Ace world class athlete, Asafa Powell was honored last Saturday by the Ghana Carribean Association at the JamRock Restaurant and Grill, Oak Plaza Hotel in Accra.

He was presented with a certificate by President of the Association, Madam Carol Davies - Pryce and gifts from Mr. Mark Dei, Vice President of the Association.

Accompanied by his lovely wife, Alyshia and the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, they were very grateful with the gesture and promised to return to the motherland to continue the mission of encouraging the kids and youth of Ghana.

Madam Carol Davies - Pryce said the Association brings together descendants from the Caribbean to collaborate in partnership for cultural, business and other ventures.

She thanked Asafa for honouring the invitation in his historic visit and accepting to be a member of the Association which has been in existence for six decades, since 1964.

The former world record holder in 100 metres said the Asafa Powell Foundation is ever ready to work in Ghana.

"I feel at home I feel welcome and ten years younger here, I feel the warmth and brotherhood "

Asafa Powell noted that he was in Ghana to motivate, inspire and encourage the youth that there are opportunities everywhere not only in the USA and that anything that they put their minds and hope to do can be achieved.

"We can do more, especially in athletics which is my passion. The talent is here in Africa and we can tap them to become world stars. Ghana and Jamaica can be at the finishing line " he said.

Alyshia also hailed the Ghana Carribean Association for what they are doing to unite people who have almost everything in common. The expressed her feelings as like in Jamaica and thanked everyone present at the event for the love.

"The similarities are many, the people, weather, market, vibe, everything, we are one" she stressed.

President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah said Asafa really feels Ghanaian because of his roots in Africa and wanted to visit Ghana a long time ago, but because of Covid, but he is here and will be coming often because of projects he wants to undertake.

"Ghana and Jamaica should strengthen their relations and with Asafa here, the future is bright. We can relate more, not only in sports but in the economy, education and cultural activities" he expressed.

He emphasized on Schools Sports competitions to keep children fit and intelligent.

Mrs Eliza Olympio, Manager of JamRock Restaurant who was very elated also thanked Asafa and the Ghana Carribean Association for the impressive and important event which attracted a lot of friends and families.

One of her daughters, Alia narrated a poem in honor of Asafa Powell and had a standing ovation.

Apostle Owusu Asare and his wife Dorinda Forson - Asare, relatives of Mrs. Alyshia Akua Miller Powell who were present urged the government, Ministries of Youth and Sports, Foreign Affairs, Education, Culture and Tourism and people of Ghana to make positive use of the visit of Asafa Powell.

Mr. Phil Johnny Quartey, a sports journalist with Metro TV said "Every thing is beautiful here at JamRock, but we should be serious about Track and Field which has made Jamaica and Asafa Powell big. We have talent here, we need to polish"

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The 13th African Games, dubbed Accra 2023, will serve as qualifiers for 12 sporting disciplines for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

The number of disciplines could increase, according to the Executive Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare.

Dr. Ofosu-Asare announced the list of disciplines on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, after the LOC in collaboration with key stakeholders; including the African Union (AU), the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), and the Association of African Sports Confederations (AASC) announced a new date for the Games.

“Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cycling, Gymnastics, Judo, Swimming, Tennis, Table Tennis, Triton, Volleyball, and wrestling are the disciplines that are going to serve as qualifiers for Paris 2024,” he stated.

Source Accra 2023

The former world Athletics Champion and the Jamaican legend commended the African Paralympic Committee President, Mr Samson Deen, for making the Paralympic Sport a focus on the African Continent by giving athletes and the movement the to participate in the first-ever African Para Games, which will be staged from the 3rd to 12 September 2023.

In a closed-door meeting, the AfPC President indicated that the Paralympic office would like to cooperate with the Jamaican Legend to promote the #WalkInMyShoe project, a digital campaign to bridge the gap between the non-disabled in our society and persons with disabilities.

The legend was led by the President of Ghana Olympic Committee Mr. Ben Nunoo MENSAH to solidify the need for para sports promotion on the continent.

Ghana will host the first-ever multi-sport para games from 3rd to 12 September 2023, with seven sport Para Athletics, Para Powerlifting, Para Volleyball, GoalBall, Wheelchair Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball and Amputee Football.

The West African nation LOC has confirmed it has a budget of 8.5 Million Dollars to stage the event, with the funding coming from media rights, sponsorship and the government of Ghana.

Source NPC

TXT Ghana - a mobile media company has become the official “Digital Partner” for the 2023 Accra Inter-City Homowo Marathon fixed for Saturday, July 29.

This was revealed after a partnership deal between Medivents Consult - organisers of the event and TXT Ghana was signed last week in Accra.

Under the partnership, TXT Ghana would support the organization of the event by providing a robust registration system for participants, which would also ensure instant and regular feedbacks after registration.

In addition, TXT Ghana would ensure regular updates to participants on the race, as well as a smooth payment system for registration.

Announcing the deal Mr. Henry Kwao Commercial Manager of TXT Ghana said the partnership fits into their scheme of operations.

He said the partnership was not only about monetary consideration, but the value it adds to their brand.

According to Mr. Kwao, they would be looking forward to leveraging on the race to promote the activities of TXT Ghana.

Mr. Henri Senyo Penni General Manager of Medivents Consult explained that the decision to partner TXT Ghana was due to challenges from the 2022 edition of the race.

According to him, there were challenges with registration of participants but added that the partnership would help resolve this by the creation of a robust and interactive registration system.

He said this would be a further improvement on their race and a significant step towards making the race much better this year.

TXT GHANA is a mobile media company engaged in the provisioning of integrated mobile services, spanning mobile entertainment, mobile information dissemination and the enabling of mobile-based products and services.

Since its inception in 2005, the firm has successfully provided mobile solutions on bearers of SMS, USSD, internet, voice and video to firms and individuals in the B2B and B2C markets respectively.

TXT Ghana operates under the umbrella of the TXT Group.

With its ambition to be the most dominant VAS player on the international markets, TXT Group has played a pioneering role in the VAS markets by first establishing itself in Ghana with operations in other countries such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Netherlands and Canada.

Source AIM

Asafa Powell would become an ambassador for the 13th African Games

Two-time 100 metres world record holder Asafo Powell has pledged to become an ambassador for the 13th African Games.

On Friday, March 3, 2023, the ex-Jamaican sprint king paid a visit to the secretariat of the Local Organising Committee for the March 2024 event in Accra.

The Spanish Town-born, 40, was in the company of his Ghanaian wife Alyshia Miller-Powell, and Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) President Ben Nunoo Mensah.

Powell, who is sponsored by Puma, believes his visit to the West African nation has opened the country to the world, as well as many people in the diaspora who want to visit the motherland – Ghana.

Asafa Powell together with his wife Alyshia Miller-Powell and LOC chair Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare

During the interaction with the leadership of the LOC, Powell agreed to become an ambassador to promote the African Games. However, he impressed upon the LOC to engage his management to formalise the process.

Commenting on the facilities for the Games, Powell said: “Athletics is the main focus in competitions like the Olympic and African Games, so definitely every effort  would be made to have tartan tracks in Accra.”

The Executive Chairman of the LOC, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu–Asare, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Reks Brobby a former athlete who competed at the 1984 Olympic Games, and Mrs. Joyce Datsa also a former athlete and a member of the LOC received Powell to the secretariat of the LOC.

Accra 2023

Footvolley Association of Ghana will organise the second edition of the Independence Day Footvolley Tournament slated to take place on the 6th March, 2023 at the north campus University of Education, Winneba in the central region.

The maiden one was first organized at the University of Ghana and featured a footvolley star from Israel Roni Leef. The second edition will witness teams from various regions of Ghana and Benin Footvolley Clubs.

The Independence Day Footvolley Tournament is marked to celebrate the role of democracy in the development of sports since 6th March 1957.

Source Mustapha Mohammed

Young sensation Samson Segbedzi will battle veteran Victus Kemavor for the UBO Africa Welterweight Championship in the main event of the Box Office Sports bill at Tema New Town, Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Stadium on Sunday, March 5, 2023.

In the efforts to spread the business and sport of boxing to other parts of the country, The Greater Accra Minister - Hon. Henry Quartey (with the blessing of the President of the Republic - His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo) in association with Alex Ntiamoah-Boakye's Box Office Sports Promotions are staging the Independence Eve Boxing under the theme ‘Our Unity Our Strength, Our Purpose’

Featuring on the mouth watering bill is Prince Oko Nartey against  Benard Ayittey Tagoe in a National Super Middleweight Championship as the co-main event.

Nii Ashitey Larbie will square up with Richard Ashong in a Lightweight contest and Daniel Gorsh will test Michael Tagoe as he defends his National Super Bantamweight belt. There would be interesting undercards.

The rate for the fight is free both the ring side and popular stand.

According to Alex Ntiamoah-Boakye, they took the fight to Tema due to popular request and hope to stage more bouts there.

The hosting city, Tema, has the blessing and support of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly. In a press conference on Friday March 4, 2023 at the Assembly Hall of the TMA to inform the general public on the arrangements of the boxing event, the Greater Regional Minister - Hon. Henry Quartey charged the Mayor of Tema - Hon. Yohane Amarh Ashitey to make sure he helps in putting up modern boxing gyms in Tema New Town, Ashaiman and its environs in order to unearth talents of boxing to match that of Accra as he sees potential abounds in Tema.

“It would be thrilling and full of action and excitement” as said by the main event boxers as theyaddress the public. Sedgedzi a native of Tema Ashaiman promised to knock out his oppont Victus Kemavor who said he would let his opponent get the applauds of the fans but he shall surely carry the victory away.

Box Office Sports Promotions are known for putting up big fights in Ghana, and also taking boxing to the Eastern Region during the Kwahu Easter festival.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

… Daniel Gorsh, Prince Oko Nartey And Nii Ashitey Larbie On The Bill 

In their efforts to spread the business and sport of boxing to other parts of the country, Alex Ntiamoah – Boakye’s Box Office Sports Promotions and the Greater Accra Coordinating Council are taking boxing to Tema New Town, Nii Adjei Kraku Sports Stadium on March 5, 2023 for the Independence Eve Boxing under the theme ‘Our Unity Our Strength, Our Purpose’

On the mouth watering bill are Prince Oko Nartey versus Benard Ayitey Tagoe in a National Super Middleweight Championship.

Also fighting is Nii Ashitey Larbie against Richard Ashong in a Lightweight contest and Daniel Gorsh versus Michael Tagoe for the National Super Bantamweight Championship.

There would be interesting undercards.

The rates for the fight are for very moderate for the ring side and popular stand.

According to Alex Ntiamoah-Boakye, they took the fight to Tema due to popular request and hope to stage more bouts there.

“It would be thrilling and full of action and excitement” he said.

Box Office Sports Promotions are known for putting up big fights in Ghana, and also taking boxing to the Eastern Region during the Kwahu Easter festival.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

 Members of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation, the Cranes received inspiration from Asafa Powell when he visited  their training gym last Thursday.

Asafa Powell, the iconic world top sprinter was at the  gym of the Ghana Weightlifters which was put up by Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah  at the Accra Sports Stadium and motivated them.

He shared his experience with them and later Alyshia presented Indomie and Verna Mineral Water to them.

The players and their coaches said they were surprised about the visit because they never expected him, and they were very proud for his inspirational words that would encourage them to keep on doing sports to the highest level.

Top lifters, Winnifred Ntumy and Sandra Owusu said they were highly motivated and commended their former President who is now boss of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah for his love for the youth in sports.

Coach of the team, Mike Abotsi thanked the GOC for the historic visit by the world athletics super star.

The athletes and coach has the chance to take pictures with Asafa Powell and his wife.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Former world 100 meters record holder, Asafa Powell has promised to contribute to the promotion and marketing  of the 13^th African Games dubbed ‘Accra 2023’.

The popular Jamaican athlete who is on a working visit to Ghana was at the secretariat of the ‘Accra 2023’on Friday where he met the Executive Chairman, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu - Asare and Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Reks Brobby a former athlete who competed at the 1984 Olympic Games and Madam Joyce Datsa also a former athlete and member of the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

Asafa Powell who was accompanied by his wife Alyshia, sister, brother in law and President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah who is also a very close relative and member of the LOC said he is ever prepared to support in hosting the best African Games in Ghana.

He accepted to be an Ambassador of the Games, however his management must be informed and written to formerly.

He said it is time his country, Jamaica and Ghana cooperate and collaborate in sports and cultural activities for both nations to benefit.

According to Asafa Powell who is sponsored by Puma, his visit has made the world’s eye to be on Ghana, and many people in the diaspora want to visit the motherland.

He expressed his disappointment of the lack of running tracks in the capital, which was explained to him that the Accra Sports Stadium tracks were removed to make way for increase in capacity for the 2008 African Cup of Nations which Ghana hosted.

His wife,  Alyshia who is also a former athlete expressed that their trip must not be in vain, but should be beneficial.

Dr. Ofosu - Asare hinted that new facilities including tracks are being put up for the African Games, now scheduled for March 8 to 23. 2024 at the University of Ghana, Legon and Borteyman.

Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah also assured that with his presence as the topmost world track and field figure to visit Ghana and his interest to see young athletes realize their dreams and ambitions, tracks would soon spring up in the capital.

“Athletics is the main focus in competitions like the Olympic and African Games, so definitely every effort  would be made to have tartan tracks in Accra” he noted.

Before meeting the LOC chief, Asafa Powell was at the new secretariat of the African Para Games where he had launch and shared ideas with Mr. Samson Deen, President of the African / Ghana National Paralympic Committees.

Mr. Deen who is also a member of the LOC said it is about time to have modern sports facilities in Ghana to attract Summer preparations and competitions of top world athletes, which can also promote Sports Tourism.

He commended Asafa Powell and his wife for their historic visit.

By Sammy Heywood Okine