# Multi-Stakeholder Meeting On Sport, Physical Activity And Health

@Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra. Thursday, April 18, 2024

Mr. Chairman

Associate Director, Olympism 365, Mr. Ollie Dudfield

UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Olwen Byrne

Mrs. Hilda Opoku from the UN Habitat

Chief Director MOH, Alhaji Hafiz Adam

Chief Director MOYs, Mr. William Kartey

Dr. Kuma Aboagye, DG-Ghana Health Service

Dr. Patience Cofie, Country Manager PATH

Md. Helen McGuire, PATH GLOBAL Office

Representatives from various stakeholders

Friends from the media

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is such a refreshing news to know that, Ghana has been selected as one of the five countries to form the first phase of the newly initiated Community Sport and Health Cooperation between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) with PATH as the implementers.

As President of the Olympic Movement in Ghana, I am particularly excited about this initiative as it falls in line with the Olympic Values and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)3, which is to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

This new collaboration between the IOC and PATH will increase access to health-enhancing community sport activities for over one million people across five countries by the year 2025.  And as a Ghanaian, I am very glad that this country was selected as one of the first five.

As you may all know the global optimism for sport, as ‘an important enabler for the SDGs by the United Nations appears in many countries’ policy documents. In Ghana, sport is linked to the social dimension of the SDGs. But the acknowledgement of the potential of sport as an enabler alone cannot be a decisive evidence of deep commitment or successful implementation.

According to the Association of People for Practical Life Education (APPLE), There is an overwhelming amount of scientific evidence on the positive effects of sport, physical activity and active recreation as part of a healthy lifestyle.

The positive and direct effects of engaging in regular physical activity are noticeably apparent in the prevention of several chronic or Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis and depression.

The Report from the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Sport for Development and Peace states that young people can benefit from physical activity as it contributes to developing healthy bones, efficient heart, and lung function as well as improved motor skills and cognitive function.

Therefore, there is the need to encourage Sports and Health well-being inclusion in sports by developing the interest of the youth from the schools in their communities.

Reports from Ghana’s 2018 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth recommended that children between the ages 5 to 17 years should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.

However, there is very limited empirical evidence on how much physical activity Ghanaian children and youth engage in.

Although the Ghana Education Service requires at least 80 minutes per week of physical education in schools, in practice, this is often not achieved.

When children and youth fail to achieve the minimum recommended physical activity levels, they are at risk of adverse health consequences.

Mr Chairman, according to the IOC, the new cooperation with WHO and PATH, will strengthen the role of sport in building healthy and active communities with three main objectives.

1. Improve access and retention in targeted community sports and physical activity programmes, thereby supporting more people, particularly women and girls and people from diverse backgrounds and abilities, to be more active.
2. Enhance knowledge, understanding of, and appreciation for, the multiple benefits of regular physical activity and sports participation, which will lead to the prevention of non-communicable diseases, improved mental health and well-being and social connections.
3. Strengthen policy planning and investment in community sport and physical activity participation opportunities and infrastructure as well as the physical activity legacies of the Olympic Games and other Global sport events.

The Ghana Olympic Committee will join and support the full implementation of all the action plans that will be drawn from today’s stakeholder’s engagement.

To our four key Partner-Ministries, that is Sports, Health, Education and Local Government, I want to make a passionate appeal, that in drawing up your various policies and programmes, please make a conscious effort to link these policies and programmes to the vision of Olympism 365.

 “Sports is a low-cost but very high-impact tool which we can all use to build together a more peaceful, more equal and more sustainable world for everyone, 365 days a year”

Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, at this juncture I present to you ‘Olympism 365’                (VIDEO)

If we can all use this low-cost, high-impact tool to eradicate poverty, end hunger, give good health and education, provide clean water, sanitation and energy, push for climate action, strive for peace, justice and build strong institutions, this world will be a much much better place for generations unborn.

Thank you.

The Board of the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana has set 20th April 2024 for its Extraordinary General Assembly to engage with members with the following agenda after it has earlier postponed the event twice 30th November, 2023 and 2nd February 2024 to allow its members to contribute to the organization of the just ended 13th African Games.

NOTICE OF AND INVITATION TO ATTEND THE 2024 NPC GHANA EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY (EGA)

Agenda of the Meeting (EGA)

1. Consideration for approval of Annual Membership Fees
2. Consideration for approval of New Para Sports and their respective Federations/Associations;

iii.      Amendments to Article 2 Membership: Sections 1 to 5

7. Date for Elective General Assembly per Article 7. 1(ii) and 6(ii)

The NPC Ghana further announced members are requested to nominate and send two (2) delegates, one (1) with voting right in reply to the notice and invitation and must be received by the NPC Ghana by not later than 5:00PM local time on Wednesday 17th April 2024.

The media are hereby to apply for accreditation through the official email of the secretariat: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

THE MEMBERS GTO PARTICIPATE IN THE EGA THROUGH A DISTRIBUTION ARE LISTED:

1. Para Athletics,
2. Para Powerlifting,
3. Sitting Volleyball / Para Volleyball
4. Shooting Para Sports,
5. Para Swimming,
6. Wheelchair Basketball,
7. Para Badminton,
8. Para Taekwondo,
9. Para Cycling Federation,
10. Wheelchair Tennis,
11. Blind Sports Federation,
12. Cerebral Palsy Sports,
13. Blind Football,
14. Adaptive Boxing,
15. Boccia Sports,
16. Para Biathlon,
17. Wheelchair Rugby,
18. Para Archery
19. Wheelchair Softball
20. National Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Assoc. of Ghana
21. Amputee Football Association of Ghana
22. Para Table Tenis

Source NPC

President of the United Boxing Coaches Association of Ghana Mr. Charles Quartey and his first Vice President Mr. Lawrence Carl Lokko have spoken about the way forward for Ghana boxing, especially on the contribution of coaches and the game upliftment of boxers.

In an exclusive interview with Mr. Nat Attoh of Joy Sports, the president said, over the years they have seen boxers from various clubs moving to different clubs whenever they feel like, or if a little misunderstanding rises between the boxer and his coach which is very sad to say,

He said whenever such thing occurs it happens the coach looses totally because it is not easy to train and build up a boxer from the amateur level to professional and he just moves into a new club, which is unlike football, because when you move there is a percentage the new club will pay before you move, known as transfer fees.

“We want the best of relationship between boxers and their coaches and it’s high time we start that now to have a united front, I have dedicated myself and my arms are widely open to advice the young and upcoming coaches also with my knowledge to help project Ghana boxing to the next level because it’s the same sports that has made us who we are today” said Lawrence Carl Lokko of the Bronx Gym.

“We have put in place all necessary requirements to register every boxer in every Gym so we can have a fair treatment between boxers and their trainers” he added.

The host of Joy Prime show Mr. Nathaniel Attoh asked the coaches about their relationship between the GBA, GBF and the media which Mr. Charles Quartey answered that was smooth relationship, however they will sit with them to see the way forward for a better future.

By Augustus Dodoo

Ghana players made their arrival to the stadiums at Qatar 2022 in style with their traditional musical instruments

The Ghanaian traditional musical instrument, the ‘Dondo’, has made its way into the collections of the FIFA Museum.

The world football governing body, FIFA, revealed in a social media post that the drum used by the Black Stars for their ‘jama’ sessions at training and en route to their changing rooms during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The musical instrument, ‘Dondo’, will be on display at the FIFA Museum in Zurich, Switzerland.

Source: Sammy Heywood Okine

The Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium at Tamale will host the first event of the 11th edition of the GNPC Ghana Fastest Human on May 11.

The 100 meters dash clash is for boys and girls, under 15, under 18 and adults over 18 years.

The competition moves to Cape Coast Stadium on May 25, then Kumasi Baba Yara Stadium on June 15 and climax at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra on June 29.

Three icons in sprints, Ohene Karikari, Oko Addy and Mike Ahey are the living inspiration to young athletes. They were recognized at the lunch of the 2024 edition of the GNPC Ghana Fastest Human last Monday.

Hon Mustapha Ussif, Minister of Youth & Sports who launch the Olympic year edition  prayed that more athletes will qualify for the Olympic Games. He acknowledged the contribution of the GNPC Ghana Fastest Human in developing athletes as some took part in the last Games.

Dr. Kwame Baah Nuakoh, GM Strategy & Investments of GNPC said track & field is the passion of many Ghanaians and that justifies the company's support in discovering and nurturing talents, most of whom become international stars. He suggested the promotion of sports at the tertiary level.

Nana Bediatuo Asante, Secretary of the President of Ghana also appreciated the involvement of the private sector in sports talent discovery and harnessing.

Director General of the National Sports Authority Mr. Dodzie Numekevor assured the GFH organisers of providing the facilities and staff for a successful event.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Caleb Mensah and Jacob Thompson dominate first-ever E-Boxing Game at Decathlon Kawukudi

Caleb Mensah, captain of the national juvenile boxing team and Jacob Thompson from the Wisdom Boxing Gym in Accra won big in E- Boxing at Decathlon Kawukudi to commemorate the Salafest Boxing Gala.

The event was watched by a good crowd including diplomats. It was very interesting to see champions battle digitally and later wating future champions in the ring.

The Wisdom Boxing Gym and Promotions must be commended for the show as E- Sports in becoming very popular in recent times.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghanaian Boxing Experts Condemn Judges Decision On UBO Bout At Salafest Boxing Gala 2024

Most Ghanaians especially Boxing experts and lovers of the sport have come out to condemn the results of the UBO Light Heavyweight Championship between Ghana's experienced Bastie Samir and Student of the game, Rasheed Idowu of Nigeria on April 13 which was declared a Technical Draw and later awarded to the man from Ibadan.

Former President of the Ghana Boxing Authority, Lawyer Peter Zwennes said he never saw any illegal punch as informed by the organisers, then he expressed that it is not fair because the continent must have worthy champions like Idowu who really exhibited good sportsmanship.

"How can this be declared a technical draw? Which foul did the Nigerian Boxer commit? For years we have been complaining about the horrible decisions against our Boxers in Nigerian rings. Are we trying to do the same thing here?" he asked.

Mr. Augustus Dodoo an executive member of the United Boxing Coaches Association of Ghana blamed the half baked referees and Judges involved in international bout.

He called for the use of credible and experienced officials like Roger Barnor and Erasmus Owoo.

"I don't know why they made it a draw, because it was a knockout, Ghana boxers have to step up their game because Nigerian's are now far ahead of us now in terms of boxing and it's funny how we handing things now" he expressed.

Former Vice President of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana SWAG, Maurice Quansah said Bastie was not fit and conditioned for the bout.

"We can all watch a playback of the fight. In all honesty, this was a very shameful decision. Even before the knockout, I noticed that anytime Bastie Samir was in trouble the referee stepped in to warn the Nigerian boxer for whatever reason I cannot tell. It only allowed time for Bastie to recover even though he was not in good shape and the Nigerian outclassed him throughout the fight" said the Editor of Graphic Sports

Nii Oto Bruce Tagoe, a Boxing Photographer at the ring side said Bastie lost clean and clear because he was floored nicely and timely and could not even control himself going into the ropes.

Sammy Ofosuhene of Boxing Ghana said "Agreed. Bastie was a stamina suspect throughout the fight. He was a shadow of his old self. Perhaps age is catching up with him as well. And you are RIGHT....The decision was simply unacceptable".

Ace Sports Journalist, Sammy Heywood Okine, President of Boxing Writers Association of Ghana (BWAG) said it is sad and a bad day for Ghana Boxing. "Yes it's a sad day because Bastie Samir is one of our admired boxers, but he looked not prepared physically for the fight and the way he went down was predicted." he said.

Karimu King, a former boxer, now coaching in Italy said it was a stolen verdict because everyone saw that Rasheed Idowu won. He stressed that Bastie need to go back to the gym to correct his mistake.

Many people blamed the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) for not declaring the winner, since it was clear that Bastie was knocked down clearly in round two and even went out of the ropes.

President of the GBA, Mr. Abraham Neequaye who said Ghanaians talk too much, later came to explain they took the decision due to security reasons to save lives, because of the peeved fans. He noted that the officials and organisers were in danger, so he had to think outside the box to make it a Technical Draw and consult the UBO..

The GBA later wrote a letter to the UBO to rectify the result.

Officials of the UBO watched the bout and condemned the Technical Draw decision. They gave the verdict to Rasheed Idowu, declaring him as the legitimate UBO Africa Light Heavyweight "Since we cant see that Mr. Rasheed did anything wrong" . According to UBO, the winner was a victim of blatant injustice after he put on an amazing performance, "we feel it is only right that Mr. Rasheed is recognized as the UBO Africa Light Heavyweight champion".

"It is human to make mistakes, and we are glad that the Ghana Boxing Authority has reportedly made the right decision in regards to the official result, and will report this accordingly to all record-keepers and other relevant parties".

OFFICIAL UBO RULING: Idowu Rasheed is recognized as the Universal Boxing Organization™ (UBO) Africa Light Heavyweight champion!

Source Friends of Boxing

The first torchbearer, 2020 Olympic rowing gold medallist Stephanos Ntouskos, receives the flame from Greek actress Mary Mina. GETTY IMAGES

The sacred flame for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was lit on Tuesday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises.

"In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city-states, even - and especially - in times of war and conflict," said Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

"Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the whole world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes send a powerful message: yes, it is possible to compete fiercely against each other and at the same time live together peacefully under one roof," he added.

Because of cloudy weather, Greek actresses dressed as ancient priestesses used a flame lit in a rehearsal on Monday at the 2,600-year-old Temple of Hera, near the stadium where the Olympics were born in 776 BC.

Carrying the flame in a pot, Greek actress Mary Mina lit the torch for the first bearer, 2020 Olympic rowing champion Stefanos Ntouskos. Retired French swimmer Laure Manaudou, who won her first gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, followed as France's first Olympic torchbearer.

Officials insisted on Tuesday that the Paris Games will set new milestones, following in the footsteps of the two previous Olympics held in the French capital. "The Olympic Flame will shine over the first Olympic Games inspired from start to finish by the reforms of our Olympic Agenda," Bach insisted.

"These Olympic Games will be younger, more inclusive, more urban and more sustainable. They will be the first ever Olympic Games with full gender parity, because the IOC has allocated exactly 50 per cent of the places to female and male athletes," he stressed.

The President of the Paris Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, Tony Estanguet, also saw the forthcoming Games as "more than ever a force of inspiration (...) for all of us and for future generations".

For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic forced toned-down events for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and Beijing 2022 Winter Games, the ceremony returned to full regalia and a large crowd.

Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo were among those in attendance. American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato sang the Olympic anthem.

The torch dates back to the ancient Olympics, when a sacred flame burned throughout the Games, a tradition that was revived for the 1936 Games in Berlin. During the 11-day relay on Greek soil, some 600 torchbearers will carry the flame over a distance of 5,000 kilometres (3,100 miles) through 41 municipalities.

The Olympic flame will be handed over to the Paris 2024 organisers on 26 April in a ceremony at the all-marble Panathenaic Stadium, which hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Nana Mouskouri, the 89-year-old Greek singer with an international following, has been invited to perform at the ceremony.

On 27 April, the flame will travel to France aboard the 19th-century three-masted ship Belem, which was launched just weeks after the 1896 Athens Games. A French historical monument, the Belem sailed for almost two decades on trade voyages to Brazil, Guyana and the Caribbean.

The last surviving three-masted, steel-hulled ship in France, it is expected to arrive in Marseille on 8 May. 10,000 torchbearers will then carry the flame through 64 French regions. It will pass through 400 towns and dozens of tourist attractions during its 12,000-kilometre (7,500-mile) journey through mainland France and French overseas territories in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and Pacific.

It will be the centrepiece of the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on 26 July, which is planned to be held on the banks of the Seine - the first time it has been held outside the main stadium of the Games.

However, French President Emmanuel Macron admittedon Monday that it could be moved to the national stadium in the event of a security threat. Macron said that instead of the teams sailing down the Seine on barges, the ceremony could be "limited to the Trocadero" building across the river from the Eiffel Tower or "even moved to the Stade de France".

Source insidethegames

In a momentous triumph, *Joseph "JoJo" Awinongya Jr.  etched his name in boxing history on April, 13, 2024 by securing the championship title at the Chicago Golden Gloves 2024 tournament. Competing in the 165 lb. Junior Open division*, JoJo delivered a masterful performance, earning a unanimous decision against his formidable adversary, Yandel "YANDEL" Hernandez from Knuckleheads Boxing Gym.

The electrifying showdown unfolded at Cicero Stadium, where JoJo's unwavering resolve and technical finesse captivated the audience. Among those who came to witness and support JoJo were Father Michael Pfleger, former Secretary of State Jesse White, Wasfi Tolaymat, Michael Mikuska, Tyrone Muhammad with ECCSC, and Dr. Cornel Darden Jr. Their presence added an extra layer of motivation and camaraderie to JoJo's journey to victory.

Hailing from the esteemed Sam Colonna Boxing Gym, Joseph Awinongya Jr. has dedicated countless hours to honing his craft under the guidance of seasoned trainers. His relentless pursuit of excellence culminated in this remarkable achievement.

*"Joseph's dedication and heart have been evident throughout his journey,"* remarked Coach Sam Colonna. *"His unwavering commitment to the sport has paid off, and we couldn't be prouder."*

The Chicago Golden Gloves has a storied legacy, and JoJo's name now graces the annals alongside other legendary champions. His victory serves as an inspiration to aspiring boxers, emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance.

Founded in 1923, the Chicago Golden Gloves remains one of the most prestigious amateur boxing tournaments in the United States. It has launched the careers of numerous professional boxers and continues to thrive.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Organisers of the Accra Inter-City Homowo Marathon has opened registration for the 2024 edition of the race fixed for Saturday, August 3.

A statement from the organisers said, participants can register by dialling *380*21# or visit www.accraintercitymarathon.com to register for the race.

It stated that, participants would have the chance to compete in three categories, 21, 10, and 5-kiometrs, adding that there would be attractive prizes and medals at stake for outstanding participants.

The race, which is part of activities earmarked for the celebration of the annual Homowo Festival by the Gas would commence at the Accra Sports Stadium and end at the Bukom Boxing Arena

It added that, the race which is one of the biggest in the country would also be preceded by a two-day Sports Fair, where there would be a platform for sports businesses to network, share ideas and also exhibit their products and services.

It noted that, the organisers would also announce dates for the launch of the race and sponsors.

The 2023 Accra Inter-City Homowo Marathon was won by Kooga Atia and Juliana Zakat.

Source Willie Ezah