Emmanuel Amos- Abanyie  stunned Jude Asiedu to win the 10th edition of the Gold Fields  Tarkwa Annual Tennis Club Championship. Amos-Abanyie  played magnificently in a 6-4, 6-4 victory at the Gold Fields  Tarkwa tennis court on Thursday. It was a close battle throughout, but Amos- Abanyie was rock solid in the big moments and saved the only break point he faced.

Speaking to ghanatennis, Amos- Abanyie said, am happy to win the title for the second time.

‘Congrats Jude for everything. You’ve had such an amazing tournament, I’m pleased that we are so consistent and can play so many amazing matches together because I think our various fans are enjoying it.’ Amos-Abanyie added.

National under 12 star, Lisel Ampah claimed the Gold Fields Tarkwa Tennis Club annual title for a second consecutive year. Lisel back on her favorite court, the Gold Fields Female No.1 produced a culminating, 6-0, R. victory over her closest rival, Eunice Minta.

Earlier, Albert Naamu beat Francis Adu-Boakye 6-3, 6-1 in the Men’s singles Consolation final. Albert, after dropping into the consolation category, didn’t drop a point after dispatching Francis Adu-Boakye in 45 mins.

Ruby Sanoah won the Women’s Consolation singles title after defeating Juliana Amponsah 6-2, 6-2. A big trophy for the formidable pairing of Jude Asiedu and Prince Avane as they defeated Consolation winner Albert Naamu and Henry kwesi Asante 6-2, 6-2.

After winning the singles title, Lisel teamed with her older sister Tracy Ampah to capture the Gold Fields  Tarkwa annual tennis championship women’s doubles crown, beating Eunice Minta and Genevieve Owusu-Ampadu 7-2.

Lisel Ampah is leaving Gold Fields Tarkwa Annual Tennis Tournament with three trophies, combining beautifully with her father William Ampah to oust Osman Karim/ Tracy Ampah 6-3, 3-6, 10-8.

A ruthless Carlton Yirenkyi beats Felix Kabangfo 6-3, 7-5 in the advanced beginner’s finals.

Collins Okyere won the 40 and above category title after winning the round-robin matches against Archiebold Acquaye and Micheal Bonus.

Archiebold Acquaye placed second after winning against Michael Bonsu and losing to Collins Okyere.

Gold Fields Tarkwa tennis club President Michiel van der Merwe who doubles as Acting Vice President-Operations (Ag.VP-Operations) Gold Fields  Ghana Limited said, I want to use this opportunity to thank Joseph Cobbinah of Mobik Energy and Kojo Allah of Kamit Engineering Ltd, for their efforts, supports, and love for the club is well appreciated.

Special thanks to head coach of our club Richard Achagawe for making this year’s event a success.

‘It’s so nice to  see people playing and enjoying the facility, to stay fit and to have fun which makes life happier, anytime you drive pass the club you see members playing which is so nice.’

According to the Gold Fields Tarkwa tennis club chairman Mr. Godfred Avane who also as doubles  Mineral Resources Manager at Gold Fields  Ghana Limited said, this year has been very competitive, having 81 players and  154 matches in 9 categories. Once again, a big thanks to our sponsors (Joseph Cobbinah and Kojo Allah) who are also members of the club. 

‘Gold Fields  tennis club is the most vibrant tennis club in Tarkwa and the western region,’ Mr. Avane added.

Story: Gabriel Amoakoh

‘Wɔmanŋ Nɛ Festival’ in Korle-Gonno Ends Successfully

The 5th Edition of the annual "Wɔmanŋ Nɛ" Festival held in Korle-Gonno over the weekend, ended successfully early dawn of last Monday, December 4, 2023.

Amid a storm of hype, the festival drew participants as usual, from far and near of the City of Accra.

Residents of Korle-Gonno, revellers from other communities, local tourists from the regions and few friends from the Diaspora, all came to witness the event, which took place on the Roger Avenue in Korle-Gonno.

The grounds were far set  a day before the start of the event, waiting the kick-start of celebration of the festival, put together by a renowned NGO and an award winning Event Organisers the NATIVE TRIBE GH.

This year's theme for the festival was, "Our Culture & Our Heritage, Through Abstractism".

It was all fun till midnight on Saturday, when the "Di Asa" group took over and turned the stage to the delight of the gathering, supported by its sponsors Bel-Ice, Darling Lemon, Lawson Herbal and Atinka TV and its viewers.

Some artistes that featured at the festival were the Riohs Originate (Fashion School), Kusum Gboo, Asare (the Rider & Crew). The rest are the Razack Brushes (Fine Artist), the United Artists (All the way from La),  Skate-Squad, King-Bee (the celebrity Painter), the Bamboos Park (Fun and Outdoor Games organisers), Maboo and Kwuu Kente the Official face painters, Charelene the Painter and many more.

Other talented up-and-coming artistes like the S-Squares Twins, YTM, Burning Faya and the Gigabytes all made their presence felt at the festival. Lots of artifacts, artworks and creative murals were also put on display.

The "Wɔmanŋ Nɛ" Festival brought the KG neighbourhood nightlife to a different level, on the ROGER AVENUE, seizing the atmosphere to launch the Xmas festivities proper, for the people of Korle-Gonno Community.

"Wɔmanŋ Nɛ", literally meaning - "a Country of Our Own", which the youth respondes - "Wɔbea-mlinŋ Nɛ", meaning, "This is our Time", was a collaborative initiative of the NATIVE TRIBE GH., and the Korle-Gonno Stool Council, to showcase the Youth of the KG-Community and their hidden talent.

It is an annual tourist attraction event that brings residents of "Korle-Gonno" (KG) Community together. Friends, brothers and sisters from other regions and foreigners from the Diaspora all participated.

Source NATIVE TRIBE GH

President of Ridge Lancaster Tennis Club, Mr. Eric Asare Botwe emerged as the 2023 winner of the Farmers Day Triangular Games at the Lancaster Hotel formerly Golden Tulip Hotel, Kumasi.

Kumasi Tennis Club, Our Lady of Grace Tennis Club and host Ridge Lancaster Tennis Club participated in the one day event.

Ridge Lancaster Tennis No.1 who also doubles as the club President Botwe ousted Nana Nimako of Kumasi Tennis Club 6-3 in the finals.

After the win, Botwe said, I am happy I played some of my best tennis on my favorite court. Am just really comfortable on the court, hitting the ball great and happy to end the year with a trophy’.

Mr. Botwe paired beautifully with Atobia Quaye to win the Men’s doubles title beating Cosmos Amposah and Emma 6-2.

In the women’s category, Mariam Mamoud dispatched her opponent Benny to win the women’s title. Mariam won 6-2.

Mariam Mamoud partnered Mavis Osei to win the women’s doubles title, defeating Bennedicta Afriyie and Francisca Banaman Franca. The pair won 6-3.

In the invited guest events, Deladem Tanson proved too strong for her opponent as she won 6-3 against Adjoa Abrokwa.

In the doubles event, Deladem Tanson paired with Vanessa Akuaku to outwit Yvonne Bruce Tagoe and Adjoa Abrokwa 6-2.

The tournament exhibition match was a battle for bragging rights as Yvonne Bruce Tagoe proved her superiority over Vanessa Akuaku with a 6-3 win.

Story: Gabriel Amoakoh

The National Sports For All Federation (NASFAG) is organizing the Biggest Health Walk of the year from Ayi Mensah to the hill of the Aburi Botanical Gardens on Saturday, December 9 from 6am.

According to chief fitness instructor, Boakye the event is going to be exciting and an improvement upon last year’s edition.

He urged Keep Fit clubs to attend the event in their numbers and participate in the various sports competitions.

Some sporting activities after the health walk will be aerobics, push ups, tug of war, ampe, ludu, oware, table tennis, scrabble, chess, rope jumping, functional sports and others.

The new functional fitness sports federation will be there to launch some competitions at the Aburi Botanical Gardens. Lucky participants may win prizes.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

This change follows the decision of Jens Schulte-Bockum to step down as Group Chief Operating Officer at the conclusion of his contract term in March 2024.

Selorm Adadevoh, a Ghanaian leader, will now join the MTN Group Executive Committee in his new role. Simultaneously, Stephen Blewett, MTN Operations Executive for Markets, will take over the crucial position of CEO at MTN Ghana.

Dr. Ishmael Yamson, Chairman of MTN Ghana Board, expressed congratulations to Selorm for his new appointment, acknowledging his successful leadership in guiding MTN Ghana through challenging times over the past five and a half years. Dr. Yamson expressed confidence in Selorm's ability to excel in his expanded responsibilities.

Selorm Adadevoh assumed the role of CEO at MTN Ghana in 2018, and under his leadership, the company underwent significant transformation, aligning with the new Ambition 2025 strategy aimed at positioning MTN Ghana as a platform player. His impact on major industry initiatives has been notable.

Stephen Blewett, taking on the role of MTN Ghana CEO, rejoined MTN in July 2023 as Operations Executive for Markets. In his new capacity, he will oversee the Group's operations in smaller West and Central Africa markets, providing essential operational support across the region.

The Board expressed its gratitude to Selorm for his substantial contributions during his tenure as CEO of MTN Ghana and wished him success in his elevated role as MTN Group Chief Commercial Officer. The Board also welcomed Stephen Blewett to the MTN Ghana family, expressing anticipation for collaborative efforts to achieve the Ambition 2025 strategy and beyond.

Jens Schulte-Bockum, stepping down from his executive role on March 31, 2024, will continue to serve as a non-executive director on the boards of major subsidiaries, including MTN South Africa, MTN Nigeria, and Bayobab.

The announcement marks a significant milestone in MTN's commitment to effective leadership transitions and strategic alignment for future growth.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

… After Qualifying For 2024 WAFCON

Black Queens coach Nora Hauptle trusts her squad and Ghanaians can now enjoy Christmas after make the grade for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Nora Hauptle: We can now enjoy Christmas after Black Queens' WAFCON qualification

Ghana booked their place at next year’s WAFCON tournament following a hard-fought 3-2 aggregate victory over Namibia.

This was despite the Black Queens losing 1-0 in the second leg of the final round of qualifiers in Pretoria on Tuesday afternoon.

Hauptle’s side, though, triumphed on aggregate due to their advantageous 3-1 win in the first leg at home last Friday.

Although the 40-year-old lost her unbeaten record after the defeat to Namibia, more crucially the Black Queens have secured a return to the WAFCON after a five-year absence.

Addressing journalists in the aftermath of the game, Hauptle said she was proud of her players for putting up a fight.

“We had a pretty good start to the game, created a lot of chances. We knew that we could hurt them on the wings,” the Swiss coach said.

“All in all, I think we took control in the second half and should’ve scored two or three goals. But the performance today is closed because we qualified.

 “Ghana is back in the WAFCON, and we’re hungry and willing to play there. The players deserve it. It’s been a long time for the Black Queens and for some young players, it will be their first time. I’m proud of this year we won 10 out of 11 games and I think we can have a nice Christmas.”

Hauptle and the Black Queens  now set sights on qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, with a two-legged clash against Zambia awaiting next year.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Mr. John Mawuli Nyarkoh, Captain of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Ghana says he feels proud to see players above the age of 50 still competing for fun or competitively for rewards at Championships.

In an exclusive interview with Yours Truly, at Damang during the Gold Fields PGA Championship, he said after his election the PGA has benefited from a number of competitions and he hopes to introduce more tournaments for the senior players.

"I have been able to add some competitions four to seven and I pray that we do about 12 events in a year" he said.

Mr. Mawuli Nyarkoh noted that his dream is to take Ghana golf to higher heights, especially for kids and the elderly.

He hinted that golf is a great game and not for only the affluent in society, but for everyone and there are opportunities with the influential people in the sport..

Mawuli 'Wonders' as he is affectionately called appealed to the Ghana Education Service (GES) the National Sports Authority (NSA), Ghana Golf Association (GGA) and Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) to engage in campaigns to motivate kids and the youth to have interest in golf.

"We have to allow the children to have fun with golf, like how football has gained popularity everywhere in Ghana" he stressed.

He urged parents to allow their kids to do sports, especially golf.

“Finally I want to preach peace, love and unity in the PGA” he added.

He also thanked Mr. Tang Hong, President of Ghana Chinese Society and CEO of Tang Palace hotel Accra for his support and encouragement.

John Mawuli Nyarkoh aka 'Wonders' is a member of the Celebrity Golf Club at Sakumono in Accra.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has set January 12, 2024, as the date for the 48th edition of the SWAG Awards.

The ceremony will take place at the Accra International Conference Center (AICC), marking the venue's continuous hosting of this esteemed event.

Organized by SWAG, the awards honour outstanding Ghanaian athletes, recognizing their contributions to the development and promotion of sports in the country.

Charles Osei Asibey, SWAG's General Secretary, stated that the event will be spectacular and that SWAG will once again provide patrons with an unforgettable experience as they celebrate sporting excellence on January 12.

He further announced that the awards will be presented in four categories: competitive, non-competitive, honorary, and corporate awards.

The SWAG secretariat will announce the winners of the non-competitive and honorary awards in the coming days, while the General Assembly will vote on the winners of the competitive categories on the eve of the SWAG Awards ceremony.

Osei Asibey encouraged corporate organizations to support the event, emphasizing its role in honouring sporting excellence.

The annual SWAG Awards were initiated by Mr. B.B. Bismark, a passionate sports enthusiast and former Black Stars Team Manager, who later became a SWAG Patron.

Bismark conceived the idea of an annual awards ceremony during an informal meeting with then-SWAG Secretary Eugene Thompson and Mr. Ken Bediako of the Daily Graphic at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.

Successive SWAG presidents, from Joe Lartey and Willie Kwarteng to Oheneba Charles, Joe Aggrey, Ebo Quansah, Ackah Anthony, and currently Kweku Yeboah, have maintained the unbroken tradition of the SWAG Awards since 1975.

On the night, more than 40 individuals across 27 categories will receive recognition for their outstanding achievements in Ghanaian sports.

Source SWAG

This is just the beginning; there’s more coming - Mohammed Kudus declares after scoring 3rd goal in EPL

Ghana forward, Mohammed Kudus has assured fans of West Ham United that he will do more for the club as the season progresses.

The Black Stars poster boy declared on Sunday evening after scoring for the the am in their 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace in the English Premier League.

In the game today, Kudus, who is enjoying an amazing first season with West Ham broke the deadlock for his outfit after just 13 minutes into the game after connecting from Coufal pass in the box. It was his third goal in the Premier League for the Hammers.

After the break, France international Odsonne Edouard found the back of the net to level pegging for the Eagles in the highly competitive clash.

Speaking in a post-match interview, Mohammed Kudus stressed that there is more to come from him.

"It's just the beginning for me, and I feel like there's a lot more I can offer,” the Ghana star said.

GhanaSoccerNet

Sunday Olapade, a Lagos based golfer who has been taking part in the Gold Fields PGA Championship for many years had his luck shine on Saturday when he broke Kojo Barnni’s dominion putting up a strong-willed display to become the 2023 champion of the international competition which ended at the lush Damang Golf Course on Saturday.

Olapade pipped hot Ghanaian favourite Kojo Barnni on countback tie breaks after both players were knotted on a score of 286 in a keenly contested competition to take home the handsome cash prize of GhȻ80,000 plus a trophy and jacket.

Former champion, Vincent Torgah was third with a score of 287.

Veteran Emos Korblah won the Seniors division with a score of 218 as Peter Korsah took the second position with a score of 233 and Robert Degbe was third place with a score of 235.

The Men’s Group A winner went to Isaac Asante with 30 points followed by Solomon Allotey and Hans De Beer both tied on 29 points.

Exciting Roger Adamah had 29 points to win, followed by Prince Awuley with the same points but losing on countback, while Joshua Donkor took the third place 28 points.

Evergreen Constance Awuni had a score of 159 to win the Lady Professionals category, followed by Jessica Tei with a score of 177 in second and Filicity Okyei Gyeabour in third with a score of 178.

Benedicta Yaro won the Ladies Group with 21 points; Paulina Acheampong was second with 19 points and Marie Brewar had 16 points for third position.

At the closing ceremony, the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the tournament, Mr. Hans De Beer who was one of the award winners, congratulated his colleagues for the wonderful performance displayed this year.

“It was stunning” he applauded.

Mr. Roger Adamah, projects manager of Gold Fields praised participants discipline as they reported on time for the competitions. He urged them to start preparation for the next edition and also commit their kids to love and play golf.

“We have to think about the future and the rising stars which should be our kids. Its time we take the kids along to watch us play” he expressed.

PGA’s Operations / Administrative Director, Alhaji Ahmed Padori thanked all sponsors of the tournament especially Gold Fields for maintaining the course and the marvelous support over the years.

Tournament Director, Rev. Akwasi Prempeh who was so excited with the successful end commended the international character of the tournament which involved players from Togo, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Zimbabwe and other parts of Africa and Europe.

By Sammy Heywood Okine