Boxing Federation

Ghana Football Association

NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR

Black Challenge – Amputee Football

Black Sticks Ladies – Hockey

Black Satellites – Football

Black Princess – Football

Athletics Relay Team

CLUB OF THE YEAR – MALE

FC Samartex – Football

Dreams FC – Football

CLUB OF THE YEAR – FEMALE

Hasaacas Ladies – Football

Royal Ladies – Hockey

BEACH SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Alexander Adjei

CYCLIST OF THE YEAR

Emmanuel Sesi – Royal Stars Cycling Club

Victor Cudjoe Akpablu – Gladiators Cycling Club

WEIGHTLIFTER OF THE YEAR

Winifred Ntumi

TAEKWONDO ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Erica Tuagbor

Kelvin Amuzu

SWIMMER OF THE YEAR

Abeiku Jackson

PULLER OF THE YEAR – FEMALE

Grace Mintah – Ghana Police Service

PULLER OF THE YEAR – MALE

Edward Yamoah Asamoah – Ghana Immigration Service

TABLE TENNIS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Israel Aklie

Joanita Borteye

HOCKEY PLAYER OF THE YEAR – MALE

Benjamin Acquah – Exchequers Hockey Club

HOCKEY PLAYER OF THE YEAR – FEMALE

Elizabeth Opoku – GRA Ladies Hockey Club

Mavis Ampem Darko – Army Ladies Hockey Club

BOXER OF THE YEAR

Amadu Mohammed

Joseph Commey

COACH OF THE YEAR

Yussif Basigi – Black Princesses

Desmond Offei – Black Satellite

Boakye Yiadom – Black Sticks Ladies

Husseini Akuetteh Addy – Golden Arms

Dr Ofori Asare – Black Bombers

Nurudeen Amadu – FC Samartex

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – MALE

Joseph Paul Amoah

Edwin Gadayi

Cadman Evans Yamoah

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – FEMALE

Rose Yeboah Amoanimaa

FEMALE FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR – HOME BASED

Ophelia Serwaa Amponsah (Ampen Darkoa Ladies)

Grace Banwa (Hasaacas Ladies)

Mukarama Abdulai (Hasaacas Ladies)

FEMALE FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR – FOREIGN BASED       

Thelma Baffoe Atuah (TP Mazembe)

Salamatu Abdulai (Swieqi United, Malta)

Jennifer Kankam Yeboah (ZED FC, Egypt)

MALE FOTBALLER OF THE YEAR

Emmanuel Keyeke – FC Samartex

Stephen Amankona – Berekum Chelsea

Abdul Aziz Issah – FC Barcelona

SWAG SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Grace Mintah – Armwrestling

Rose Yeboah Amoanimaa – Athletics

SWAG PRESIDENT’S AWARD

SWAG LONG SERVICE AWARD – MEDIA

SWAG SPORTS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

Source:swagghana.com

Gabriel Allotey aka Coach Zico of the Sea View Boxing Gym believes Mustapha “ Bukom 69 Machine” Kamoko  will come back stronger and better after losing in the United Arab Emirates.

Mustapha Kamoko the third son of Briama Kamoko aka ‘Bukom Banku’ lost to  Mohammad Issa from Jordan in a WBC Youth Middleweight Championship on December 7th at The Academy City in Dubai.

According to Coach Allotey, they did not reach the venue on time to get acclimatized with the weather however they put up a good show, and the performance of Kamoko could earn him another chance to fight in UAE.

“My boxer got sick before the fight, but we have to fight, and we gave a very good account though we lost which is part of the game, its either win lose or draw and we lost, but we have learnt many lessons in boxing and life, so it was a great experience” he told Yours Truly.

Mustapha Kamoko, 20 now has a record of nine bouts, eight wins and one lose.

Meanwhile, Coach Allotey has made special mention of other boxers in his gym like Amadu Mohammed who is a future world beater, and Mohammed Aryeetey.

Amadu Mohammed who is based at Mamprobi in Accra hinted Yours Truly about his ambition to become one of the greatest boxers in the world and also a super star from Africa and Ghana.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Naseera Efua Quansah of Sammo and Mfantsiman SHS in the Central Region who won the female division of the 2024 GNPC Ghana Fastest Competition Cape Coast Meet has been signed by a University in the USA.

The finalist at the Accra Edition of the GNPC Ghana Fastest competes with established local stars like Mary Boakye from the Ghana Armed Forces, Mensah and Awuni Zeinab of Sagnation Club in the Ashanti Region.

She is a world standard athlete. In 2024 at the 5 Nations competition, she was champion in 100m 200m she also won West African Senior 4x100m.

Her favourite athletes are Olympians Sha Carri Richardson and Julian Alfred.

Quansah was honoured at the last WISA 2024 Awards held at the Accra Sports Stadium.

By Sammy Heywood Okine