Ghana Super middleweight division champion Prince Okoe Nartey scored a third round technical knockout win over Felix Mankata to register 10 wins 11 fights into his professional career.

Nartey scored the impressive win in the co main event at the King of the Ring 3 Fight Night that was put together by Monarch Promotions at the SSNIT Emporium at Bukoum.

Mankata had some bright moments in the first round but Nartey’s established jab and two punch combinations proved too much for his opponent who failed to come out for the third round.

After the win, Nartey accepted the challenge from veteran Obodai Sai for the national title and stated he is ready for tougher challenges in the future.

In the main event, WBO Africa Super flyweight champion Tasif Khan knocked out Venezuelan challenger David Barreto to win the WBC Silver Super Flyweight title.

Khan, a Brit of Pakistani descent, scored two prior knockdowns in the contest before a left hook floored Barreto who failed to beat the count.

In the sole female bout on the night, Nigerian Adijat Gbadamosi defeated Zimbabwean Patience Mastara via fifth round technical knockout to become the new ABU Female Super Bantamweight champion.

Mastara suffered an apparent leg injury that restricted her movement after getting off to a good start against the Nigerian challenger.

In the most exciting fight of the night, Nigerian Light heavyweight Victor Beneth recorded a unanimous win over Kumasi based fighter Moses Kweku.

The fighters traded punches several times that got the sizable crowd at the arena hyped with Beneth doing his best work connecting with head shots while Kweku dug into Beneth’s body in his rallies.

After dropping off in the middle rounds, Beneth regained his composure a fought smartly from range in the latter rounds to score a unanimous win.

Here are results from other bouts on the night;

Kazakh boxer Termizhan Baimolda scored a unanimous decision win

In the super welterweight division, Isaac Commey knocked out Raymond Kofi Ansah two minutes and 26 seconds into the contest.

In the welterweight division, Fosu Thompson scored a third round technical knockout win over Samuel Lartey Lartei.

Faisal Abubakar’s liver shot in the third round was enough to force Enoch Lamptey to quit 30 seconds into the third round of their super lightweight contest.

Termizhan Baimolda from Kazakhstan defeated Togolese challenger Houkpotin Koblahgah by points also in the lightweight division.

The younger Henry Malm dominated veteran Corlison Korley en route to a fourth round technical knockout win in a super welterweight contest.

Credit citisports

Daniel Afriyie Barnieh scored from the spot as the Black Meteors drew 1-1 against Egypt’s U23 National Team in an international friendly at the Alexandria Stadium.

Fatawu Issahaku was brought down in the penalty box leading to the FC Zurich striker sending the Egypt goalkeeper the wrong way with a well-taken penalty in the 9th minute.

Ghana conceded a penalty but goalkeeper, Danlad Ibrahim pulled a save to deny the hosts in the 20th minute.

Egypt, who are the defending African U23 Champions pushed for the equalizer and were rewarded when Ibrahim Adel slotted home before the break.

Ghana endured more agony when Zubairu Ibrahim was red-carded with just a minute to half time.

Both teams played well in the second half, and Coach Ibrahim Tanko made substitutions to prepare the team for the upcoming tournament.

The Black Meteors will travel to Cairo for further training and another friendly on June 19, before heading to Morocco for the U23 AFCON scheduled for June 24 to July 8, 2023.

Ghana is in Group A and will face host nation, Morocco, Guinea, and Congo for a place at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

From Elizabeth Alhassan

Legends Abdul Razak and Frimpong Manso hail MTN Ashantifest community gala goals

Two former national super stars, Abdul Razak and Frimpong Manso have extoled the concept of the community gala competition dubbed MTN Ashantifest 2023 to create unity and unearth talents in the Ashanti Region.

1978 African Footballer of the Year, Abdul Razak and top defender Frimpong Manso who played for Kumasi Asante Kotoko think the community gala is another platform identify and groom future stars.

The tournament which will bring excitement to Kumasi has 16 teams contesting for 20,000 ghc winning prize at stake.

Abdul Razak aka the Golden Boy said at the launch of the 2023 edition “Now the league has ended, no Premiership. No Division One or Division Two. They are all off. This time the MTN Community Gala is coming on that is where that are going to get players so the standard will be very high.”

Frimong Manso expressed that the competition is a big platform for both players and agents to achieve something special.

“There are certain players who don’t get the opportunity of playing at the highest level,” Frimpong Manso said at the launch of the event.

“With this community gala, you get to see players and agents come to the venue [to watch]. They even like those players because they are not affiliated with any club.”

Communities competing include Asafo, Amakom, Bantama, South Suntreso, Abuakwa, Santasi, Ahodwo, Atonso, Ahinsan, Tech and Ayigya.

Others are Aboabo, Asawasi, Oforikrom, Asokore Mampong, Krofrom, Suame, Tafo, Abrepo, Bremang, Bohyen, Mamponteng, Kronum, Magazine and Afrancho.

Old Tafo, the reigning champions hope to defend their title but it will not be easy as other teams are coming well prepared.

All participating teams will receive 3,000ghc each for preparation, and the winner take home 20,000ghc, runner up gets10,000ghc and 3rd.gets 5,000ghc.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Beautiful Beneath, Ghana’s number one lingeries, bras, panties and sports wear shop is giving 30% discount on all items from now to June 20, 2023, as part of the Father’s Day Celebrations.

According to MD, Madam Juliet Gyamfi, Beautiful Beneath cares and appreciates all lovely clients and Fathers.

She said people should take the opportunity and get great stuff at affordable prices.

Beautiful Beneath, Feel Confident Beneath.

Look out for the shops of Beautiful Beneath.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The reflexes, antics, attacks and break aways will be visible in the super cultural hub and one of the tourist sceneries in the Volta Region, bringing up the much expected Road Race from the 24-25 June, 2023.

After a successful organization of the Africa Cycling and Paracycling championship in Ghana in February this year, the thirst and bragging rights on the local terrain has soared with many riders wanting to impress in dominance.

The Volta Region secured the rights in hosting this year’s championship at the Federation’s last Congress held in Tamale.

The two day event will see Road action from the Civic Centre through to the State Transport Corporation (STC),to Sokode Lokoe,back to Sokode ,then to Gborgame Rbt. The route then returns back to Sokode Etoe to the Catholic secretariat through to the Stadium to Gadzanu stretch into the Fidelity Bank junction and back to the Civic Centre, STC.

The National Cycling Championships forms part of preparations ahead of the Africa Games to be hosted by Ghana next year March and the immediate engagement in the World Cycling Championships in Glasgow in August this year.

The Ghana Cycling Federation has already engaged in some events this year and is seeking to replicate the feat chalked last year as one of the best five sporting disciplines in the country.

The Aboakyer Race was a beauty to behold, bringing the heat out of the boys. The 3FM/ Ghana Cycling Federation collaboration race was in a shape of form for the riders.

It is therefore a “do or die” affair on the Road come 24-25 June, 2023, in Ho.

The event will feature the Elite and Under 23 in 180km, Junior Men,120km, Women Elite 100km and Women’s Junior,60km.

The riders are set. The Road is silent. Ho is waiting. Who wins this year’s National championships? The Road will be the final determinant.

Ghana Cycling Federation

The International Youth Fellowship (IYF) is planning to build an ultra modern Youth Center in Accra, Ghana.

At a meeting of Advisors held on Thursday at the Tang Palace Hotel, Mr. Ato Edwin, General Secretary of IYF Ghana said the vision of the Fellowship is leadership training, social service and global exchange, but after educating the minds, Ghanaians want to see something tangible on the ground, so they have planned to build a multi purpose complex to train the youth.

Present at the programme were distinguished personalities such as former presidential aspirant Hassan Ayariga, Ghana Olympic Committee President Ben Nunoo Mensah, Director of Sports at the University of Ghana Dr. Bello Bitugu, the Eastern Regional Minister and president of the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship.

Hon. Elizabeth Sackey the Mayor of Accra advised parents to monitor and know what their children are doing at any given time and share real affection with them.

Dr. Kweku Aning, Deputy Director of State Protocol shared some experience with the gathering and advised parents to love and take good care of their children.

Rev. David Oh, Ghana Country Director of IYF revealed that the next 2023 national youth conference has been scheduled for 31^st August 2023 to 3^rd September 2023 at the University of Ghana, Legon Athletics Oval.

He said it is the only youth conference that changes the hearts of the youth and advised the youth of Ghana to attend in their numbers.

He expressed that it is those who love the kids and youth who think about the future.

Some Korean youth thrilled the guests and advisors with local Ghanaian Gospel songs.

The IYF holds a conference every year with the aim of fostering youth with strong hearts through leadership training that should be possessed as a next-generation leader.

The IYF which was founded in Korea has 206 worldwide branches in 89 countries.

IYF was established as a worldwide youth organization and international NGO in 2001, to raise leaders with global insight through youth education, activities and provide realistic solutions to problems in the global village.

By Sammy Heywood Okine  

Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif on Friday opened the African Paralympic Committee Regional Sports Training Program being organized for 15 African Countries at the Accra City Hotel.

In attendance was Mr. Samson Deen, President of the African Paralympic Committee, officials from the NPC- Ghana, International Paralympic Committee, World Para Powerlifting and World Para Volleyball.

Hon. Ussif commended the various international sports federations who are strong partners to Ghana, which facilitates the development and accelerate the growth of Para Sports in Ghana and all parts of Africa.

“The Ministry of Youth and Sports is very much aware of the potential of sports in creating opportunities for the citizens, especially the youth.

Therefore, the Ministry sees this Regional Programme as very important and a catalyst for the capacity development of all participants with the appropriate knowledge and skills needed for para sports development and promotion on our continent” he said.

He expressed that Ghana will host the rest of Africa in the 1st African Para Games, Accra 2023, the first of its kind in Africa.

“I am not surprised that Ghana was chosen to host this technical training, thus helping train and prepare various technical personnel for the Games. I commend the organizers for this decision” he said.

He welcomed all participants to Ghana in September for the Accra 2023 African Para Games.

Mr. Samson Deen thanked the African Paralympic Committee and its partners for choosing Ghana to host the second edition of the AfPC Regional Sports Training Program in Africa.

He named the 15 African countries for the Regional Sports Training event as Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote Ivoire, Mali, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Togo, the Gambia, Liberia, Madagascar, Senegal, Nigeria, Seychelles, Guinea and Ghana, the host; with 13 course instructors and IPC officials.

He said NPC-Ghana is proud to host the training as a prelude and precursor to the 1s African Para Games, Accra 2023 slated for this year from 3rd to 12th September.

The four-day Training course is being organized in two sports disciplines, namely, Para Powerlifting and Para or Sitting Volleyball with six separate courses thus: Technical Officials course, Coaching Course, Classifier course and Training Camp in Para Powerlifting, as well as two courses in Sitting Volleyball - Coaching and Referees courses.

At the end of the training, participants will be assessed and subsequently awarded certificates on merit.

He expressed that the AfPC programme is aimed at building and developing the technical capacities of our NPCs across Africa, with a platoon of technical personnel to serve as the catalyst for the development and promotion of Para sports on the continent.

He urged the course participants to take the training seriously to account for the purpose of coming to Ghana.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana's most popular television sports network, Max TV, has secured the exclusive rights to broadcast the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.

The live and exclusive deal includes all 16 matches of the tournament in North Africa.

This recognition from CAF showcases Max TV's expertise and excellence in the development of sports, especially football, in Ghana.

In Ghana, the coverage of the tournament will be available on Max TV, a free-to-air television channel.

Additionally, Max 89.7 FM will provide live audio commentary for the matches, ensuring that fans can stay updated even if they are unable to watch the games on TV.

Real-time updates will also be provided on max.com.gh and across all social media platforms associated with MaxTVGH.

The tournament is set to kick off on June 24, with the opening match between the host nation, Morocco, and Guinea scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m.

By Tony Bebli

Medeama SC board member, Dr. Tony Aubynn, believes the dominance of Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko is over in the Ghana Premier League.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council Member sees the decline of the two powerhouses in Ghana football as following a global trend of underdogs stepping up to the challenge.

His side, Medeama, won their first ever Ghana league title in the just concluded season, beating competition from Aduana FC and Bechem United, not Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.

“The days of the dominance of these clubs (Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko) are over and this is a reflection of football globally,” he told Joy News.

“I mean who ever thought Saudi Arabia will beat Argentina? And many other surprises that are coming up in football.

“Who ever thought the Black Galaxies would be playing Madagascar and Madagascar will beat Ghana?”

Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko have won a combined five Ghana Premier League titles in the last ten seasons - with the Porcupine Warriors claiming four of them.

footballghana

Technically We Are Growing, But Financially Still Down - Charles Mensah On Ghana Sports

Mr. Charles Mensah, an International Technical Officer (ITO) of the Ghana Swimming Association (GSW) thinks Ghana Sports has come a long way, but there is still big room for many things to be done well.

Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive interview during the three day Swimming Course for Assistant Coaches (Level 1) in Ghana, he said technically the nation has benefited with some disciplines, but all is not well financially as sports need a lot of funding and sponsorship.

Mensah who has been in sports for 43 years with different disciplines said many top stars and enthusiasts  find it difficult to pay for coaching and other technical and administrative courses, however it is the certificate that will get them employment, so he urged them to try their best to acquire the knowledge, information and skills to impart on others.

He chose to get involved in sports due to passion, and he has been a swimmer as well as handball, volleyball and tennis player, then an athletics starter and now an executive of the Ghana Swimming Association. He is now campaigning for wheel chair handball to encourage disabled athletes.

He believes in helping others in sports, and that has kept him going over the years.

Focusing on the future of Ghana Sports, he emphasized that Ghana sincerely needs better and modern sports facilities, and he thought the upcoming 13th African Games could help, but the idea of building an Olympic size stadium was changed and that is not good for some disciplines, because some of the facilities at Borteyman where the Games would be held are temporary and not permanent.

He suggested that educational institutions should have basic facilities like football field, basketball / tennis / volleyball / handball courts and a hall for indoor games like table tennis, badminton, judo, taekwondo and karate do.

Touching on the World Aquatics Assistant Coaching Course, he said it is true that Ghana has only two certified swimming trainers and it is not good, because the people out there to be trained are more.

He noted that the newly trained Assistant Coaches will be very useful as they have learnt about new trends and developments in swimming and can now teach their athletes with confidence.

He commended the Ghana Swimming Association for bring an expert from South Africa in the person of Instructor Cedric Finch to teach the young coaches.

“I believe the course will help our coaches, because they have been exposed to many new things, and their confidence level has soured, they have acquired much and those they represent will even be happy” he said.

Mr. Charles Mensah works at the Information Technology (IT) Division of the Department of Feeder Roads.

By Sammy Heywood Okine