The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has sent congratulatory message to Ghana's Herbert Mensah, the newly elected President of Rugby Africa, the governing body of Rugby in Africa.

Herbert Mensah will lead the continent's rugby governing body in the next four years following the conclusion of the Rugby Africa Executive Committee Elections held on 18th March 2023.

The SWAG expressed that Herbert Mensah is known for his passion for the sport and his extensive experience in sports administration, will lead the continent's rugby governing body.

SWAG President, Mr. Kwabena Yeboah said the victory is not only for Ghana Sports, but the entire African continent.

In his acceptance speech, Herbert Mensah reiterated his passionate vision for the growth of African Rugby. He highlighted that his priority would be to continue the work he has already begun, helping rugby progress and grow not just in Africa, but globally. Mensah emphasized his business experience and stated that he would apply it to Rugby Africa, to generate revenues and development opportunities for all member associations.

Mensah said, "As we embark on this journey, I want us to project rugby as an alternative team sport, gain financial independence and improve the World Rugby Elite Program. My aim is to make Rugby Africa the gold standard for sports administration in the African continent."

My vision for the next four years is to foster an all-inclusive competition framework that will provide members equal opportunities to grow and develop

Rugby fans across the continent would be delighted by Mensah's vision, which aims to raise the level of African rugby internationally. Mensah added, "My vision for the next four years is to foster an all-inclusive competition framework that will provide members equal opportunities to grow and develop. I am also determined to build a positive and strong brand for Rugby Africa, expand the women's rugby program, and provide a national stadium for each member association."

Herbert Mensah is a well-known figure in Ghanaian and international sports administration. He has been a driving force for the development and growth of Rugby in Ghana, and his contribution to the sport's progress in the sub-Saharan region has been significant.

Mensah’s vast experience in sports administration and leadership, coupled with his passion for rugby, positions him well to lead Rugby Africa through its next phase of growth and development. Under his leadership, we can expect to see more investment in rugby development programs, increased participation of African nations in international tournaments, and greater visibility of rugby in mainstream media.

SWAG believes with Mensah at the helm, Rugby Africa is poised for growth and development, and his team's collective experience and vision for African rugby bodes well for the continent.

Out of 32 votes to decide between Herbert and his only challenger, Uganda’s Andrew Owuo as to who should succeed outgoing President Khalid Babou of Tunisia, 30 votes went in Herbert’s favour, one for Owuo, and the other being counted as spoilt ballot.

SWAG

Deputy Communications Director (DCD) of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Mr. Sammy Heywood Okine and some athletes participating in the 2023 Willie Williams Memorial Athletics Championship at the University of Ghana Legon have praised Indomie for refreshing them at the event held last Saturday.

Master Maxwell Peterson Wordui of the University of Ghana also hailed Indomie, saying it is a motivation and allows us to keep our momentum.

"Indomie coming here to give the young athletes some food to keep them going and replenished is super, I hope other companies will join" he expressed.

He said sportsmen and women need all types of motivation and wished that more companies are going to sponsor sports disciplines, sports events and the athletes.

According to the current best High Jumper at Legon, the involvement of corporate Ghana in sports is in the positive direction and prayed for the management of Indomie to reap profits while they support young athletes.

He urged Sports Federations to foster good relationship with companies.

Maxwell said he is training very seriously to perform better and grab any opportunity that comes to continue his education in the United States of America.

He commended organisers of the GUSA Games and hoped for innovation and new ideas

The DCD of the Ghana Olympic Committee said Indomie was very much seen during the visit of Asafa Powell as he was visibly seen distributing the products to school children at Achimota and Nima during the historic visit.

‘If ten companies are doing what Indomie and Verna are doing Ghana Sportsmen and women will be better off, because the refreshment is even inspiring, and can keep you in the sport, not to give up, and you can become better” he expressed.

By Philip Coffie

Ghana’s Macaire Derrick is improving very fast as one of the best ring officials in Kickboxing and other martial arts events.

He was recently in Lome, the capital of Togo to officiate in the WAKO pro K1 Kickboxing event.

He said he loves Kickboxing and want the sport to develop and promoted to the highest level in Africa.

“I love be in the center as referee for the title fights. I love to fly the Ghanaian flag high. I'm proud to be a Ghanaian” he said.

The countries that took part over the weekend include Ghana, Togo, Benin, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Gabon.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Professional Boxing League Season Two begun last Saturday in a bang with wins for new entrants, Ghana Armed Forces and Ghana Prisons.

Corporal Bawa Akankolim of the Ghana Armed Forces defeated Emmanuel Annoh from the Seconds Out Gym.

Ghana Prison Service's Sergeant Anani Kutsokey also won over Daniel Somotey from the Sea View Gym after six rounds.

Former Black Bomber and Olympian Shakul Samed defeated Oti Region rep. Francis Akakpo after an exciting six rounds.

Eric Korley who celebrated his birthday got his first win against Frank Oppong from the Ashanti Region after six rounds.

Stanley Nyantekye lost to a very fast Emmanuel Mawuli after six rounds, while son of the GBA President, Cann Neequaye gets his first professional win.

The amazing student of Accra Academy SHS, Cann Neequaye got his first professional win on his debut when he beat Mumuni Sawado of the Ivory Coast

Akimos Annan Ampiah also earned a Round 2 K.O over Abraham Dodoo.

AK Songtress was at the Bukom Boxing Arena to thrill boxing fans on the first day of Season Two.

The next bill is on Saturday, 25th March,2023 for Fight Night Two.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Indomie has proved to be the leading company motivating the less financed sports disciplines and once again they were at the University of Ghana, Legon on Saturday to support the Willie Williams Memorial Athletics Championship.

The programme which was sanctioned by the Ghana Athletics saw some potential and rising stars who can represent the nation in the future.

In the 100 metres Joseph Andoh of Mfantsipim School ran 10.30 seconds to beat Mustapha Bokpin of the University of Ghana and Enoch Ofosuhene.

In the 1,500 meters men race, Abanga Inusah of the University of Ghana also run a good race to win, while Abigail Abugri of New Generation Club who won the National Cross Country Race at Savalegu edged her senior challenger Abusuare Alhare of UDS in the exciting female version.

The programme showed that Ghana has talent and potential in Track and Field, but lack facilities to organize Athletics in the capital, Accra.

Mr. Bawa Fuseini, CEO of Ghana Athletics said there would be another Schools Championship in Kumasi involving 32 seconds to select athletes for a West African Open and a four nation competition involving Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Benin to prepare athletes for the African Junior Championship in Lusaka, Zambia, World Championships and African Games.

He commended Mr. James Thompson and the sponsors of the Willie Williams Memorial Athletics.

The participants were drawn from the Legon Creative Athletics Club, Mfantsipim, Marvelous, Koora, University of Ghana, Sporty, St. Louis, Adisco, Holy Sprinters, Osu Children's Home and University of Natural Resources.

Present were some former athletes, coaches and Dr. Mark Kwame Dzradosi, a member of the Ghana Athletics who commended the young athletes for their determination and desire to run.

Mr. James Thompson, the organiser thanked Indomie and the media, especially Metro TV, GTV, Green FM, GNA, ultimatesportsghana.com, newsghana.com.gh, Modernghana.com, Asaaseaban.com, Ghana Olympic Committee Communications Directorate and Yours Truly for the support and hailed the athletes who showed up in their numbers.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Bronze Medalist, Samuel Takyi has revealed his ambition to represent Ghana again at the Olympic Games.

In an exclusive interview with Yours Truly, President of the Boxing Writers Association of Ghana (BWAG), the Ring Warrior said he wants to be the Skipper of the team and inspire them to win more medals.

“I have been there, and I now know how to make it. My target in 2021 in Tokyo was gold, but I lacked experience though I was inspired by some people like Mr. Sammy Heywood, Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif and Coach Dr. Asare. Now I have learnt many tricks in the ring, and fighting as a pro in Nigeria and South Africa has made me gained some experience. I want to assure Ghanaians that I am ready to made history as a two time Olympic medalist, and I want every Ghanaian to pray for me to succeed” he expressed.

Samuel Takyi who is currently managed by Bazooka Promotions may find a new manager to work on his ambition.

He prayed that the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) will consider to offer him a scholarship like other sportsmen and women preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Now training at the Wisdom Gym under Coach Dr. Asare, he thanked everyone who has contributed to his chosen profession as a boxer.

The 23-year-old boxer secured a bronze for getting into the semis of the 57kg Featherweight division after beating Colombian boxer Ceiber Avila in the quarter-finals.

Despite losing by America’s Silver Medalist, Duke Ragan in the semis, Takyi grabbed Ghana’s first medal since 1992 when the Black Meteors secured bronze in Barcelona.

A Russian won the gold in the Featherweight division at Tokyo 2020.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

... Sheyi Adebayor and Eboue mourn great Ghanaian winger

Former captain of the Ghana Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan aka Baby Jet left the 73rd FIFA Congress on time to represent at the State House for the funeral rites of his colleague and team mate, Christian Atsu Twasam who was buried on Friday, March 17, 2023.

Asamoah Gyan announced his presence with a performance of local High Life songs. He joined the band to sing as a sign of respect and sympathy for his late friend who died in an earthquake disaster in Turkey and Syria.

The crowd at the State House, on seeing him rushed and it had to take security personal some time to disperse them.

The well attended funeral attracted some foreign stars including Togolese Super Star Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor, Katalin Comoe an Ivorian International and Emmanuel Eboue another Ivorien who played for Arsenal.

Atsu was buried at his hometown at Dogobome in the Greater Accra Region.

The funeral which was well organized with support from the government was attended by President Nana Akufo-Addo, former President John Mahama, Vice President Bawumia, Sports Minister, Hon. Mustapha Ussif and many Black Stars players.

Some of the old stars spotted were Stephen Tornado Appiah, John Mensah, Sammy Kufour, John Paintsill, Sulley Muntari, Mubarak Wakaso, Sam Johnson, Yaw Preko, Augustine Arhinful, Arthur Moses, Felix Aboagye, Afo Dodoo, Godwin Attram, Richard Kingston, and others.

The Maestro of Ghana Football, Abedi Ayew Pele and striker, Anthony Yeboah were all spotted at the event.

New Black Stars coach Chris Houghton and his assistant, George Boateng did not miss out.

Atsu's wife, Marie and her kids were all present alongside representatives of his Turkish club. Vice President of Hatayspor, Mustafa Özat, the last team that Atsu played for was there.

The Turkey Ambassador to Ghana was also in attendance as well as some Members of Parliament and the Greater Accra Regional Minister.

Mourners, who were all dressed in red and black, could not hold back their tears as tributes poured in at the funeral grounds.

The tributes were centered on the generosity, humility, and love shown by the talented footballer on and off the pitch.

“…In life I love you dearly, in death I do the same… You did not go alone, for part of me went with you. Your smile, your love I see in our children’s smiles,” Marie-Claire Rupio, his widow, said, as she sorrowfully read her tribute.

The Sport Minister, who read a tribute for the State, said: “Even at the peak of his career, Astu remained himself and was never overtaken by pride, arrogance or indiscipline,” adding that the national hero’s legacy would remain as an inspiration.

His alma mater, Potsin T.I. Ahmadiya Secondary School, described him as an exemplary person and philanthropist, who was always willing and ready to sacrifice for the School.

The School said it was painful that just a few days after Atsu had sent a message to support his alma mater’s developmental projects, he died tragically.

Archbishop Ampofo of the Lighthouse Chapel International, who preached at the funeral service, reminded people of the life after death, and urged them to live a righteous life as no one knew the day of death just like Atsu.

“Prepare for you do not know who’s next [to die],” Archbishop Ampofo, said to the mourners.

Alhaji Abdul Hayye Yartey, founder of Cheetah FC who took Atsu to Europe for the first time, as his manager also could not hold his tears, but was able to lead the organization of a splendid funeral programme.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Atsu Twasam on January 10, 1992, the 31-year-old former winger of Ghana’s Black Stars, played 107 games for Newcastle and had spells with Chelsea, Everton and Bournemouth.

He made 65 appearances for Ghana, and helped the national side reached the finals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea – where he was honoured with the best goal and player of the tournament award.

Surprisingly, he did not win the SWAG Footballer of the year, but described as one of Ghana's best players at the African Cup tournament.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

ACE Power Promotions (APP), one of the renowned boxing promotions will stage a historic event on Saturday, March 18 at the Bukom Square Park in the heart of Accra.

The promotion which is dubbed ‘The Rise’ will expose two of ACE Power products, Holy Dorgbetor aka ‘Jaw breaker’ against veteran George Krampah in a ten round Featherweight bout.

Amazing Samuel Martei Laryea will take on Beninian Kouassi Martin Klaklevi in an eight-round Super Bantamweight fray.

According to Mr. Isaac Amnakwah,  General Manager of ACE Power Promotions, the bill would feature some of the finest and popular boxers in Accra to entertain boxing fans, and hoped that the event would be patronised.

He said the aim is to take the sport to “where it started from”, getting it closer to the fans and inspire talents.

On the undercards Gideon Nortey will take on Godwin Kofi Appiah in a a six-round lightweight contest, while Isaac Odartey Lamptey Clottey squares up with Eric Asante in a six-round Super welterweight bout.

Abraham Afful will take on Batholomew Abuchi Uche in a West African super welterweight contest, while Daniel Aduka faces Kofi Manu.

In other bouts, Emmanuel Quartey will take on Emmanuel Otoo in an eight-round Super featherweight contest, another Emmanuel Baidoo faces Moses Lartey in an eight-round Super welterweight bout, while Dodzi Kemmeh and Felix Mankatah clash in a six-round Super welterweight clash.

Former UBO Intercontinental Champion, Robert ‘Stopper’ Quaye will climb the ring for the first time since he lost to George Ashie to meet an opponent yet to be named in a six-round Super lightweight bout.

The packed bill will also see Light heavyweight Ahmed Abdula in action.

Female boxers, Sarah Apau and Perpetual Okaija will also feature in the crowd puller show.

Some musicians are going to perform to thrill boxing fans tonite.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Vice President Mark Addo, General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo are attending the FIFA Congress in Kigali. Also at the FIFA Congress are Asamoah Gtan and Kwadwo Asamoah.

Ghana's Chief Justice Annin-Yeboah who also serves on the FIFA Disciplinary Committee as Chairman is also there.

Olympic Games 2020 Bronze Medalist, Samuel Takyi on Friday visited the office of the Ghana Olympic Committee and met the Treasurer, Mr. Fred Acheampong who doubles as a member of the Executive Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

Fred Acheampong told the 2020 Olympic Games Bronze Medalist to be focused, determined to succeed and shun some luxuries as all will come in many folds when he becomes a world champion.

Takyi heeded to the advice and promised to be disciplined, focused and train harder to realize his dream of winning a world title.

Also known as the Ring Warrior, he said experience in the Professional ranks, fighting in South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana has built his confidence, courage and psychology.

Takyi thanked the GOC Treasurer and hoped that he would be granted an Olympic scholarship, as he prepares for his second appearance at the Olympic Games.

"I want to make history as the first Ghanaian boxer to represent our nation at two Olympic Games, and am not just going, but going for gold" he expressed.

By Sammy Heywood Okine