Ms. Sarah Lotus Asare, Ghana’s first female match maker and administrator at the Wisdom Boxing Club has tipped Theophilus Allotey aka ‘Theo Lopez’ to become a great boxing star in future.

Sarah who is an agent and manager said Theo Allotey can become a world champion if all plans and schedules for him work positively.

Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey, was a member of the Black Bombers, the national boxing team who tried his best to represent Ghana at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, but could not make it due to the long and hard route to qualify.

He had the chance to win gold for Ghana at the 2022 Commonwealth Games but was dropped from the squad for no tangible reason.

He was at the African Qualifiers where he placed fourth and won a bronze medal. He went to the World Qualifier but things did not world out as planned, however he listened to the advise of his trainer, Coach Dr. Ofori Asare and they had the opportunity of a one-month training tour outside Ghana to sharpen his skills and put him in a right frame of mind.

On his recent return from the British Cayman Islands, he is performing wonderfully.

A few weeks ago he fought Razak Nettey at Sowutuom in Accra, and it was evident that he has improved and in a different class.

The 22-year-old Allotey represented Ghana at the Accra 2023 Africa Games and that tournament opened doors for him to represent at the IBA Special Event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to fight Patrick Chinyemba, a Zambian opponent he lost to at the African Games. Though he lost, he sees it as part of the learning process.

He turned professional in July and has since fought five successful bouts.

Now fighting as a bantamweight, he is coming coolly and will shock the world as Sarah predicted.

“I came through the amateur ranks where we did a lot of hard work so it makes things a lot easier now that I am in the pro ranks. If you want to be a world champion, you have to fight champions so I am ready for anybody in my division in Ghana and beyond to come forward let's give the fans what they want. I thank my team for all the love and support as well as all the fans who came to support me,” Allotey said in an interview with the media.

Coach Ofori Asare knows the quality of his boxer and believes he can be a world champion.

“He is a top prospect and you can see the level, he comes into the ring to perform no matter the situation. This is the time for him to face all kinds of tests so we are ready for any opponent. That's what will put him in a position to go out there and bring the world title we are looking forward to” the experienced coach said.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ms. Sarah Lotus Asare, Ghana’s first female match maker and administrator at the Wisdom Boxing Club has tipped Theophilus Allotey aka ‘Theo Lopez’ to become a great boxing star in future.

Sarah who is an agent and manager said Theo Allotey can become a world champion if all plans and schedules for him work positively.

Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey, was a member of the Black Bombers, the national boxing team who tried his best to represent Ghana at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, but could not make it due to the long and hard route to qualify.

He had the chance to win gold for Ghana at the 2022 Commonwealth Games but was dropped from the squad for no tangible reason.

He was at the African Qualifiers where he placed fourth and won a bronze medal. He went to the World Qualifier but things did not world out as planned, however he listened to the advise of his trainer, Coach Dr. Ofori Asare and they had the opportunity of a one-month training tour outside Ghana to sharpen his skills and put him in a right frame of mind.

On his recent return from the British Cayman Islands, he is performing wonderfully.

A few weeks ago he fought Razak Nettey at Sowutuom in Accra, and it was evident that he has improved and in a different class.

The 22-year-old Allotey represented Ghana at the Accra 2023 Africa Games and that tournament opened doors for him to represent at the IBA Special Event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to fight Patrick Chinyemba, a Zambian opponent he lost to at the African Games. Though he lost, he sees it as part of the learning process.

He turned professional in July and has since fought five successful bouts.

Now fighting as a bantamweight, he is coming coolly and will shock the world as Sarah predicted.

“I came through the amateur ranks where we did a lot of hard work so it makes things a lot easier now that I am in the pro ranks. If you want to be a world champion, you have to fight champions so I am ready for anybody in my division in Ghana and beyond to come forward let's give the fans what they want. I thank my team for all the love and support as well as all the fans who came to support me,” Allotey said in an interview with the media.

Coach Ofori Asare knows the quality of his boxer and believes he can be a world champion.

“He is a top prospect and you can see the level, he comes into the ring to perform no matter the situation. This is the time for him to face all kinds of tests so we are ready for any opponent. That's what will put him in a position to go out there and bring the world title we are looking forward to” the experienced coach said.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

1st African to win medal at the Olympic games in any sporting event, Rome - 1960, has passed away, this morning in London, aged 86.

The late boxer won light welterweight silver at the Rome,1960 Olympic games.

He was survived by his two children, Clifton and Alex.

Clement Quartey is the senior brother of former world champion (WBA welterweight), Ike 'Bazooka' Quartey.

NOTE

This is an updated story. The original piece was a mix up with reference to both IKE QUARTEY SNR (the caption) AND IKE BAZOOKA QUARTEY (the image). From further checks and feedback, it is Ike Quartey Snr and not Bazooka, hence the review and update. Thank you.

Credit: GBF MEDIA

Bgirl Courtnae Paul from South Africa and Bboy Smith from Benin emerged as Champions of Afrobreak International Championship Africa Finals 2024

Bgirl Courtnae Paul from South Africa and Bboy Smith from Benin emerged as Champions of Afrobreak International Championship Africa Finals 2024

This year’s event set the record as the Biggest Dance Event in Africa in terms of Countries representation with Top 16 Bboys and Top 8 Bgirls took place in Accra, Ghana for 3 days.

Day 1: Venue - The Dancehall at East Legon hosted the Conference with Bgirl Vee (South Africa) the only female Olympian Judge on the African Continent, Bboy Lilou (France) Multiple World Champion , Bgirl Syssy ( France) World Youth Breaking Champion and  Bboy Lyricx (Ghana) President of Africa Breaking Academy discussing the topic about “ The impact of Breaking after Olympics in Africa “. Also the Professional Workshop led by notable abd experienced instructors from France namely; Lilou,Syssy and Damian in-line with West Africa Tour project lead by  Africa Breaking Academy and StreetOff through the Acces Culture Africa Program supported by Institut Francaise.

Day 2: Venue- Labadi Fa Se Garden featured 2vs2 Allstyle Afrobreak- House were Julius Fakta and Azonto US emerge as Winners against Kofi Black and Jovarni at the final.

Kids Battle Category Bgirl Elle (Ghana) emerge winner with Lil Vic (Nigeria) Power moves Cypher Battle and Cruxy (Nigeria ) wins Footworks Battle.

Day 3 : Venue- Fa Se Garden Grand finale of The Afrobreak International Africa Final 2024 was a real eye opener for many people to be aware of the sport which was staged for the first time at the Paris Olympic Games.

Before the finals the battle for the top (8) eight was between The defending Champion Sandrine (Benin) , Cruxy (Nigeria ) , Neeja (Togo) , Courtnae Paul (South Africa), Vibe (Nigeria), Tris Noami (Ghana), Change (Angola) and Vikz (Ghana).

After a great exchange among bgirls Courtnea Paul and Change had the final Battle were South Africa Courtnea Paul emerge the new African Bgirl Champion

The battle for the boys was between Kidtribe (Zimbabwe) , Nagi (Ghana ) , Bboy Drift (Kenya) ,Smoke (South Africa),Youri (Togo), Smith (Benin) , Harry.Aime (Benin), Bboy Ame (Senegal), Bboyblesso (Ghana), Tchparet (Burkina Faso) , Delkrim (Ivory Coast), Omar (Niger) ,Secrets (Uganda), Billo(Sierra Leone)   Babou (Guinea) and Defending Champion Lil Vic ( Nigeria).

After hot battles in the  round of 16, quarter finals, semi finals and grand finale with Ivory Coast and Benin were Smith from Benin who was given the nod by the Panel of judges Bboy Matt (Nigeria), Damani (France ), Lilou ( France ), Vee (South Africa), Yao (Togo) and Lyricx (Ghana).

The crowd who watched the show were very happy and hoped for more of the sport at other places in the capital.

Bboy Lyricx aka Nana Tufour Okai, President of the Breaking Federation of Ghana said Africa is the future and the world of Dance should watch out. The Afrobreak International Championship’s goal is provide platforms and opportunities for African best dancers to challenge and compete on world stages with this year Winners again representing Africa at Battle De Valux in France 2025.

There were performances from the best dance crews in Ghana Team Hubes, Militants Dance Family, 4Bent Dance and many more.

To take the sport to a higher level, he noted that the schools and colleges have to get involved massively as there are many opportunities.

He thanked all sponsoring organizations especially The French Embassy in Ghana, StreetOff, Acces culture Africa , Institut Francais , AFD , Ghana Olympic Committee and Ofori Gold , National Sports Authority, Breaking Federation of Ghana and Africa Breaking Academy.

Source Afrobreak

Ghana's Reks Brobby has been named as a member of the newly reconstituted Technical Committee (TCAG) for the 14th African Games to be held in Egypt in 2027.

His nomination and appointment was approved by the Sports Advisory Board of the African Union (AU) which considered experts to serve on the Committee,

The list of the Members of the Technical Committee for the next African Games are Dr. Decius Chipande AUSC Coordinator, Maj. Gen Ahmed Nasser AASC, Ms Angela Martins Sports Division, Sid Ahmed Selmi AUSC Region 1, Dr Samuel Ogbondeminu AUSC Region 2, Mr Zenon Kabamba Representative AUSC Region 3, Mr James Akama AUSC Region 4, Mr Stanley Mutoya AUSC Region 5, Mrs. Penina Kabenge Expert, Mrs. Loubna Belabbes Expert, Mr. Reks Brobby Expert and Mr Pasponoga Liwewe Expert.

Reks Brobby, an Olympian and part of the Adidas franchise in Ghana was the Deputy Chief Operating Officer when Ghana won the bid and hosted the Africa Cup of Nations Football tournament, CAN 2008 and was also the Deputy Chief Operating officer for the 13th African Games LOC that Ghana successfully hosted.

The appointment which was signed by Dr. Decius Chipande, AUSC Coordinator and date October 21, 2-24 is in line with one of the benefits of Ghana hosting the African Games, which is to get as many Ghanaians appointed onto various sports posts in Africa and beyond.

The newly constituted TCAG held their first meeting on Friday November 1^st via zoom, they are supposed to hold a physical meeting in Addis Ababa from November 20 to 22, 2024.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

John Abaja Laryea, a product of the Bronx Boxing Club who is managed by Mr. Sammy Anim Addo registered his 13th win and first victory in the United States of America last Friday night when he defeated Alexander Mejia of Nicaragua on a unanimous points decision.

Laryea who is known as the 'Expensive Boxer' started the fight on a good note when he floored his opponent in the first round.

The action warmed fans watching from ringside and grand stand at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.

The experienced Mejia came back strongly and well guarded in the subsequent rounds and manage to avoid being knocked down.

However Lartey directed by Coach Carl Lokko dictated the pace and won all the rounds to be declared winner.

After the bout, Coach Lokko said the floodgates have been opened and boxing fans should expect something great and bigger from the Bronx Boxing Club.

Mr. Sammy Anim Addo. CEO of the Bronx Promotions and manager of Laryea congratulated the Expensive Boxer for raising the flag of Ghana high in the USA.

He noted that the journey to the world title has begun as he predicted that the Bronx Gym will produce five world champions in the new few years coming.

Mr. Emmanuel Quaye of Champion Dishes fame said Laryea won because of his character and ambition to change the narrative.

The Bronx Boxing Club has four WBO Africa Champions and other potential and budding world beaters.

Meanwhile, fans of John Laryea at Chorkor Level One Pub have commended his marvellous victory and they feel very proud.

Many boxing fans in Jamestown and Bukom have hailed the 22 year old two times WBO Africa Featherweight Champion as the next prospect to land Ghana a world title.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

After missing the opportunity to fight in Germany, the unbeaten Wasiru Mohammed is slated for his first bout labeled 'Unrivalled' in South Africa on Friday November 23.

Wasiru popularly known as Gyatabi, son of the lion will face Kaine Fourie at The Box Camp Body Sens in an international Lightweight fray over 10 rounds.

It is going to be very interesting as Wasiru Mohammed has prepared well and he is in good condition.

Rates for gate fees are pegged at 350 Rand for the Grand Stand and 450 Rand for VIP.

There would be free parking and children below the age of 12 will watch free.

Wasiru is currently handled by Mr. John Marfo, a businessman and executive board member of the Ghana Boxing Authority.

The former WBO Global Bantamweight Champion said he is tasty for a title and wants to challenge all the world champions in his lightweight class.

"I want to go for a title, I am tasty of a title" he said.    

Wasiru Mohammed is coached by Lartekwei Lartey of the Fit Square Boxing Club in Accra.

He said the Germany bout will be honoured at the right time.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Bronx Boxing Club Coach Carl Lokko believes John Abaja Laryea has what it takes to become a world champion because he is very disciplined and does not joke with his training.

Speaking ahead of Friday's bout in Orlando, USA, he expressed that the bout is a new chapter in the boxing career of John Laryea who has been one of the dedicated boxers at the Bronx Gym.

According to Coach Lokko, Team Laryea which has able people like Sammy Anim Addo, Emmanuel Quaye and Yours Truly is capable of landing a world title for Ghana.

"Our mission and ambition is to land a world title chance and we will not disappoint" he said.

For now the focus is on Alexander Mejia of Nicaragua who has 19 wins and 9 loses.

John Laryea 22, the WBO Africa Featherweight Champion is undefeated in 14 bouts with one draw.

Laryea was born and bred at Bukom, the cradle of Boxing in Ghana.

He was nominated for Boxer of the year by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana some few years back, and he has been inspired by the media.

He knows victory against Mejia will be great and he is not letting any opportunity slip.

Laryea and Mejia weighed successfully on Thursday. We have a bout on Friday night, November 1, 2024 at Caribe Royale, Orlando in Florida, USA.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The ANOC Awards winners for 2024 (Photo by ANOC) ANOC

CASCAIS, October 31, 2024 - The best athletes and NOCs from the Olympic Games Paris 2024 were celebrated tonight in Portugal at a spectacular and memorable ANOC Awards 2024 ceremony at the Estoril Congress Center.

The best female and male athletes, as well as the best female and male teams and the best female, male and mixed teams in individual sports were all honoured in front of a packed auditorium in Cascais.

Finally, the best National Olympic Committee (NOC) and breakthrough NOCs of Paris 2024 were recognised, while there were two awards for outstanding sporting careers and one for individual contribution to the Olympic Movement.

The ANOC Awards winners for 2024 are:

Best Female Team of Paris 2024: Italy Volleyball (represented by Carlotta Cambi)

Best Male Team of Paris 2024: Denmark Handball (represented by Hans Lindberg)

Best Female Team in Individual Sport of Paris 2024: Great Britain Cycling – Team Sprint (Katy Marchant, Sophie Capewell and Emma Finucane)

Best Male Team in Individual Sport of Paris 2024: Japan Artistic Gymnastics (represented by Kazuma Kaya)

Best Mixed Team in Individual Sport of Paris 2024: Austria Sailing – Mixed Dinghy (Lara Vadlau and Lukas Mähr)

Best Female Athlete of Paris 2024: Julien Alfred (St Lucia)

Best Male Athlete of Paris 2024: Letsile Tebogo (Botswana)

Outstanding Sporting Career – Female: Lisa Carrington (New Zealand)

Outstanding Sporting Career – Male: Ma Long (China)

Outstanding NOC of Paris 2024: France

Breakthrough NOCs of Paris 2024: St Lucia, Dominica, Guatemala, Botswana

Contribution to the Olympic Movement: Anita DeFrantz

In addition to the 400 NOC, International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Federation (IF) and Olympic Games Organising Committee (OCOG) representatives in the auditorium, the ANOC Awards were broadcast live on ANOC.tv and on Portuguese national broadcaster RTP. Sixteen different NOCs and IFs, three Continental Associations and the Olympic Channel also took the opportunity to broadcast the ceremony on their online platforms, further increasing the global reach.

The winners of each award were selected by the ANOC Jury, comprised of representatives from each of the Continental Associations, the ANOC Athletes’ Commission Chair, ASOIF President and ANOC Secretary General.

Source AIPS

Accra, October 31, 2024 - Scancom PLC (MTN Ghana) has been recognized as one of the top companies in Ghana, securing 3rd place at the 21st Ghana Club 100 Awards organized by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.

This award celebrates MTN Ghana's impressive revenue growth over the past year, its market leadership, and the innovative digital services it has introduced. It also acknowledges the significant investments made in network expansion and improvement, as well as the extensive corporate social responsibility initiatives undertaken by the company.

The award certificate presented to MTN states, “The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre proudly presents this certificate to MTN Ghana for being the top-ranked company in the telecommunications sector for the 21st Edition of the Ghana Club 100 Awards.”

Receiving the award, Mr. Stephen Blewett, CEO of MTN Ghana, expressed his gratitude and said, ”We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition. It reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional services, driving digital transformation, and contributing to Ghana's socio-economic development. MTN Ghana will continue to implement best practices and strategies to delight our customers and contribute to Ghana’s growth.”

Mr. Blewett dedicated the award to MTN staff, customers, and all stakeholders for their unwavering support and commitment over the years.

The Ghana Club 100 is an annual ranking of the top 100 companies in Ghana, based on criteria such as revenue, profitability, and corporate social responsibility. Established to celebrate excellence in Ghana’s private sector, the award honors companies recognized for their strong corporate governance, financial stability, and economic contributions under the theme “Fostering Domestic Champions: Building Local Capacity”.

The 2024 Ghana Club 100 Awards emphasized the importance of businesses that not only excel in their fields but also significantly contribute to Ghana’s economic development and capacity building. These annual awards have become a benchmark for corporate excellence.

About Scancom PLC                                                             

MTN Ghana leads the mobile telecommunications industry in Ghana, offering subscribers a range of options under Pay As You Go, Pay Monthly, and Mobile Financial Services. As part of the MTN Group, a major emerging market leader, MTN Ghana aims to deliver a bold new digital world to its customers. The company believes that everyone should benefit from a modern connected life.

Scancom PLC is listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Its strategy, Ambition 2025, focuses on leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.

Source MTN