… As Wisdom Boxing Promotions Commend GBA for providing peaceful platform for boxing

President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Mr. Abraham Kotei Neequaye has tipped Bastie Samir to win the UBA Africa Light Heavyweight title against Rasheed Idowu at the Decathlon Shop site at Nima, Kawukudi on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

Speaking at the Press Conference before the Salafest 2024 bill at the Wisdom Boxing Gym, he said Bastie has been tipped a long time ago for greatness and his time is due to achieve.

However, Michael, manager of well built Nigerian Rasheed Idowu said his boxer is a student of the game and hopes he will pass the test as he is in Ghana to give a good account of himself.

Bastie Samir said he will not take the fight cheap because his opponent seems very prepared so he will go all out to win and make his fans happy.

Coach Dr. Ofori Asare who is the promoter hoped for a good fight and promised to offer foreign boxers the platform to showcase their talent in Ghana.

He commended the GBA for supporting promoters and creating the clean environment for competition.

Tall title hopeful Haruna Mohammed aka Thunder has promised to strike on veteran George Amuzu for the National Cruiserweight belt.

Olympian Shaku Samir will face Patrice Sou Toke in a Super Middleweight contest.

Nana Adjei Clinton also promised to stop Togolese Fioklu Dogbevi in round one of their international Cruiserweight contest.

In other supporting bouts, Enoch Tetteh faces veteran classic boxer Raymond Commey in a Super Bantamweight contest, Bernard Tagoe will take on Dana Kofi in a Welterweight contest, Wisdom Agbogbleamenu will meet Paul Sackey in a Light Heavyweight contest, Emmanuel Quaye will fight Francis Mensah, Kofi Dana versus Bernard Tagoe and Habib Giwa against Mohammed Tagoe.

William Crabbe is on the bill against David Kenezi, while Joshua Quartey faces Korley Collison, Nii Ashitey Larbie will clash with Ibrahim Labaran. Ayitey Okaija will fight Ishmael Tetteh as Nathaniel Suppey meets Nathaniel Sosu.

Sponsors and media partners of the fight include Decathlon, Pillar Dynamics, Wisdom Boxing Gym, KA Sports, BoxinGhana, Hot FM, Dornu’s Corner, Metro TV, GTV, African Sports, News Ghana, Modern Ghana and GH One.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The United Boxing Coaches Association of Ghana (UBCAG) has hit a grand milestone following the election of new executives and inauguration last Thursday April 11, 2024 at Dezone Beach Resort, Korle Gonno in Accra.

The event which was well attended by other stakeholders saw the likes of veteran boxing manager / consultant Mr. Yoofi Boham who urged the companions to work closely together and ensure that they are able to produce quality champions for the nation.

Newly elected President of UBCAG, Coach Charles Quartey commended everyone who contributed to the transformation of the association which has been in existence for over 20 years, however this is the first time they have held a successful election.

He promised and assured that they will work hard to prove the confidence their people have in them.

Other members are first vice president Coach Carl Lokko of Bronx Gym, second vice president Michael Benjamin Addy of Grace Gym, secretary Ernest Ofori of Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation , organizer Ebenezer Adjei aka ‘Killa’ of Black Panthers Gym, executive members Gabriel Allotey aka ‘Zico’, Augustus Dodoo aka ‘Onelife’ and Fatai Yusif,

Coach Vincent Akai Nettey of Attoh Quarshie Boxing Gym was appointed and sworn in as the treasurer. They were presented with Kente sashes with their positions embraided.

Nii Gonti Adjor 1, Atukpai Manste and Mankralo of Gbese who is also a coach and owner of The Gym and Omashie TV was chairman at the inauguration.

He advised the new executives and other coaches not to put all their information to the general public as professionals.

Also known as Nii Adama Addy, he urged them to move to the regions, districts and villages to organize bouts to unearth talents and hold workshops to sensitise boxing fans.

Nii Gonti cautioned some unscrupulous boxing hooligans who bring the sport into disrepute, as they will be dealt with if they do not stop their undisciplined behaviours.

The President of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), Mr. Ben Quartey and his vice Alhaji Dauda Fuseni who represented the managers as well as Mr. Alex Ntiamoah - Boakye who represented promoters also gave some words of advice, likewise Yours Truly representing the Boxing Writers Association of Ghana (BWAG) and the Boxers Association led by Ayitey Powers.

Others boxers present were Patrick Allotey former WBC International Super Welterweight champion, John Laryea WBO Featherweight champion, Alfred Lamptey WBC Youth Featherweight champion, Faisal Abubakar WBO Africa Super Lightweight champion and members of the Ghana Boxing Supporters Union (GHABSU).

Hon. Kotey Ashie, aspiring Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo was also in attendance as wel as veteran coaches Kwatelai ‘Wutor’ Quartey of the famous Bukom Gym, coach Abdul Rasid Williams aka Believer, coach Kisco Nyame of Ashaiman Boxing Gym and Joseph Biney.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Houston, Texas USA, April 11th 2024: Africa Sports Ventures Group, which is now in charge of the rebranded African Athlete of the Month Award, today announced Sprinter Letsile Tebogo of Botswana as the Winner of the relaunched award.

Nominated and voted for as part of the selection process by a significant amount of supporters and fans across the world on the ASVG WhatsApp Channel, Tebogo emerged over Egypt and the English Premier League's Liverpool FC; Mohamed Salah (Mo Salah) and Nigerian Hurdler; Tobi Amusan.

The team at African Sports Ventures Group awards and congratulates Letsile Tebogo for his outstanding and consistent set of inspirational performances that included a new World Record in the 300 Meters, setting a Personal Best in the 400 meters and clocking a 2024 world leading time in the 200 meters that led to this accolade of African Athlete of the Month being awarded to him.

The African Athlete of the Month Award aims to acknowledge the outstanding performances of African athletes, motivating them to excel further and recognizing their significant contributions to the global sports arena.

The Award includes a public voting poll that runs from the 1st to the 10th of each month, with the winner announced on the 11th based on public votes and internal criteria.

ASVG - Africa Sports Ventures Group:

ASVG is a Sports and Entertainment Agency dedicated to expanding the sports sector's presence in Africa and its broader Diaspora through Media, Event Management, Content Development, and Public Relations.

The African Athlete of the Month Award seeks a reputable brand to endorse and associate with the initiative, gaining valuable brand exposure on the youngest continent on the Planet.

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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 affiliated organisations are Para Athletics, Para Powerlifting, Sitting Volleyball / Para Volleyball, Shooting Para Sports, Para Swimming, Wheelchair Basketball, Para Badminton, Para Taekwondo, Para Cycling Federation, Wheelchair Tennis, Blind Sports Federation, Cerebral Palsy Sports, Blind Football, Adaptive Boxing, Boccia Sports, Para Biathlon, Wheelchair Rugby, Para Archery, Wheelchair Softball, National Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Assoc. of Ghana, Amputee Football Association of Ghana, Para Table Tennis.

Source NPC Ghana

Kweku Addo was born on 23rd August 1967, the eighth of 11 siblings. He started primary school education at the South Labadi Estate Experimental School (also known as Home School) and went on to St Anthony’s Preparatory School in Lartebiokoshie, Accra. He studied science and acquired skills on woodwork at Suhum Secondary Technical School. He went through further studies at Kumasi Institute of Tropical Agriculture over a two year period and migrated to Germany in 1989 where he sojourned for another three years.

Career                                                            

Kweku Addo moved on to the United States of America and had opportunities to acquire skills in some aspects of Banking, Public Speaking and Communications, Nursing and Real Estate practice. These learning experiences took him through such organizations and institutions as Travelers/City Corps Bank, the Dale Carnegie Institute and Long and Forster Real Estate Training Institute.

On his return to Ghana, he established a general practice real estate brokerage – Igloo Real Estate Limited and assumed the position of Director of a reputable Basic School – Oddarene Christian School.

Politics

Kweku Addo was a volunteer in President Barrack Obama’s campaign and has maintained a Social Democratic stance in his political expression here in Ghana. He contested the 2020 General Elections on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress and is poised to make a successful bid for the Ablekuma West Parliamentary seat in the 2024 elections. He believes in an inclusive, participatory and fair governance which works for equal opportunities for all.

Personal Life

Kweku Addo was a Lay Minister in the Lighthouse Chapel International Ministry for over a decade. He had been an Associate Pastor of the Hour of Solutions International Ministry working in Accra and its environs. Kweku Addo has also ministered in many churches with an emphasis on Church Growth, Effective Establishment and Ethical Leadership.

He has served two terms as National Vice President of the Old Students Association of Suhum Secondary Technical School. Married with five children, Kweku Addo continues to study and through efforts to improve his fund of knowledge earned a Doctorate in Moral Philosophy from the International Ministerial Bible Training College, an affiliate of the Elohim Theological University, USA.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The launch of the 2024 edition of the GNPC Ghana Fastest Human Competition will take place at the Media Centre of the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, April 15, 2024.

According to originator of the concept which is in its eleventh season, Mr. Reks Brobby, the refurbished University of Ghana, Athletics Track will be venue for the 100 meters final on June 29, after the regional selections at Tamale on May 11, Cape Coast on May 22 and Kumasi on June 15.

The competition is designed for female and male athletes (sprinters) from under 15, under 18 and seniors over 18.

He was optimistic that this year’s event would be highly pratronised, coming after the 13th African Games that has stimulated the Track & Field feelings of many Ghanaians.

He thanked all companies and individuals who have supported the project, especially President of the Republic, Nana Akufo Addo.

Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante will be special guest at the launch, supported by the minister of youth & Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif who is special guest of honour.

The GFH is sponsored by GNPC, Adidas, Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Wrenco Printing, Kriate Lync, Moringa King, Pippas Gym, and Global Media Alliance.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Gold medalist Armand Duplantis of Team Sweden poses during the medal ceremony for the Men’s Pole Vault Final on day twelve of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 04, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

World Athletics

MONACO, April 10, 2024 - In a landmark decision, World Athletics has today (10 April) announced it will become the first international federation to award prize money at an Olympic Games, financially rewarding athletes for achieving the pinnacle of sporting success, starting at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.

A total prize pot of US$2.4 million has been ring fenced from the International Olympic Committee’s revenue share allocation, which is received by World Athletics every four years. This will be used to reward athletes who win a gold medal in each of the 48 athletics events in Paris with US$50,000.

This initiative by World Athletics also includes a firm commitment to extend the prize money at a tiered level, to Olympic silver and bronze medal winners at the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

When sharing details of the decision, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe commented: "The introduction of prize money for Olympic gold medallists is a pivotal moment for World Athletics and the sport of athletics as a whole, underscoring our commitment to empowering the athletes and recognising the critical role they play in the success of any Olympic Games.

“This is the continuation of a journey we started back in 2015, which sees all the money World Athletics receives from the International Olympic Committee for the Olympic Games go directly back into our sport.

“We started with the Olympic dividend payments to our Member Federations, which saw us distribute an extra US$5m a year on top of existing grants aimed at athletics growth projects, and we are now in a position to also fund gold medal performances for athletes in Paris, with a commitment to reward all three medallists at the LA28 Olympic Games.

“While it is impossible to put a marketable value on winning an Olympic medal, or on the commitment and focus it takes to even represent your country at an Olympic Games, I think it is important we start somewhere and make sure some of the revenues generated by our athletes at the Olympic Games are directly returned to those who make the Games the global spectacle that it is.”

The payment of prize money will depend upon the World Athletics ratification process, including athletes undergoing and clearing the usual anti-doping procedures. Each individual Olympic champion will receive US$50,000. Relay teams will receive the same amount, to be shared among the team. The format and structure of the LA28 Olympic bonuses will be announced nearer the time.

Source AIPS

Still on the Grind, John Laryea ‘Expensive Boxer’ speaks on plans and preparations for his first fight in US .

The Role of his new Co- Manager and the next level for him . Stay tuned to the media network near you for all the updates

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Michael Amoo-Bediako's Streetwise Foundation Donates Boxing Equipment To James Town Gym

UK based world championship winning manager and promoter, Michael Amoo-Bediako's Streetwise Foundation has presented boxing equipment to James Town Boxing Gym in Accra.

Michael Amoo-Bediako who led Ghana’s Richard Commey to win the IBF Lightweight title with Coach Carl Lokko now manages Africanus Neequaye, a product of Prince De Henry Educational Complex and Labone SHS.

Africanus Neequaye who trains under Coach Ransford Amugi at the James Town Gym and his colleagues were very happy to receive the equipment made up of boxing gloves, shoes and head gear.

He said the donation has inspired and motivated him to train hard towards his dream of winning a world title.

Coach Ransford Amugi a rising coach who has unearthed some very good young boxers, like Samuel Plange and Africanus thanked Michael Amoo - Bediako and the Streetwise Foundation.

He was very happy Ghana won some medals at the 13^th African Games for boxing, and noted that if more attention is given to boxing they will do better.

The presentation took place at James Town Old City Engineers premise.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif says the 13th Edition of the African Games has been overall very successful.

Speaking on Starr Chat with Bola Ray on Thursday, the Minister explained there has not been any activity without challenges. 

“Once you are the leader you take the credit and whatever comes with it. So I take full responsibility but overall and in general this tournament has been very successful. I will rate the tournament nine out of ten. For example, you have a lot of excellent podiums but because of one venue of the competition the podium did not arrive early for the medals to be given and the officials improvised a podium for them to use because of that we’ve failed, no.

“I don’t people are looking for my downfall but Ghanaians as we will look fault, but there are no games in the world where there are no challenges. There will definitely be challenges here and there but once you identify those challenges you try to solve them,” Mr. Ussif stated.  

According to the Minister, Ghana has made history with the medal won in the ongoing 13th Edition of the African Games.

The Minister explained that despite the hitches with the games Ghana is making history with the number of medals won so far.

He also predicted that Ghana may win 60 medals considering the number of trophy zones the nation finds itself with the rest of the games. 

Source: Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM