HE Jules Armand Aniambossou, the France Ambassador to Ghana on Tuesday March 14, 2023 presented a special Baton to the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah to signify 500 days to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the formal invitation of Ghana to participate in the biggest sports festival of the world.

The event dubbed 'Relay Round The World' was held at the Freedom Skate Park at Shiashie in Accra, where the Ambassador described the facility as very impressive and ideal for talent hunt, development and motivation, and also a place for sustainability and growth.

He expressed that Ghana has talent that need to be harnessed and the Embassy is ready to support, as Skate Boarding has proved to attract Tourism and a lifestyle and business for the young people, just like Break Dance.

He hoped the Embassy will be in touch with the National Sports Authority, the Ghana Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to promote less known disciplines.

Monsiuer Jules Armand Aniambossou announced that France is looking forward to hosting a memorable Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024.

Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah revealed that Skate Boarding and Breaking are new sporting disciplines at the next Games and offers an opportunity for young people in Ghana to venture to discover, display and win laurels for the nation.

He noted that it is the responsibility of everyone to contribute in changing lives through sports, because not only football can win medals for the nation, but who speaks for the voiceless, so the onus lies on the media.

He charged journalists to positively promote sports and appealed to French companies to support Team Ghana to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Deputy Sports Minister Hon. Evans Opoku Bobie who graced the programme called for support for lesser known sports like Skating and Break Dance which would be new sports introduced at the 2024 Olympic Games.

He expressed that the government share same values of the IOC to unite people and allow them to exhibit their talents and do business in freedom.

He promised the GOC would fully participate in the 2024 Olympic Games and win medals not only in Boxing, but others like Athletics, recalling the achievement of Samuel Takyi who won Bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Ms Sandy Alibo, brain behind the Freedom Skate Park took the dignitaries round the facility while the skaters, comprising boys and girls demonstrate their skills.

Some volunteers who have been selected for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games were also introduced.

Present were Mr. Isaac Duah, President of the Ghana Tennis Federation,, Nana Tuffour Okai, DanceSport, members of the GOC Communications Team and officials from the French Embassy.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Young Teranga Lions of Senegal beat their neighbours Gambia 2-0 on Saturday to win their first ever TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Goals from forward Sulaymane Faye and midfielder Mamadou Camara in the Egyptian capital of Cairo were enough to secure Senegal victory over their arch-rivals.

The West African side qualified to Saturday's final with a hundred percent record winning all their matches without conceding a goal.

The Young Teranga Lions were playing their fourth TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON final having finished runners-up in 2015, 2017 and 2019.

Malick Daf's side have followed in the footsteps of the senior Teranga Lions, the Beach Soccer national team and the home-based national team in winning continental glory over the last year.

The Young Teranga Lions started better at the Cairo International Stadium with their direct approach causing the Young Scorpions problems at the back.

The Young Teranga Lions broke the deadlock after six minutes through Sulaymane Faye's header from a cross down the right channel.

The Gambian defense failed to deal with Pape Diallo's cross which allowed Faye to head into an unguarded goal.

The Young weathered the early setback to keep possession with Alieu Gibba and Mahmud Bajo

Lamine Camara fired a shot from distance which Pa Ebou Dampha parried towards the inrushing Sulaymane Faye who failed to score on 28 minutes.

Mamadou Camara of Senegal Alieu Gibba of Gambia during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final match between Senegal and Gambia held at Cairo Inter

Pa Ebou Dampha made himself big in front of the CF Talavera forward who couldn't add to his tally.

The Young Scorpions came from the break seeking to get back into the match but were too strong in defense for the Young Scorpions.

Senegal doubled their lead ten minutes after the restart through RS Berkane midfielder Mamadou Camara. The towering Mamadou Camara guided home a corner to beat the helpless Pa Ebou Dampha.

The Young Teranga Lions dominated possession in the opening exchanges of the second period with Lamine Camara and Mamadou Camara pulling the strings for Malick Daf's side.

The Gambia coach Abdoulie Bojang made a double substitution bringing in Mansour Mbye and Muhamed Sawaneh for Bailo Bah and Modou Marong.

Samba Diallo of Senegal receive a trophy from Patrice Motsepe President of the Confederation of African Football during the 2023 Africa Cup of N

The change added more firepower to the ineffective Young Scorpions attack. Mbye played in Kajally Drammeh on the left side of the Gambian to free Cape Town winger whose delivery into the area was cleared for a corner.

Senegal captain Samba Diallo twice came close to extending their lead against their neighbours. The Dinamo Kiev youngster saw his half volley agonizingly miss the target before blocking Alagie Saine's clearance towards the Gambian goal.

Substitute Mouhamed Gueye hit the Young Scorpions post with a ferocious effort in stoppage time. The US Goree midfielder was played in just outside the Gambian box to strike against the woodwork.

The WAFU-A champions held on to secure their first ever TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Senegal goalkeeper Landing Badji, 19 was named the Best Goalkeeper of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2023.

Senegal midfielder Pape Demba Diop won the Umbro Golden Boot award.

The 19-year-old scored five goals in the tournament which earned him the coveted trophy as the leading scorer of the 23rd edition of the biennial tournament.

Seven-time TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations champions Nigeria won the 2023 TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON Fair Play award.

Source Cafonline

President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah says the objective and reasons for the special 10 day-visit of world class sprinter Jamaican Asafa Powell and his wife to Ghana was achieved.

He told Yours Truly in an exclusive chat, Powell came to Ghana to inspire and motivate kids not to limit themselves to only football, but they can achieve in other fields, especially Track and Field which is his passion.

According to Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah who was former President of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation, executive of Ghana Cricket as well as member of Accra Hearts of Oak management, Ghanaians kids should be given the opportunity to explore to find their potentials in the sport or professions that they can excel in.

“Seeing Asafa smiling and watching kids at Achimota Basic School and the Nima Cluster of Schools  run made me very happy, however we should give them the right facilities” he said.

According to Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, the visit exposed the capital’s lack of Track and Field facilities, and appealed to the government to complete the Kaneshie (Azumah Nelson) Sports Complex project which is for the community.

The GOC President who is a member of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 13^th African Games to be hosted in Ghana expressed that Asafa Powell’s visit was a huge motivation for national athletes whom he met at the Accra Sports Stadium.

He noted that Athletics is big in some African nations like Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Morocco, Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire.

He believes Ghana can also regain its status as a super power in Athletics if the kids and youth are encouraged, because in the 1960s and 1970s, Ghana was beating Jamaica, Britain and Australia at international meets like the Commonwealth Games when the likes of Mike Ahey, Billy Lomotey, Okoe Addy, Ohene Karikari, George Daniels, Dan Philips, Alice Anum, Rose Hart and others were performing.

He noted that the visit of Asafa Powell and his wife, Alyshia who happens to be his niece was really positive and inspiring.

During the visit, Asafa Powell went to Cape Coast to see St. Augustine’s College which has produced many sportsmen for Ghana and the castle.

He was also hosted by the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Board, the Ghana Carribean Association (GCA) and Mr. Francis Boateng, Chairman of Mobility Technologies.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

"My brother Donovan was an athlete who went to the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, he inspired me. We are a family of 6 boys. Two have passed on, and they were the ones who inspired and gingered me to ran faster and better than anyone in my school " Asafa Powell told Yours Truly in an exclusive interview.

According to the former fastest man in the world talent abound in Ghana and in Africa generally, but they need to be mentored and motivated with modern scientific techniques.

" People didn't know they can make a lifestyle or financial gains from Track and Field, but now they are making it big and bigger. There are many benefits in Athletics just ike Football and Cricket, but I chose Track and Field, because that is where my talent is and I had the interest" he expressed.

Asafa Powell who is one of the best four fastest men in the world said he has not ran his  best in the 100m most of the time due to injuries.

"I know am the best, but Usain Bolt beating my record is no big deal because we are all Jamaicans, there is no rivalry between us, our rivals are the Americans. We are often tested, we are the most tested athletes but we are still the best"

He revealed that definitely he will be going into coaching, to teach the younger ones. The Asafa Powell Foundation is already doing well in supporting athletes, managers and media in Jamaica.

His wife Alyshia was born in the Central Region of Ghana, specifically Esikuma at Cape Coast.

But Why did he come to Ghana.. Slaves were taken from African to the Carribean and he wanted to see where the slaves were taken from, also he was in Ghana to share his experience and knowledge with the children and strengthen the relations between Ghana and Jamaica.

"Am from a humble beginning, normal person and I have achieved my desire which means others too can make it. My dad was a Taxi Driver and my mum sold at the market, Accra, Ghana is just like Kingston, Jamaica. We are all one people. Jamaicans have their roots in Africa" he noted.

"My Foundation is  in Jamaica and I am going to open a branch in Ghana, we must work hard for this project. My brother is a musician and I grew up learning how to play music, like love music very much and I love to dance with my wife and kids.."

He advised young athletes never to give up, because where he grew up is not classic or expensive, but he was determined and trained in Jamaica to become the best, Jamaicans never give up.

I have no choice but I have to come back to invest in Ghana.

"I will sell the idea to my colleagues in Jamaica to see if they will be interested in coming to Ghana. Definitely I will be in Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games" he stressed.

Asafa was sad not to see a running track, since he was in Ghana for ten days, and advised "guys should not limit yourself to football, you should give other opportunities to young guys to grow their talents" .

"t's been 8 years since we wanted to come to the motherland, but Covid and others programmes prevented us, and now we are here. Thanks to the Ghana Olympic Committee President, Ben Nunoo Mensah and his board as well as Federation heads, the athletes and media who made our trip exciting and was heard all over due to social media, now Jamaica is jealous."

Powell lowered the 100m world record to 9.77 seconds on June 14, 2005. He held the mark until Bolt broke it on May 31, 2008. He also ran  9.74 seconds. His personal best of 9.72 s ranking fourth on the all-time list of men's 100-metre athletes. As of 1 September 2016, Powell has broken the ten-second barrier more times than anyone else—97 times.

Makqash, of Landlord and Get Vim fame said the visit of the Powells to Ghana is not only historic and influential, but an eye opener for the Athletics Federation to find answers to their petty problems because in the 1960s Ghana was among the best nations in Track and Field.

"It is true, not everyone loves football, some love basketball, table tennis, and athletics" he emphasized.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ace sports presenter, Karl Tuffour has joined the crusade to press on sports authorities in Ghana to revive Track and Field.

Karl the Truth as he is known was one of the few journalists who had one on one interviews with Jamaican athlete, Asafa Powell, a world record breaker in 100 meters and he was impressed as well as appreciated the rewards in running to fame.

Tuffour was at his alma mata, Achimota Basic School to support Asafa Powell inspire the kids and was present at the farewell dinner organized by Francis Boateng, Chairman of Mobility Technologies.

According to him, many young people have been deprived of the opportunity to nurture their talent in running, jumping and throwing because the facilities are not there.

He commended the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) President Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah for spearheading the significant visit of Asafa with his wife Alyshia and hoped that the reasons for the trip would be achieved.

Karl who is keen Athletics enthusiast lamented that the whole beautiful capital of Ghana had no Athletics facility.

He was one of the journalists who covered the World Athletics Championship in Oregon and he is very sure and confident that Ghanaians can rob shoulders with the best in the world if they are given the chance.

Ghana   only standard running tracks can be found at Tamale, Cape Coast and Kumasi. The Essipong stadium at Sekondi also has tracks but the whole facility is not in the best shape due to lack of maintenance.

The Kaneshie (Azumah Nelson) Sports Complex in Accra which was supposed to be renovated as one of ten resource centers for the youth is an eyesore.

With Ghana given the nod to host the 13th African Games dubbed "Accra 2023," the University of Ghana field is being put in shape, and that could be the only standard running track in the capital, however how many people will be able to go and run there.

He suggested that every secondary school and university should have a field where the students can have fun and have the feeling of running to fame.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The 2nd Edition of the Accra Inter-City Marathon has been fixed for Saturday, July 29, 2023.

Organisers of the event Medivents Consult announced that the event has been fixed for July 29, to coincide with the annual Ga Homowo Festival.

A statement by Mr. Henri Senyo Penni – General Manager of Medivents Consult, said the event is part of the activities marking the annual festival since it has been approved by the Ga Traditional Council (GTC).

It said plans are place to introduce more activities into the event to make it exciting and attractive for all to participate.

The statement said, apart from the 21-kilometer race which is the flagship event, they would also introduce 10 and 5-kilomters for interested participants.

“In addition, we shall introduce a special Sports Expo for sponsors and other corporate bodies, to have add more value to their sponsorship.

“Unlike the previous year where we started at the Spintex Road, the 2023 edition would commence at the Accra Sports Stadium and end at Mantse Agbona, James Town,” it added.

The statemen said organisers would seek to improve the 2023 edition in terms prizing, security and safety of athletes among others.

The Accra Inter-City Marathon was initiated last year by Medivents Consult in partnership with the Ga Traditional Council as part of activities marking the 2022 Homowo Festival.

It attracted close to 1000 athletes and was won by Martin Tirop from Kenya.

Source AIM

The Willie Williams Athletics Championship is coming on Saturday18th March 2023, at the Athletics Oval of the University of Ghana, Legon.

The events to be participated are , 100m to 5000m for men and women that is for track and Long Jump and High Jump also for men and women and that is for the field events. Some past athletes have shown their interest in this year's competition and therefore they will sponsor some of the events,

USA based Aziz Zakari will sponsor the 100m for  men and women, Professor Andrew Owusu will sponsor the high jump, Dr. Marc Dradosi will sponsor the long jump, Felix Timean who is the Chairman of the Foundation will sponsor the 1500m, Mercy Addy will sponsor the women 400m. Mr Wisdom Loh, Father of Ghana's Athletics is the Patron of the Foundation whiles Aziz Zakari the advisor.

"There is no age limit, the competition is open for all ages and the general public" said organizer, James Anlaamige.

He called for  massive support for this great program, and thanked Ruky Chesco, Monica Twum, Joseph Acquah and Isaac Boakye for their various support towards the program.

Sponsors for the event include Indomie Ghana, Liberty lndustry, producers of Kpookeke alcoholic drinks and Dr. Caesar Health center, producers of Lina energy tea. The competition is sanctioned by GAA.

The competition starts from 8:00am to 5:00pm in the evening. Some senior citizens have been invited.

The Organizer of the championship, has called on government, individuals who love Track and Field companies to sponsor the program so that It could be sustained for long, for more athletes to be scouted, groomed and trained to become national stars for Ghana. Mr Lutterodt, former President of the Ghana Athletics Association (GAA) is also supporting the program.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

AfPC President began consultation and support from the Ministry of Sports of AU Member States to Include Para-Sport in Specialised Technical Committees of the AUC.

The African Paralympic Committee President has begun a stakeholder consultation to include Para-Sport as part of the African Union and its government programs to promote and project sport in the Specialized Technical Committee (STC) policy framework. The African Paralympic Committee owns the organisation of the African Para Games on the African Continent and believes in a partnership with the AUSC to jointly include para-sport in its bidding and hosting of the African Games as a standalone event after the Olympic event.

Hamid Al Aouni – President of NPC GHANA

During the visit, Samson Deen seized the opportunity to meet, discuss and share with the representative of the Hon. Minister of Sports, Mr ABDERRAZZAK AKKARI, who is the Director of Sports at the Ministry of National Education, Primary Education and Sports, some vital information of mutual interest regarding the Inclusion of Para Sport, bidding and hosting, participation and organisation strategy. The AfPC will need the support of the majority of the AU Member States to support the inclusion of the AGENDA in the next sitting of the Specialized Technical Committee.

Ghana will host the First African Para Games, Accra 2023, slated for 3rd to 12 September 2023 in Accra, Ghana.

The STC’s functions include:

Considering progress on implementing the Decade for Youth Development 2009–18 Plan of Action, including the Youth Volunteer Corps, youth capacity building and the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Project in post-conflict countries.

Ratification and implementation of the African Youth Charter, Charter for the African Cultural Renaissance and the Policy Framework for the Sustainable Development of Sport in Africa.

Establishing the Architecture for Sport Development, Architecture for Culture Development in Africa, Pan African Cultural Institute and the African Audiovisual and Cinema Commission (AACC).

Implementing adult education and lifelong learning.

The Ministry presented a Souvenir of the forum and gifts as a token of thanks and gratitude for the excellent cooperation, presented by Mr ABDERRAZZAK AKKARI, who is the Director of Sports at the Ministry of National Education, Primary Education and Sports and the President of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Sport for Persons with Disabilities Mr Hamid Al Ouni to the President of African Paralympic Committee.

Source NPC

Astute Ghanaian International business guru Mr. Francis Boateng, has described Asafa Powell as the embodiment of a true champion.

The Chairman of Mobility Technologies hosted the former world fastest man and his wife Alyshia Powell, to a glittering  farewell dinner at his plush residence in Cantonments, Accra.

"I won't say much but let me express my joy at meeting and hosting this fine gentleman, athlete and international icon. We can all clearly see how Asafa wears his crown with such humility as an exemplary Ambassador for athletics and sports as a whole"

Whilst in Ghana, the Asafa Powell train criss crossed the Ghanaian capital Accra with a number of events including stops at Achimota School, tour of Accra Sports Stadium, meeting with Ghana Olympic Committee board, NPC plus athletics, Nima cluster of schools, Seven Great School and charitable events.

The Jamaican star was also in Cape Coast where he joined the Independence day  of Ghana celebrations.

GOC Communications

Champion sportswear designer and manufacturer, Mr. Kwabena Asamoah aka Kwab has presented a special custom made track suit to former world fastest man Asafa Powell of Jamaica and his lovely beautiful wife Alyshia.

Asamoah who is CEO of Kustom Looks made the presentation at a special farewell dinner organized by Mr. Francis Boateng at his plush residence in Accra popularly known as Anfield.

Kustom Looks, the Tribal Sports Wear company has in the past made donated of sports uniforms to some sports federations and sports personalities.

Asamoah who was based in the USA before returning to the motherland to open up his business said he was impressed with the achievements of Asafa Powell and has admired him for a long time.

He said choosing a Ghanaian lady and deciding to come to Ghana at the right time is devine and special.

He also urged Ghanaians to take sports very serious because talents abound and must not be left to go waste.

Kustom Looks are the best sports fashion providers at the moment and has been involved in a number of fashion shows.

Kwab Asamoah who is a Judo enthusiast urged Ghanaians to patronize made in Ghana fashion as some are classic and charming.

The farewell dinner attracted a number of business tycoons and top media and sports executives. The President of the Ghana Carribean Association, Madam Carol Davies - Pryce was also present.

President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah the special host of the couple from Jamaica was very happy with the programme and said the purpose of the 10 days visit was achieved.

Asafa Powell and his wife departed Ghana last Thursday night and will return in December to continue with his inspiration and motivation programme.

By Sammy Heywood Okine