Mr. Kwadwo Baah Agyemang Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Digital Centers Limited (GDCL) will on Monday, May 1, lead the maiden edition of the May Day Corporate Walk/Run, which forms part of activities marking the 2023 May Day celebrations.

The exercise which is an initiative of the GDCL and Medivents Consult would commence at the Accra Sports Stadium at 6:00am, through some principal streets in Accra and end at the same venue.

Mr. Baah Agyemang is excited leading such a noble initiative and has extended invitation to all corporate bodies to participate in the race to make the maiden edition a great success.

Also joining the race are Mr. Kweku Ohemeng-Adjei Chief Executive of KMK Entertainment, operators of mybet.Africa.com and producers of Aqua Blue Mineral Water, Ishmael Arthur – winner of the 2022 Millennium Marathon, William Amponsah – Ghana’s foremost long-distance athlete.

Among the participating companies, are Ghana Digital Centers Limited, Serene Insurance, Aqua Blue Mineral Water, HD Plus, TXT Ghana, Parin Africa, as well as individuals from various corporate bodies.

The event is to promote good health and fitness among corporate workers who spend most of their time at their various offices.

Individuals and corporate bodies interested in the walk can contact 0555165166/0243050331.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Head Coach of the Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), Mr. Anthony Owusu Ansah says he is impressed with the performance of the Black Loopers after their splendid display at the 2023 WTTC West Africa Regional Table Tennis Championship going on in Accra at the Trust Sports Emporium.

Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive interview, the veteran Ping Pong trainer said all the players did well, both male and female, and there is more room for improvement.

“Out of our 17 players registered for the competition, five have some kind of experience, but the other 12 are new young players. This is their first time of experiencing such a tournament at this level, and I think they are learning a lot” he expressed.

According to Coach Owusu Ansah, Ghana is presenting one of the young teams, and it is part of the development and training of future champions.

He noted that the exercise is all towards the 13^th African Games which Ghana will host. “We want to win more medals including Table Tennis” he stressed.

He emphasized that there are three or four players campaigning outside the country, and if the compliment the squad, Ghana will have a strong team.

All of the male players won their games on the morning of the third day of competition, while the females were a delight to watch after entering the medal zone in the team games.

On the future of the game, he suggested that a few rising stars should be selected and taken to China for grooming and they will become the next super stars in Ghana Table Tennis.

He commended the President of the GTTA, Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu, the sponsors of the event and other heads of federations in the West African region who are attending the Championship.

The WTTC West African Table Tennis Championship is partnered by Labadi Beach Hotel, Trust Sports Emporium Limited, Ghana Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Stanbic Bank, Asky Airlines and Golden Tree.

Others are State Interest and Governance Authority, Sun Seekers, Special Ice Water, Goil, Accra City Hotel, Kairos and the Media.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Nana Tuffour Okai aka Bboy Lyricx, a Ghanaian Break Dancer is in Paris. France attending a special programme put together by the Ministry Of Europe and Foreign Affairs’ for future leaders.

Mr. Nana Tuffour Okai aka Bboy Lyricx is an Entrepreneur, Educator, Afrobreak Dance Pioneer and Founder of Africa Breaking Academy / President of Ghana Breaking Federation.

He was selected to participate in the Ministry For Europe and Foreign Affairs' Future Leaders Invitation Program for a first edition one week study visit group programme on SPORTS and DIPLOMACY with aims to connect high-Level athletes with prominent members of the french sports community, a few months before the Paris Olympics and Paralympics Games 2024.

The personalized  program affords participants opportunity to gain a better understanding of France, based on visits and high level meetings related to activities and interests which intends to foster the creation of privileged ties with both countries.

Bboy Lyricx is the only African guest invited aside Ms Rasha Al-khamis, a Boxer and member of the Board of Directors of the Saudi and Asian Boxing Academy, Ms Neisi Dajomes, Ecuador’s First Olympic Champion, Weightlifter, Representative of the Afro- Ecuadorian women’s community.

Mr. Daniel TekleHaimanot, Cycling Champion One from Erythree.

Ms Wasfia Nazreen, first Bangeladeshi mountaineer to the conquered the 7 summit and k2.

Ms Nicol David, Eight-Time Squash World Champion Malaysian Sports Leader and founder of an organization promoting Sport among Children and women and Ms Simona Tabara Amanar, Director of the Romanian Olympic Academy, Former Champion of Artistic Gymnastics.

He toured some exciting places in Paris where the 2024 Olympic Games will be held.

Nana Tuffour Lyrics thanked the French Embassy in Ghana.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Female Team of the Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) on Tuesday played their hearts out to beat Benin to win the Silver medal at the 2023 West African Table Tennis Championship taking place at the Trust Sport Emporium in Accra.

Led by inspirational Ghana Navy player, Bernice Borquaye who promised to climb the podium for a medal, she rallied her colleagues, experienced Immigration Officer Cynthia Kwabi and young Augustina Baidoo to excite the fans watching the championship.

Former Top seed Cylia Baah Danso of the Ghana Army was at center stage together with Cynthia Kwabi in the Singles but they did not get it easy, however they hopr to be back better and put Ghana's name among the medal winners.

The male team were matched against Cote D'ivoire and it was a tough battle which the Ivoriens proved to be better due to exposure.

Ghana's representatives, Samuel Akayede, Felix Lartey and Joe Sam were good, but not powerful enough to win the team medal, so they placed fourth.

Team Ghana include female players, Cynthia Kwabi, Cecilia Fremah, Celia Baah Danso, Augustina Baidoo, Juanita Borteye, Bernice Borquaye, Beatrice Gyasi and Blessing Labanti.

The males are Samuel Akayede, Felix Lartey, Isaac Davies, Isaac Amoako, Augustine Baidoo, James Marfo, Bernard Joe Sam and Francis Antwi.

The team is handled by coaches Ebenezer Whyte, Robert Tetteh and Owusu Ansah who were working hard for achievement.

The West African Table Tennis Championship began on Monday April 24 and ends on Thursday April 27.

Partners supporting the Ghana Table Tennis Association are Labadi Beach Hotel, Trust Sports Emporium Limited, Ghana Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Stanbic Bank, Asky Airlines and Golden Tree.

Others are State Interest and Governance Authority, Sun Seekers, Special Ice Water, Goil, Accra City Hotel, Kairos and the Media.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ace musician, Sarkodie made a surprise entry to the Bukom Boxing Arena last Sunday during Fight Night 4 of the Second Season of the Ghana Professional Boxing League and called for more support for the sport which has always put Ghana on the map.

Sarkodie who is a boxing fan did not perform as he was not billed on the programme but promised to appear properly in style to thrill fans.

He was glad with the patronage and performance of the boxers and officials.

He commended the Ghana Boxing Authority GBA and the Promoters, Max Boxing Promotions for the wonderful entertainment they are dishing Ghanaians.

A couple of weeks ago, Amanzeba Nat Brew was at the Arena and urged corporate Ghana to support the sport which has given Ghana more laurels.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Army has taken over the leadership of the league table.

Last Sunday, they did not get it easy as they were forced to a drawn game against Bridge Boxing Club to acquire 10 points.

Attoh Quarshie is at second position, with Akotoku Academy placed third with nine points respectively.

Bronx, Panix and Ghana Prisons Services all have 9 points, but it's not rosy for Palm Springs / The Gym who have not won a match and have no point.

The GBA President, Abraham Kotei Neequaye is very happy with the crowd the Boxing League is drawing and hopes more sponsors will come on board.

Infinix Phones are the new corporate entity that has joined the Ghana Professional Boxing League.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Getting Set for Paris 2024

Benjamin Azamati - Athlete 9.99 Wind-legal

Saminu Abdul Rasheed-Athlete10.04 Legal (9.97 +wind)

Isaac Botsio10.06 wind-legal

Joseph Manu 10.08 wind-legal

James Dadzie 10.10 Wind-legal

Joe Paul 10.10 +wind

???????? Looks good on paper

NB: Joe Paul & Azamati ran just one 100m so far this season.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The Black Loopers of Ghana enjoyed some good home support on the Opening Day of the 2023 West Africa Table Tennis Championship at the Ga Mashie Hall of the Trust Sports Emporium.

Bernic Borquaye, Cynthia Kwabie and Augustina Baidoo were just exciting and determined to win the points to put their nation in front.

Just like the patriotic Samuel Akayade, Joe Sam and experienced Felix Lartey in the Team event.

Ghana is hosting the 2023 West African Table Tennis Championship at the Trust Sport Emporium in Accra from Monday April 24 to April 27.

The participants include Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Benin, Senegal, Liberia, Cote D'ivoire and Sierra Leone.

At the last tournament in Nigeria, Ghana won two medals, a silver and bronze. This time as Ghana hosts, the Black Loopers want to win more medals.

The GTTA is partnered by Labadi Beach Hotel, Trust Sports Emporium Limited, Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Other sponsors are Stanbic Bank, Special Ice, Asky Airlines, Accra City Hotel, Mascot Hotel, Sun Seekers and the Media.

The LOC for the 13^th African Games also supports the Tournament.

The Opening Day attracted some dignitaries like Ghana’s Ambassador to China, HE Edward Boateng, Lawyer Richard Akpokavie former Secretary General of the Ghana Olympic Committee and Presidents of some Federations.

Much Congratulation to the President of the GTTA, Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu and his entire Executives, Management and Officials.

Pictures from the lenses of Nii Otto 29 Photos.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Grand Master of Ghana Table Tennis and Six Times SWAG awards winner last Saturday 22nd April, qualifies to the finals of finals in the 2023 Welmont League

Derek Abrefa who was among the only 4 selected professionals to represent London Middlesex, stamped his authority on Saturday in the second stage of the ongoing Welmont League.

The Ghanaian table tennis professional was selected based on his outstanding performance in the 2022/23 Wembley and Harrow League after a 95% win.

Abrefa demonstrated high level of professionalism by winning all his matches to qualify his team to the finals of finals in June.

He expressed his sincere gratitude to God almighty and to all who supported him

'I thank God Almighty for how far he has brought me. I also thank the Ghana Table Tennis Association especially the president Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu and his executives for being very supportive since I started my professional Career. My coach Ebenezer Anang Whyte, my Pro Manager Charles Essel all from La Dadekotopong TT Club, team mates both home and abroad, and everyone who supported me come this far.' Abrefa said.

In an interview with Yours Truly, the Ping-Pong star said his long training tour has helped him improve and polished skills. He assured Ghanaians the Black Loopers of Ghana will win medals for Ghana in the 2023 (13^th)  African Games which will be hosted in Accra, Ghana.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The 2023 West African Table Tennis Championship has started with exciting and amazing performances by players in the sub region as the Black Loopers look determined to pull up surprises.

Countries represented are hosts Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Senegal, Togo, Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone.

The Female team of Ghana on Monday set the Ga Mashie Hall of the Trust Sport Emporium agog with their splendid display of Ping Pong.

Led by experienced Bernice Borquaye, Cynthia Kwabi and youthful Augustina Baidoo, the ladies did not want to fail their fans and supporters so they made sure they set up Championship on a winning note over their opponents Benin and Cote d'Ivoire.

The men put up a spirited show to prove that Ghana Table Tennis is on the rise. Massive credit must go to coaches Ebenezer Whyte and Owusu Ansah.

Felix Lartey, Skipper Joe Sam and Samuel Akayede were busy making ways and means to grab medals. On the opening day they began the game on a slow note, but ended on a fast note of 3-2 over the strong Ivoreiens, after they had nBeaten Benin in the morning.

President of the Ghana Table Tennis Association, Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu was so glad to see the wonderful display of the Loopers.

He declared "Game On" to start the Championship which was graced by the Executive Chairman of LOC of the 13th African Games Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, Ghana Ambassador to China HE. Edward Boateng of Global Media Alliance fame, Lawyer Richard Akpokavie, Nana Adu Mankattah President of Sports for All Association, Charles Osei Asibey President of Ghana Armwrestling Federation and representatives from Ghana Canoeing and Rowing Association, Ghana Tennis Association and Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).

The GTTA President presented scholarships worth 2,000ghc each to six young players. They are Israel Akli, Naomi Arhin, Emmanuella Yaa Kyere, Clara Arhin, Juanita Borteye and Jessica Droh.

Ghana top player, Felix Lartey who has been playing in a tournament in the USA also donated Table Tennis equipment to some clubs.

President Afadzinu commended his gesture and urged other players to follow his positive footsteps.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Grand Master of Ghana Table Tennis, Derek Abrefa has urged the Black Loopers to play their hearts out to earn glory for themselves and the nation.

Speaking to Yours Truly from his base in England, he advised them to be focused and concentrate fully throughout.

"They must come out and explode because they are playing at home" he said.

He commended and congratulated the Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) for accepting to host the international competition.

According to the top seed, he among the top 4 selected players to represent London Middlesex for the more competitive British League, coming Saturday.

"It's like being selected from inter district tournament to represent Greater Accra Region, boss."

He was optimistic the Black Loopers will perform well and grab the medals.

Ghana will host the 2023 West African Table Tennis Championship at the Trust Sport Emporium in Accra from Monday April 24 to April 27.

The expected participants include Nigeria, Togo, Burkina Faso, Benin, Senegal, Liberia, Cote D'ivoire, Gambia, Sierra Leone and Mali.

The GTTA is partnered by Labadi Beach Hotel, Trust Sports Emporium Limited, Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

By Sammy Heywood Okine