Ghanaian and other international cyclists are ready and set to compete at the 10th National Road Cycling Championship which takes place in Accra on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

The event comes off at Vicolis Olebu, Ablekuma, and will involve all the nation’s top cyclists and cycling fans.

According to the Ghana Cycling Federation, this year’s championship will feature two key events: the Individual Time Trial and the Road Race, catering to three categories - Elite, Under-23, and Junior for both male and female cyclists. Some old cyclists will also compete for fun

26 cycling clubs affiliated to the Ghana Cycling Federation will participate, with competitions scheduled for both morning and afternoon sessions.

The national event is a platform for discovering, identifying and grooming talents for international competitions, while promoting the sport of cycling in Ghana.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

A Ghanaian para-delegate has been given an honorary award at the 2024 Korean Paralympic Camping (KPC) in Incheon, South Korea.

The young delegate, Michael Obeng aka Mike Wes, was among 60 other participants from other countries at the KPC 2024 in Incheon. The participants, including athletes, coaches, and staff, received formal training for the 2028 Paralympics, which will be held in Los Angeles.

The Ghanaian team led by head of delegation, Michael Obeng included three other para-athletes. The three athletes were Akotoh Bryan Baffour Kwadjo, a para-swimmer. Aheto Promise Wonder, a para-swimmer. Judith Adu Yeboah, a para-badminton.

The participants took part in activities such as a special lecture class, a Korean culture tour, and a sports class.

Other activities during the camp were opening and closing ceremonies screening highlights of previous camps. They also took part in swimming, badminton, and Taekwondo training.

Participants were awarded medals and certificates of participation.

Michael Obeng and his athletes were awarded medals for their participation. They also received certificates from the Korean Para Camp 2024 organizers.

In his closing speech, Michael Obeng expressed his profound gratitude to the organizers of the KPC 2024 and also to the president of the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana, Mr. Samson Deen.

“I’m so excited to be a part of this educative camping. I’d like to thank the organizers for giving us the platform to learn a lot”, Michael Obeng said.

“I’ll want to say a big thank you to Mr. Samson Deen (president of NPC-Ghana), for giving me and these three para-athletes this chance to join the KPC 2024. We have learned a whole lot during these few days of orientation. Hopefully, we return to Ghana and help educate the rest too”, Obeng mentioned.

The eight-day orientation program took place from the 5th to the 13th of November 2024.

Source Sammy Heywood Okine

Head trainer of the Black Panthers Boxing Gym. Ebenezer Adjei was full of smiles on the exciting Box Office Promotions bill after leading and strategising five boxers to claim continental titles, including the Women's International Boxing Federation (WIBF) Super Bantamweight title won by Abigail Quartey.

On 19th December 2023, he coached three boxers at ringside to win at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

Last Sunday, 24th November 2024 he achieved more and further with five sweet victories including the UBO Africa Lightweight title won by former Black Bomber, Joseph Commey aka Jaguar, Commonwealth Games Silver Medalist and African Games Gold Medalist.

The other winners were popular UBO Africa / IBF Welterweight Champion Prince Patel, WBA Pan Africa Super Lightweight Champion Bradley Townsend and UBO World Super Middleweight Champion, Tony Bange, all international boxers.

Coach Killer as he is affectionately called said it was a real hard work as some of his boxers represented on the weekend bills from  Friday. Saturday and Sunday.

He was in the corner of young Bernard Ankrah who silenced Stephen Coffie of the Bronx Gym on points after their hot debate on the Ayitey Powers Promotions bill.

He also trains Michael Abban aka the Black Spider and multi titles holder Alfred Lamptey aka Show Time.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

This year's 11th Genser PGA Golf Tournament has begun at the Celebrity Course with high hopes from both local and foreign players, as Nigeria. Togo. Cote d'Ivoire. Zimbabwe are represented

After day one, Augustine Menasseh, one of the nation’s top professional players is leading with a score of 68 points, followed by Lucky Ayisi also with 68 points, Alfred Kwame scored 70 points to occupy the third place and last year’s winner is placed at the sixth spot with 72 points.

Ghana's best player last season Kojo Barni is at the ninth position with 73 points.

The tournament has just started and there will be changes as the tournament progresses.

Captain of the Celebrity Golf Club, Mr. Alex Oppong Baffoe says he expects an interesting and tough competition as every player is poised to cause sensation.

Mr. Eric Henaku, the tournament director is sure a new winner will emerge at the end of the 11^th Genser PGA Golf competition. He thanked the new sponsors for coming on board to support Ghana golf.

Alhaji Ahmed Padori, the director of operations of the PGA Ghana wished the professional golfers a good tournament and prayed that the best player will win.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana’s popular boxer, Elvis Ahorgah (13-2-0) aka Soldier Boxer  has been invited to test his strength, skill, speed and stamina against undefeated Mark Jeffers (18-0) of the for the Commonwealth Silver Super Middleweight Title at M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool On December 14. 2024

Ace United Kingdom based boxing consultant manager and promoter, Mr. Azumah Cofie is the brain behind the invitation of Ahorgah and victory for him will put Ghana back in the Commonwealth Boxing rankings.

Ahorgah 23, was very impressive at the Professional Boxing League in Ghana and was on the way to become National Champion before the corner of Baubali his opponent cut their boxer’s  gloves in the first ever Ayitey Powers Promotion at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

According to many boxing pundits and commentators, this is a great chance for Soldier Boxer and he must fight hard and well to will.

Jeffers 26, is one of the rising star boxers in the United Kingdom who wants to fight boxers from other parts of the world especially Africans.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana beat India 5-1 secure a 3rd place in the just ended 1st Junior World Cup of the Federation International Football Skating (FIFS) held in Trabzon, Turkey.

The Ghanaian team, led by President Johnson Kwaku Gameli Kportufe, demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament.

Speaking to the media after the closing ceremony, President Gameli Kportufe said the remarkable laurels will enhance the growth of the sport in Ghana.

“This triumph is a direct result of our tireless efforts to develop roller sports from the grassroots level. Our investment in community outreach programs, training initiatives, and infrastructure development has paid off, and we’re proud to see our young athletes thriving on the global stage”.

“Our grassroots projects have not only helped identify and nurture talent but also promoted a culture of discipline, hard work, and teamwork. We’re committed to continuing this work, expanding our reach, and empowering more young Ghanaians to achieve their full potential through roller sports”.

This achievement is a testament to the power of grassroots development and a reminder that investing in our youth can yield remarkable results.

It also marks a significant milestone for Ghana Skate, as the team continues to promote skate sports and inspire the next generation of Ghanaian athletes.

#GhanaSkate #FIFSWC2024

Source Ghana Skate Federation

The 11th Genser PGA golf tournament has teed off on the green course of Celebrity Golf Club at Sakumono on Wednesday morning, November 27, 2024.

The prestigious tournament which has attractive prizes at stake involves 32 regulars made up of 24 Ghanaians and 8 foreigners from Zimbabwe, Togo, Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire participating till Saturday, November 30 for the finals.

The regular professionals are expected to play over 72 holes for four days whiles the seniors and ladies will play for three days.

Speaking to the media on the opening day, Mr. Eric Henaku, the tournament director expressed his joy to attract Genser Energies as new sponsor following the withdrawal of Goldfields Ghana and hope they will support the PGA for the next ten years.

He was optimistic that a new winner will emerge at the eleventh edition.

Mr. Ahmed Padori, Director of Operations of the PGA said, the Genser PGA Golf Tournament hopes to be exciting and prayed that the best and most conditioned player will win.

Mr. Hans DeBeer, chairman of the planning committee for the tournament was glad to see more young golfers, more ladies and urged the youth to get involved. He cautioned the participants to drink more water to get hydrated against the weather.

Mr. Roger Adamah, a member of the planning committee commended the professional golfers for reporting on time and advised them to exhibit sportsmanship. He observed that many things have changed with new sponsors and more female players.

There would be 24 prizes but the winner of the regulars takes home 65,000ghc, while the seniors and ladies winners get 15 000ghc respectively.

Last year's keen and exciting tournament at Damang in the Western Region was won by a Nigerian who is in to defend his title.

The Lagos-based top golfer, Sunday Olapade won the 2023 Goldfields PGA Championship at Damang after beating Ghana's Kojo Barnni in exciting playoff finals.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Best boxing promoters, Mr. Alex Ntiamoah Bpoakye’s Box Office Promotions did a marvelous work on Sunday to ensure a splendid international package on Sunday November 24, 2024 at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

With two previous promotions going bad on Friday and Saturday, Box Office were in doubt if people will patronize their event.

However it lived to its billing as boxing fans defied all odds including rains on Friday and security, poor arrangements / mismanagement on Saturday to put up another entertaining event.

The main bout between Richmond Ashelley and Joseph Commey could pass to be Fight of the Year as both boxers put out a great performance. Though Commey won on points, Ashelley displayed amazing boxing as they clashed for the UBO Africa Lightweight Championship.

Pride of Ashaiman, National and UBO Africa Welterweight Champion, Sampson Segbedzi sealed victory against compatriot Isaac Commey, a kickboxer from Chorkor who chose to fight awkwardly by hitting below and head butting.

Abigail Quartey, another Chorkor based boxer  made history by becoming the first Ghanaian female world champion after dominating Sageenta Birdi of UK to annex the Women International Boxing Federation (WIBF) Super bantamweight title.

British Indian Prince Patel became the New IBF & UBO Africa Welterweight champion via a Round 7 TKO against Maxwell Awuku.

Bradley Townsend defeated Victor Kumornu to win the WBA Pan African Super Lightweight title.

Tony Bange also beat Bukom based Theophilus Ofei Dodoo to win the UBO World Super Middleweight title.

Boateng Agyeman Prempeh lost to Simon Murray in their international Light heavyweight contest.

Derrick Mensah had victory over Haruna Oku in their Super Flyweight contest.

Former Black Bomber Jonathan Tetteh also defeated Kwesi Tutu in their Super Middleweight clash.

Other boxers on the bill were George Quaye versus Joe Maphosa in a Bantamweight contest, Francis Akakpo versus Francis Mensah and Moses Kweku against Emmanuel Odoi in Light heavyweight contests.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

In what can only be described as one of the fights of the year for 2024, South Africa’s Kaine “K9” Fourie survived an acid test and scare in Boxing 5’s event entitled “UNRIVALLED” in the main event against dangerous Ghanaian fighter Mohammed Wasiru at The Box Camp this last Saturday night.

From the opening second of the fight, the short and crude unbeaten Wasiru, with 13 fights and 12 KOs going in, charged at Fourie with mean intent, landing a left hook and, a few seconds later, a right hand over the top that caught Fourie's attention.

The real drama came at the end of the second round when Wasiru was applying pressure in the last 10 seconds of the round. He threw a looping right hand that caught Fourie flush, causing him to fall into the ropes as the bell rang to end the round. Wasiru then threw an additional right hand that dropped Fourie. The punch landed clearly after the bell, and referee Tony Nyangiwe started counting without giving any warning to the Ghanaian. There was no question that Fourie was hurt, but he came out for the third round with his legs still looking heavy. He did well to hold, smother, and survive that crisis moment, and midway through the round, he regained his legs and wits.

It was a slam-bang affair, with both fighters refusing to give an inch.

Going into the fourth round, Wasiru was still applying pressure, but Kaine was more alert and caught Wasiru with a counter left hook that dropped him. Wasiru was clearly hurt, and Fourie, smelling blood, unleashed his vaunted 45-degree left hook, which dropped Wasiru hard, face first, prompting the referee to wave off the contest without bothering to count.

The sold-out crowd was in a frenzy over Fourie’s win, and rightly so; “K9” had to dig deep, showing heart and character to secure the victory.

Fourie, still unbeaten, goes to 9 wins and 2 draws while Wasiru goes to 13 wins and a single loss.

What a way to end the year for Boxing 5 with that kind of fight.

Definitely unrivalled.

Issued by: NO DOUBT Management

Emmanuel Sesi of Royal Stars, won the 100 kilometres race in the Male Elites of the Maiden Edition of the 2024 Obour Cycling challenge held in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

The 100km race was flagged from Nsawam to Kyebi through to Suhum, Apedwa and back to Nsawam.

Emmanuel Sesi of the Royal Stars Cycling club in the Volta region beat 58 Cyclists who took part in the 2024 Obour Cycling Challenge to win the yellow jersey and the cash prize as the overall winner in the maiden edition of the event.

In about 5km to the finish line, top Cyclists, like Frank Akuffu, Micheal Naaba, Francis Owusu , Emmanuel Sesi , Francis Owusu, Humphrey Ayittey and Daniel Amu were all in the break away team fighting their way to get to the finish line. But it was rather Emmanuel Sesi who crossed the finish line first with a triumphant smile to win the Maiden Edition of Obour Cycling Challenge.

He was followed by Humphrey Ayittey, as he secured the second position whilst Micheal Brownson took the third spot.

The competitive race which was in a distance of 100km, recorded an average speed of 37.34/Km/h and a time of 2h 40 minutes 40seconds.

In the Team Time Trial, Quick steps got the average speed of 43.5Okm/hr and time of 27:35:93, Team FCG got 29:32:47 and Obour Cycling Club got 30:27:98) securing second and third places respectively.

Meanwhile, Godfred Tompo from Obour Cycling Club, took the youngest cyclist whiles Christian Adiabo also took the oldest cyclist in the maiden edition of Obour Cycling Challenge.

However, in the Women’s 40km race, Erica Sedzro emerged victorious in the women’s category.

The women’s 40km event was fiercely contested, with Erica Sedzro ultimately crossing the finish line first, ahead of her closest rival Abigail Tetteh. Unfortunately, several competitors were unable to complete in the 40km course, from Nsawam through to Apedwa to Suhum and back.

Addressing the media after the event, the chairman of Obour Cycling Challenge. Mr Emmanuel Obour said, “We really wanted to create competition, from the look of things, it was very competitive. So I think our goal for the event has been achieved. This is my first time organising such a thing, so for me, it was very competitive, but I know it was nationwide. It would have been more than what we witnessed, but for starters, it’s ok.”

In his view, they won’t stop at nothing and intend to do even better in the next edition which will fall around June and November. “Next year, we intend to do it bigger; even before it gets to the end of the year. Next year, be rest assured that it will be bigger than what we witnessed today.”

The organizers of the Obour Cycling Challenge have promised an even more spectacular event in the coming years.

On the other hand, the Ghana Cycling Federation’s Secretary praised the organizers for their efforts and assured the federation’s continuous support for future events.

“The Ghana Cycling Federation will support this event to make it world-class. The publicity was great, and the athletes were thrilled on the route. This event will not only profit the athletes but the people in Nsawam as a whole. Sports help businesses in a community, so let’s all support the organiser led by Emmanuel Obour.” The General Secretary of the Ghana Cycling Federation, Shabban Mohammed, stated.

One fan also disclosed, “We are very happy that this event is being organised in Nsawwam Apedwa here. We, the drivers and mates associations, will support and make it a success.”

The Obour Cycling Challenge was proudly sponsored by Engineering Auto Tech, Monelle Noir, Angel Tv, Atinka 104.7 FM, and Richportal TV.

Below are the positions and cash prizes, for the Winners of the Maiden Edition Of Obour Cycling Challenge:

100kilometres Race;

Ist position: Emmanuell Sesi -(GHC 1500)

2nd position: Humphrey Ayittey (GHC 1000)

3rd position: Micheal Brownson (GHC 500)

4th position:Micheal Naaba (GHC 200)

5th position:Frank Akuffu (GHC 200)

6th position:Francis Owusu(GHC 200)

7th position:Prince Adjei (GHC 200)

8th position:Prince Maison(GHC 200)

9th position:Lyford Allotey (GHC 200)

3rd position:Micheal Brown (GHC 200)

4th position:Micheal Naaba (GHC 200)

5th position :Frank Akuffo (GHC 200)

6th position:Francis Owusu(GHC 200)

7th position:Prince Adjei (GHC 200)

8th position:Prison Maison (GHC200)

9th position:Lyford Allotey (GHC 200)

10th position: Francis Amu(GHC 200)

Team Time Trials (15km):

Ist position -Quick Steps(GHC 500)

2nd position-Team FCG(GHC 300)

3rd position- Obour Cycling Club(GHC 200)

Ladies 40km:

Ist position: Erica Sendro (GHC 500)

2nd position: Abigail Mensah (GHC 300)

Source Elizabeth A. Gyamfi