The Volta region Footvolley Association in partnership with Oly Sports consult would be organizing the six edition of Hogbetsotso Footvolley Tournament.

The event has been fixed for 1st November, 2024 at the Keta Beach

The footvolley tournament falls part of activities in the Hogbetsotso Festival among the Anlo state in the Volta region of Ghana.

The four edition featured teams from Benin, Austria (Bernard) and some local teams  from the Volta region and other part of the country.

“Our ultimate focus is to make the sport accessible” said Mr. Mustapha Mohammed, President of the Footvolley Federation.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The Black Sharks have one match more to play against Tanzania in the 2024 African Beach Soccer Championship. It is a game they must win at all cost not to come home empty handed.

The Black Sharks lost 5-2 to Morocco in Group A on Monday at the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in Hurghada, Egypt.

Morocco, who are aiming for their first-ever final appearance and title after securing bronze in 2021 and 2022, comfortably defeated Ghana to marking their second victory in the group.

Ghana’s started the tournament with a disappointing 6-3 loss to hosts Egypt in the opening match on Saturday. The second defeat left the Black Sharks at the bottom of Group A.

Morocco had earlier secured a narrow 4-3 win against Tanzania in their opening fixture, a closely contested match that eventually went in favour of the North Africans.

According to Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, chairman of Ghana Beach Soccer, they players are inexperienced but they have to win their third match to restore the reputation of the nation.

He took responsibility for the poor performance and called for more support for beach soccer in Ghana.

By. Sammy Heywood Okine

Jonathan Mbanugu aka Jon Power will make his USA debut when he faces Kevin Johnson on November 30, 2024.

The bill is being promoted by Swift and DSG Promotions

After the loss in Albania for the WBO Global title, light heavyweight Mbanugu must have learnt his lessons so he is expected to put up a better show.

His manager Mr.Gordon Frimpong of Osibor Promotions fame said he believes his ward will win because it is his life as he has been given the opportunity and huge platform to shine.

Also scheduled to fight in the USA are John Zile who fights a contest and Stanley Nyantekyi aka Ashanti Warrior going for a great challenge and chance.

The Ashanti Warrior is scheduled to fight for the UBO World Featherweight title against Martin Sergio ‘El Canalla’ Sosa at Wisconsin in the United States on December 9, 2024.

Nyantakyi, 23, has lost once in his career of 11 professional bouts and has sworn not to be defeated again.

He has promised the Asantehene and Ghanaians a world title and he is going for it.

“This is the chance, this is the opportunity, and this world title will be in Ghana by the Grace of God, I promise Ghanaians,” he told Yours Truly.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Black Stars of Ghana, the once darling and dreaded team of Africa disappointed many Ghanaian football fans when they lost two zero to Sudan in the 2025 African Cup of nations qualifying match played in Libya.

After drawing the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium where thousands met to watch the Stars game live in Accra after many years, there was hope of beating Sudan.

Coach Otto Addo said Sudan were lucky in the first leg, but it turned out to be a disaster when captain Mohammed Kudus spotting the number 10 jersey and his colleagues failed to glitter in the second leg.

Sudan who are managed by former Black Stars captain and coach Kwesi Appiah played wonderful football to defeat Ghana simply.

The defeat shocked many Ghanaians and it proves that Ghana football is now down. It confirms that losing or drawing to Comoros, Mozambique. Cape Verde, Kenya, Niger, Angola and other low placed teams since the 2014 World Cup is no fluke.

People are calling for heads to roll at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

While some fans blame the technical staff, others say it is spiritual, for others political and lack of commitment by the players.

It is very interesting to note that after the African Cup qualifier, when the players went to their respective clubs, Inaki Williams who started and failed to score against Sudan had a brace for Athletico Bilbao. Jordan Ayew also scored for Leicester City while Fatawu Issahaku had a great game offering an assist and winning man of the match. The star boy Mohammed Kudus of West Ham also scored his 10^th Premiership goal, but was given a red card for fighting and flooring Tottenham players.

The Black Stars now have only two points from four games with Angola on the road to qualify for the 2025 African Cup of nations.

For the records Ghana has won the African Cup four times, the last in 1982 and represented Africa at the FIFA World Cup in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2022.

Ghana has also produced some of the best and most exciting players on the African continental, like Wilberforce Nfum, Baba Yara, Osei Kofi. Jones Attuquatefio, Malik Jabir, Kwasi Owusu, Awuley Quaye, Adolf Armah. George Alhassan, Mohammed Polo,  Abedi Pele Ayew, Abdul Razak, Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Stephen Appiah, Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew, Thomas Partey, Kudus Mohammed and many others.

The current generation of Ghanaians has not felt how it is to win a major trophy like the African Cup.

Youth football which Ghana dominated has also gone down. The nation won the World Under 17 championships in 1991, 1993 and 1995.

Ghana also became the first Africa nation to lift the World Youth (Under 20) World Cup in 2019 lead by Andre Ayew who is on the verge of retiring from international football. Ghana was runners up at the world youth tournament in 1993 and 1997.

Since 2014, after Ghana shocked the world by monetising football, the national fortunes have been dwindling.

While some people say the current sports minister is the worst, others say the current FA president is the most disappointing because this is the period Ghana has dropped down in the FIFA Coca-Cola ranking.

Missing the next FIFA World Cup in USA / Canada / Mexico 2026 is starring at the Black Stars and they have to change gear, style and attitude to come back on track.

In the last five years, the country has had several coaches and it has been the worse performances.

The question is can the Black Stars shine again?

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Epiphany Warriors FC recorded their first-ever Premier League win after beating Faith Ladies 2-0 on a sunny Saturday afternoon at the Adjringanor Astro Turf on matchday one of the 2024/24 Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League.

Expectations ran high for both teams, but it was the Epiphany Warriors who would leave a lasting mark on the minds of the charged home crowd with their impressive 2-0 victory.

As the whistle blew to kick off the season, the Warriors showcased a blend of determination and skill. The first half saw both teams creating chances, but neither could find the back of the net.

Faith Ladies came close to scoring through forward Julian Fafali but for a wayward strike, while Epiphany Warriors’ best chance fell the way of striker Diana Abuu only for her effort to be saved by Bansah.

The breakthrough came shortly after halftime. Just two minutes into the second half, Beline Nyarko silenced the Faith Ladies' defense with a beautiful curler.

An initial shot fell kindly to the Epiphany Warriors playmaker, who calmly unleashed a shot that soared past the goalkeeper and nestled into the net to record her side’s first-ever Premier League goal.

With the momentum firmly in their favor, the Warriors continued to apply pressure. Faith Ladies found themselves on the back foot, struggling to regain their composure.

Just eight minutes later, in the 55th minute, substitute midfielder, Grace Appiah Asamoah further established the Warriors' dominance.

Asamoah will finish off an impressive team play which saw the home side string close to 20 consecutive passes. The midfielder hit a shot from the edge of the box which sailed beyond the reach of Faith Ladies goalkeeper, Annabel Bansah.

The remaining minutes saw the Faith Ladies fighting valiantly to claw back into the match, but the Warriors' defense held strong. The Epiphany Warriors, buoyed by the energy of their supporters, played with an infectious confidence that highlighted their potential for the season ahead.

As the final whistle blew, signaling an unforgettable first match, players and fans alike celebrated what would go down in history as Epiphany Warriors' first-ever win in the top flight.

This victory was not merely about the three points; it was a statement. The team had proven that they were not only capable of competing but also of thrilling their supporters with electrifying football.

With their inaugural match under their belts, the Warriors now look to build on this momentum as they aim for a successful season in the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League.

They travel to fellow newcomers Halifax Queens in match week two. A side that unlike Epiphany Warriors lost their opening Premier by a lone goal to Jonina Ladies away from home.

By Michael Obeng

CEO of BOXUP, Dr. Stephen Addison says regular training is the investment boxers have to do and the harvest is the splendid display and success that leads to the Bank.

Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive chat, he charged boxers never to lose hope but keep on trying and training and learning new tricks and techniques in the gym.

Dr. Addison, a former British Cruiserweight who is sponsoring the national youth boxing team, the Black Rockets at the IBA Youth World Championship believes Ghana has great boxing heritage as he has seen more exciting and entertaining young boxers who are emulating Professor Azumah Nelson, Joshua ‘The Hitman’ Clottey, Ike ‘Bazooka’ Quartey Isaac Dogboe and other world champions.

He noted that the future is bourgeoning for Ghana boxing and the boxers must be determined, dedicated and disciplined to produce the quality and success.

Ghana’s Black Rockets are among over 88 countries, made up of over 660 boxers competing in the global tournament in Budva, Montenegro.

National Federations have responded exceptionally, with a high number of entries that will take part in the upcoming 2024 IBA Youth World Boxing Championships in Budva, Montenegro.

The IBA Youth World Boxing Championship is an amateur boxing competition organised by the International Boxing Association (IBA), the sport's governing body, for Youth competitors - ages 17 to19 years.

The prestigious youth event is set to take place from 20 October through to 6 November 2024, organized by the Montenegro Boxing Association.

The International Boxing Association (IBA) is offering unprecedented support to the participating teams of IBA Youth Men’s and Women’s World Boxing Championships in Budva, Montenegro, covering accommodation costs for all partaking boxers and for 3 coaches per National Federation.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Hon. Nii Kotey Ashie lauds visit of Coach Don Charles

The Parliamentary Candidate (PC) of the NDC for Odododiodoo Constituency, Hon. Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie has hailed the historic visit of Coach Don Charles to the Bronx Boxing Gym at Jamestown in Accra and said it would inspire many people in the community.

According to him, the gesture of presenting equipment to the gym managed by Ace Coach Carl Lokko is going to create opportunities and open doors for some people to enter halls of fame and fortune.

He noted that the Bronx Gym in his constituency and others are always in need of support so the widow's mite of the champion trainer who is the coach and dad of Daniel Dubois, current IBF heavyweight champion is historic and inspiring.

"The people of Odododiodoo are proud to welcome a world class champion coach to the motherland and this visit will change lives" Hon. Ashie said.

On Friday Don Charles who is a Nigerian met boxers and trainers of the gym of champions and gave them some technical tips and motivational messages.

He advised them to train seriously and look beyond to the future as their sweat will one day yield positive results.

He took turns with the boxers on the pad and later spoke to some media.

He said Africa has massive talent and if they are groomed well professionally, they would become champions.

"I have been monitoring the Bronx Gym of Ghana from afar and this is just the beginning of greater things to come" he expressed after presenting gloves.head gears and tee shirts to CEO of the gym, Mr. Sammy Anim Addo, who was supported by the PC, veteran boxing consultant Yoofi Boham and head coach Lokko who was at a point emotional in recollecting the tough long journey to this present stage.

He advised colleagues trainers not to be selfish and greedy, but share and love to win more favour and love.

"I could be somewhere with my family,  but decided to be at home to support, unearth, groom and create champions for Ghana and Africa" he expressed.

The Bronx Boxing Gym currently has WBO Africa Champions in Sheriff Quaye, John Laryea, Jacob Laryea and Daniel Gorsh,

The Ashanti Warrior, Stanley Nyantekyi, John Zile aka the monster, Stephen Coffie, Emmanuel Quartey, Derek Quaye, Abu Kamoko aka Bukom Tilapia and Samson Solomon are future champions like Najat Lokko training at the gym.

Coach Lokko recalled meeting Don Charles over ten years back, but never expected a surprise visit which would affect many people.

Mr. William Ezah, former General Secretary of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), said the gym deserves more from the media to keep the young boxers always in the gym and not on the streets of Bukom.

Executives of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) First and Second Vice Presidents Dauda Fuseni and Solomon Otoo as well as Yours Truly,  President of the Ghana Boxing Writers Association and Dr. Stephen Addison of Boxup fame were present at the gym to show affection and solidarity.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Afro Breaking International Finals on October 27 at La Fase Gardens

The African finals of Afro Break International Championship 2024 comes on October 27, 2024 in Accra, Ghana at Fase Gardens at Labadi, opposite the Bethel Presy Church.

According to President of Ghana Breaking Federation, Nana Tufour Okai aka B boy Lyricx, the event is going to be the biggest breaking competition as the participants have increased.

He said 20 African nations will be represented from South Africa,  Nigeria, Liberia,  Uganda, Kenya Togo, Senegal, Gabon, Congo, Cameroun, Benin, Angola,  Rwanda, Cote d'ivoire, Burkina Faso, Niger, Sierra Leone, Mozambique and others.

He said there are attractive and fantastic prizes to be won including the ultimate belt for the winner.

B boy Nagi will represent Ghana and he has promised to improve upon the country's position.

B boy Blesso of Ghana was last year's 2023 runner up and he has urged the new champion to go all out to win at home.

According to Lyricx, there would be workshops, conferences and other activations from October 25 before the main one on one battles on October 27.

He thanked collaborators, the Ghana Olympic Committee and National Sports Authority as well as the French Embassy in Ghana for the support.

He noted that Breaking has become popular in Accra and it is catching up like wild fire and getting the youth engaged.

Breaking was one of the new sports introduced at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Black Rockets in Montenegro to make Ghana Boxing proud

The national boxing youth team (Black Rockets) left Accra for Montenegro on Saturday night to participate in the IBA world youth championship coming up next week.

The delegation was led by Vice President of the Gnana Boxing Federation (GBF) Alhaji Dauda Fuseni and would be coached by head trainer coach Charles Quartey.

According to Mr. Augustus Dodoo aka One Life, organiser of the Ghana United Boxing Coaches Association, the team, Black Rockets is the future of Ghana Boxing and they are being groomed for the future.

He named the boxers who are travelling outside Ghana for the first time as Francis Quartey, Desmond Pappoe, Levy Ankrah, Ebenezer Ankrah, Mathias Ashitey and George Dowuona.

He said the boys are very determined to win for themselves, family and nation.

“This is the future of Ghana Boxing, they were specially selected for the Montenegro Tournament and they have been training for over a year, because some programmes have come and they were not able to go, but this time we thank our Vice President Dauda Fuseni for his marvelous effort in seeing that we made it” he expressed.

The Black Rockets are aged between 16 and 18 years. They have been training at the Charles Quartey Foundation Boxing Gym.

By Sammy Heywood Okine           

Omashi TV And Radio Station Officially Opened At Mamprobi In Accra

The grand launch of Omashi Media (Television and Radio Station) took place on Friday, October 18, 2024 at Djator Street, Mamprobi, Sempe in Accra. It is the the only private Ga Dangbe media station in Ghana and Africa.

The Chief Executive Officer of Omashi TV is the Atukpai Mantse, Nii Gonte Adjor 1 also known as Nii Adama Addy.

He appealed to other chiefs and well to do people in the society to invest positively and wisely in businesses that would create jobs to develop the Greater Accra Region and Ghana as a whole.

Nii Adjor 1 advised the media to show respect and discipline in their reports and programmes to promote peace and unity.

He also urged indigenes of the Greateer Accra Region to promote the Gadangme Cultural Practises.

Present at the impressive ceremony were Wulomoi, Nii me and Naa me, chiefs and elderly officials of the Gadangbe tradition.

Nii Adotey Odaawulu 1, Gbese Sonmenaa Weku Yitso expressed his joy over the establishment of Omashie TV and pleaded with other chiefs to invest in enterprises that would create employment opportunities for the youth.

He noted that the principal role of the media is to educate, inform and entertain calling for more community radio stations to promote the Ga language.

Nii Doku III promised to support what the Atukpai Mantse has done.

Nuumo Akwa Mensah III, Nai Wulomo, HRM Queen Vicky Lexter, Sheikh Ibrahim Amartei, Dr. Isaac Kpani Addy, Manye Naana Martekie, Sheikh Suleimana Dowuona, Naa Badu Adiagba, Nii Akapeh III, Clement Ablorh Kommey, Dr. Sheikh Adballah Sappor, Coach Charles Quartey and Alhaji Dauda Fuseni were some of the special guests who graced the event.

Executive members of the Gadangme Journalists Association were at the opening of Omashie TV and welcomed with pride the new station.

Also in attendance were executives and members of the Muslim Community in Accra and the United Boxing Coaches Association which Nii Adjor is a patron.

The day marked his birthday and a special cake was cut to celebrate the grand occasion.

Omashi TV and Radio has variety of interesting programmes in education, entertainment, traditions & cultural, politics, health, business and sports, and they are also events organisers.

One of their flagship programs is ‘The Big Fight Night - Saayoooo’ produced and presented by Yours Truly.

Nii Adjor 1, owner of The Gym, one of Ghana’s best boxing training centers,  who is a keen boxing enthusiast, having managed Joseph King Kong Agbeko to win the WBC World title said the station is a special one dedicated to the promotion and development of Ghana Boxing and other sporting activities.

By Sammy Heywood Okine