Mr. Ben Nunoo, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has applauded the World Kickboxing and Karate Do Union (WKU) President, Klaus Nonnemacher for his historic visit to Ghana and seeing to the successful organization of the 2023 African Open Tournament which involved five combat sporting disciplines.

The disciplines are Taekwondo, Judo, Karate Do, Kickboxing and MMA.

He said creating opportunities for the youth is very essential in the socio economic development of a nation and the African Open Tournament should be an avenue to produce champions and world class athletes.

The GOC President who privately trains in Taekwondo was elated that all the national champions of the disciplines took part in the event, like Edmund Amoako representing Karate Do, Evelyn Dzato, the African Champion Judoka, Henrietta Armah, the Taekwondo star as well as Jonathan Lamptey, the MMA Champion and others.

He assured of the support of the GOC in the next Tournament which Ghana will host.

Klaus Nonnemacher said he was very impressed with the amazing organisation and classic display put up by the athletes.

He expressed that some the best athletes would be invited to the next World Championship in Canada.

The GOC President appealed to world sports governing bodies to unite and work together.

Leading the WKUworld President was Master Steavano Kojo Tuekpe, the Ghana representative and ICBO World Kickboxing -91kg Champion and his German wife, Alexandria who were very instrumental in staging the 2023 African Open Tournament at the Korean Sports Complex at Tema.

According to Tuekpe, the Tournament was highly successful and promised to do it bigger next year, after the Olympic Games.

He hinted that they are considering rewarding the best athletes with cash prizes in addition to the equipment, and appealed to corporate Ghana to join in investing in the future stars and leaders.

The WKUworld and Ghana Presidents called on the GOC President on Thursday July 20.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The French Embassy has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the National Sports Authority (NSA) to commence the Ghana Olympic-Go! Project.

The delegation further engaged the heads from the various sporting federations and associations to deliberate on l sports development issues.

The Director General of NSA, Prof. Peter Twumasi, receiving the delegation expressed his excitement with the initiative that will foster relationship between Ghana and France.

He appreciated the gesture of the French government for reaching out to improve the ecosystem of the Ghanaian sports industry.

The deliberation with the federation heads focused on talent identification pathways and funds mobilization. It was noted that, some of the federations scout for talent through in-school and community outreach programs.

One of the challenges noted was the inability of federations to support athletes higher education hence, losing them without proper transitioning.

Another major concern was the lack of funding which tends to limit the operations of Federations and participation in international tournaments.

Inadequate infrastructure, unfavorable training grounds and lack of expertise to train players and officials was equally raised.

To start with the Project, the delegation disclosed that, as part of the technical assistance programme, Ghana Athletics has been granted a fully sponsored trip to France to camp fourteen Athletes and coaches prior to the World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary.

NSA

The Handball Association of Ghana, HAG, has celebrated this year’s International Handball Week, with a mini-tournament for some selected teams in the country at the Prisons Sports Complex in Accra.

International Handball Week is celebrated globally by 209 national federations under the auspices of the International Handball Federation, IHF, from July 12 to 18 which also serves as an anniversary year for the birth of the Handball Federation in Copenhagen Danmark, in 1946.

EL Wak Wings, Cantonment Youth, and Airforce were the teams that participated in the one-day mini-tournament for both men and women.

In the final of the male event, Cantonment Youth faced with EL Wak Wings. They beat EL Wak Wings by a 31-22 scoreline to become champions of the Handball Week mini-tournament in the male category.

In the female category Cantonment Youth played Air Force. Air Force continued their dominance over Cantonment Youth with a scoreline of 37-19 to be cowned champions.

Trophies were presented to the winners. The finalists in the men and women’s divisions all received balls .

In attendance were some executives from the Handball Association of Ghana, HAG, the General Secretary Charles Amofa,  Technical Director George Bankole, Exco and Head Coach of the National female team Joseph Adukwei Quaye, Sports Officer Ghana Fire Service Edward Annang Akporh, and the Greater Accra Chairman Rama Kudolo

By: Victoria Nana Adwoa Kwofie

Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet said the Games are "on track" when he spoke to the media this morning ©Getty Images

Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet struck a defiant note here today as he maintained that, despite recent problems, the Olympic and Paralympic Games are "on track" and he stands by all of the decisions taken thus far.

Concerns raised at a recent seminar involving Chefs de Mission of all nations in Paris included the recent spate of rioting in the city's streets and the ongoing investigation into contracts awarded for the Games, opened in 2017 by the National Financial Prosecutor's Office.

Estanguet said at a media conference that the feedback from the Chefs de Mission had been extremely positive, but added: "We are riddled with critics, but if you take a step back we are meeting our deadlines and our mission has been increased from the bid mission.

"We are ready, we are on track.

"So I wouldn’t have changed any of the decision we have made up to this point."

Estanguet said that after intensive co-operation with all agencies there are "very few concerns that transport system will encounter any major difficulties."

Addressing a question about the ongoing corruption investigation, Estanguet replied: "We are collaborating, co-operating.

"The national prosecutors need to have access to various pieces of information and we are handing those over.

"I don’t have any other comments to make on this because we don’t have anything else to tell you."

Estanguet added that after intensive co-operation with all agencies there are "very few concerns that transport system will encounter any major difficulties."

On the topic of the Olympic Games budget, Estanguet underlined that the target is for 86 per cent of the €4.4 million (£3.7 million/$4.9 million) total to be financed by the private sector - and "we are already at 80 per cent, and are under discussion with a new premier partner.

"But even if that does not happen we will still find a way to make our target."

Asked about his views on the eventual participation or otherwise of Russian and Belarusian athletes, Estanguet pointed again to the fact that the decision was not something the Organising Committee would make.

“As far as the athletes for Paris 2024 are concerned, they need to take part in the qualifying events," he said.

"But this is authorised by the National Federations - they are the ones who authorise Russian or Belarusian athletes.

"We allow National Federations to organise these for Paris 2024.

"The second step for athletes who would be potentially ready for the Games - will they be approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) or the International Paralympic Committee (IPC)?

"It is their choice - they will validate or approve in both cases.

"As an Organising Committee we will welcome the athletes that have been qualified and confirmed by the IOC and the IPC.

"I understood from the IOC that that decision will be made in September 2023 at the earliest.

"We will know more about this by the end of the summer.

"From the IPC side the implementation has not yet been set in stone.

"There is a Session in October - will a decision be made then?

"But we are not responsible for this decision process."

Turning to the broader issues, he added: "I know that there are obviously some people who are watching what we are doing who think we should be doing things differently.

"But if I were to retrace my steps I would do exactly the same thing.

"We have tried consistently to make sure that the needs of sport are at the heart of all of our measures.

"I am focused on the objectives.

"I know we are going to be taking stock after the Closing Ceremony of the Paralympic Games.

"But I think  we have all the tools in our toolbox to make sure these challenges we face {are} not long lasting.

"We had COVID.

"We had an international situation that was not simple and different events in France.

"And we know things will continue in the world and in France.

"But all of these different events didn’t have a negative impact on Paris 2024, thanks to our team and all our private and public partners.

"We need these Games.

"We have never needed these Games more."

The Paris 2024 Olympics are due to run from July 26 to August 11, with the Paralympics scheduled from August 28 to September 8.

By Mike Rowbottom at the Paris 2024 headquarters in Saint Denis 

Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews speaks to the media during a news conference on February 04, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

LAUSANNE, July 18, 2023 - Australian Victoria State Premier Daniel Andrews announced Tuesday morning the cancellation of plans to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games due to budget blowouts. The Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) has described Victoria’s withdrawal decision from hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games as "beyond disappointing."

Australia has hosted the Commonwealth Games five times (Sydney 1938, Perth 1962, Brisbane 1982, Melbourne 2006 and Gold Coast 2018), more than any other nation. Yet all of the country's states on Tuesday ruled out picking up the event due to high costs.

The Victoria 2026 staff were informed of the decision in a morning meeting, briefly before Andrews publicly confirm the news in a press conference in Melbourne: "We have informed Commonwealth Games authorities of our decision to seek to terminate the contract and to not conduct, not host the Games," Andrews stated.

SIX BILLION BUDGET Commonwealth Games authorities have blamed the Victorian government for considerably increasing the 2026 Games expenses by triple compared to the initial budget, citing the 12-day tournament estimated cost is more than A$6 billion, going against official advice and adding more sports and venues, before abruptly announcing the Games' cancellation.

COMMONWEALTH GAMES The Commonwealth Games are a multi-sport tournament that takes place every four years. They have only ever been cancelled during World War II. To be eligible to participate in the Games, competitors must be from one of the Commonwealth's 56 members. Most of the countries in the Commonwealth were once part of the British Empire.

-1000 DAYS TO GO With under 1000 until the event was due to begin, Andrews explained the reasoning to pull out, that he “would not take money out of schools and hospitals in order to fund an event that is three times the cost [which] is estimated and budgeted for last year.”

EXAGGERATED BUDGET Despite the premier’s statement that the government had considered "every option" including moving the games to Melbourne, before informing CGF of their final decision; the CGA Chief Executive Craig Phillips said the news was a significant letdown and described the numbers surrounding potential cost overruns as "a gross exaggeration" and said it is still committed to finding a solution.

"The announcement made by the Victorian Government today is beyond disappointing," Phillips said. "It’s a comprehensive letdown for the athletes, the excited host communities, First Nations Australians who were at the heart of the Games, and the millions of fans that would have embraced a sixth home Games in Australia.

"The multi-city model for delivering Victoria 2026 was an approach proposed by the Victorian Government, in accordance with a strategic roadmap of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). It was pitched to the CGF after the CGA had sought interest to host the Games from several states.”

INITIAL BUDGET The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) was on edge to find a host before Victoria volunteered in April 2022. Organisers originally planned to host the Games across cities including Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat – with a cost of A$2.6bn (£1.4bn/ $1.8bn), the state government had billed it as a "boost for the regions".

WHAT NOW? The government will still complete the stadium upgrades it had promised ahead of the Games, while using the money it is now saving on housing and tourism initiatives. But so far, the destiny of the Commonwealth Games 2026 is still unknown as non of the commonwealth countries have stepped up as host.

Nadine Alsheikh Hassan - AIPS Media

Welsh-born of Ghanaian descent, Ethan Ampadu has completed a permanent move to Championship side, Leeds United.

The 22-year-old, who joined Chelsea in 2017 from Exerter, signed a four-year deal to move to Elland Road.

“I think as a club, the history doesn’t have to be sold,” Ampadu told LUTV.

“Everyone knows how big of a club Leeds United is. Obviously, we are now in the position we are, but we all want more.

“When I spoke with the boss [Daniel Farke], as soon as I got off the phone call I knew what I wanted, he really impressed me. He told me what he liked about me and where he thinks I can improve as a player.

“Tohat all helped me choose Leeds United.”

Ampadu made 12 senior appearances for Chelsea before spending time on loan at RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia.

“For me, I am comfortable playing in both positions,” continued Ampadu.

“I know I have to improve in both, so wherever the boss needs me I am happy to play, but I am comfortable in both.

“I’m just raring to go now.”

footballghana

Mr. Klaus Nonnemacher, President of the World Kickboxing and Karate Do Union (WKU) on Tuesday paid a working visit to the Director General of the National Sports Authority, Professor Peter Twumasi at his office at the Accra Sports Stadium.

He was accompanied by Steavano Tuekpe, the Ghana President of WKU who had earlier met the Director General.

They discussed a number of issues including how to collaborate with the combat and martial art sports to offer periodic refresher courses for athletes, coaches and referees.

They also talked about supply of equipment and exchange programs as well as creating opportunities for Ghanaian champions to feature at the world championships.

Mr. Klaus Nonnemacher, a German who is in Ghana for the first time to stage the African Open Tournament which took place at the Korean Sports Complex at Tema was impressed by the participation and standard of competition.

The African Open Tournament which is the first held in Accra, Ghana will be an annual affair and the National Sports Authority has promised to support.

Five sports disciplines including Taekwondo, Karate Do, Judo, Kickboxing and MMA were competed at the event where outstanding athletes were rewarded with title belts, medals, trophies and equipment.

Professor Twumasi congratulated Steavano Kojo Tuekpe President of WKU Ghana for coming up with the idea to support Ghanaian athletes, and single handedly sponsoring the event.

He appealed to companies to support such initiatives, and urged other top sportsmen and women to remember their roots and give back to where they came from.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana takes on Guinea in the second leg of their 2024 Olympic Games qualifier at the 4pm today at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Ghana has a 3-0 advantage from the first meeting last Friday.

The winner faces one of Guinea Bissau or Benin in the next round of qualifiers.

CCT Group Limited, distributors of fishing gear in Ghana, has donated cash and fishing items worth GH¢20,000 to support the 2023 Elmina Bakatue festival celebration.

They also supported sporting events like the Boat Regatta and the Tug of War competitions with cash prices and some fishing items included fishing floats, life jackets etc.

The Human Resource Manager of CCT Group, Eva Ameyaw and Branch supervisor Ismaila Adi Kassim handed over the items to the Omanhene of the Edina traditional council Nana Kojo Kondua during a brief ceremony held at the palace to receive items from companies.

She said the support was to celebrate the fisher folks and also to give back to society for contributing in diverse ways to the development of the nation.

"We celebrate with the people of Elmina and we wish them a bumper catch all through the seasons ahead,"

CCT, commonly known as the fisherman’s friend, has been supporting this worthy course as always.

In addition to the Boat Regatta, she said the company also undertook educational campaigns in fishing communities by educating fishers on modern and safe ways of using quality fishing gear for fishing.

The company, she said, continues to introduce safe and modern fishing equipment to facilitate fishing and sustain the fishing sector in Ghana and also provides scholarships for children of some fishers in fishing communities.

The Omanhene Nana Kojo Kondua and and Nana Kwao Dartey as well as the chief fisherman Nana Bedu after taking delivery of the items commended CCT Group Limited for their continues support of the festival and the fishing sector.

Mintah Mensah applauded Wilmar Africa and CCT Group for supporting Bakatue Tug Of War championship.

Mr. Frank Kwabena Mintah Mensah, the LOC chairman for the just ended Edina Bakatue Tug of War championship was happy for the successful program which has made the people of Elmina to call for more competitions.

He urged cooperate bodies to keep on supporting the lesser known sports in the country.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

WKU Ghana Team shows appreciation

The World Kickboxing and Karate do (WKU) Ghana Team were at HSTV on Monday  to thank all the Committee Members, the media, NSA, GOC, Federations, athletes in Judo, Taekwondo, Karate do, MMA and Kickboxing.

Klaus Nonnemacher, the WKU President himself came from Germany to Ghana to supervise the exciting Tournament.

Steavano Tuekpe the Ghana President of WKU and his wife, Alexandria thanked all members of the Organising Committee and the Ghanaians who encouraged him to put up the show, especially Nii Dr. Adote Dzata 1, former President of the Ghana Kickboxing Association.

“We will do it an annual affair and reward best athletes” he assured.

By Sammy Heywood Okine