Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Amateur Boxer of the Year 2022, Abraham Mensah has thanked all sports journalists who voted for him to win the Award last Saturday at the Accra International Conference Center.

He said the Award will motivate him to train hard and win a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive interview, the 18 year old boxer who trains at the Seconds Out Gym in Accra said he is most thankful to the Almighty Creator, the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), the Black Bombers and the management / colleagues at his gym.

According to Mensah, the SWAG Awards Night was colourful and he really enjoyed himself, despite not winning the most prestigious Sports Personality of the Year.

“I will train hard to win gold at the Olympic Games next year, and I will be back on stage at the next SWAG Awards to collect the topmost Award” he expressed.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Sudanese champions الهلال - ALHilal have announced the signing of Ghana midfielder David Abagna Sandan (24) on a four-year contract in a deal worth around US$200,000 from Real Tamale United.

Abagna has been outstanding in the Ghana Premier League in the last three seasons with 21 goals in 54 matches.

RTU captain David Abagna Sandan (24) has left Black Galaxies camp base in Algeria for Sudan to seal a move to الهلال - ALHilal.

He was MOTM against Sudan in the CHAN tournament.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Madagascar attacking midfielder, Solomampionona Koloina Razafindranaivo (22) who has been impressive in CHAN 2022 will stay in Algiers after the tournament after signing a three and half years contract for MC Alger from Malagasy club CFFA.

Razafindranaivo has scored three goals in the CHAN as Madagascar is in the semi-finals.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

After 20 years of organizing, developing and presenting grassroots sports, entertainment and educational events and programs, One On One Foundation has been recognized and duly rewarded by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) at its 47th Awards Gala at the Accra International Conference Center last Saturday.

The CEO of One-On-One Foundation  Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams today presented the SWAG Award to one of its major partners and sponsor, Ghana Gas whose management applauded the efforts and achievements.

Olla Williams thanked Ghana Gas and all other supporters in their events.

He said the SWAG Award, which all sports people in Ghana look up to will inspire and motivate them to work harder.

He also thanked the National Sports Authority (NSA) and Ministry of Youth and Sports for supporting lesser known sports like Baton Race, Tug of War and Pillow Fighting.

One On One Foundation was named as one of the winners in the Corporate Category at the 47th SWAG Awards.

Other Corporate Awardees are Max TV, SES HD+, Captain One Golf Society and Tennis Foundation.

One-On-One Foundation and its sister company, Dreamland Sports Plus have over the years been organizing sports events in schools, colleges, universities and communities.

Kudus Mohammed of Ajax and Ghana Black Stars won the Sports Personality of the year 2022 in addition to the SWAG Footballer of the year 2022.

Accra Hearts of Oak and Black Stars striker, Daniel Afriyie Barnie was named the local Footballer of the year for the second time.

Abraham Mensah, Commonwealth Games Silver Medalist got the Amateur Boxer of the year Award.

Juliet Bawuah took home 10,000ghc and the SWAG Sports Journalist of the year.

By Sammy Heywood Okiue

Ghana’s super lightweight top rated boxer, George Ashie who lost his fight fight in the USA against Alexis Rocha has been commended by promoter, Oscar Dela Hoya for his bravery and skill.

The former world Champion who now operates Golden Boy Promotions described Ashie as a ‘True Warrior’ because he accepted to fight on six day notice to the bout which was the main event to open the You Tube Arena in California.

Ashie in an attempt to win the WBO NABO welterweight title made history as the first Ghanaian to fight at the You Tube Arena, and though he was knocked out by a ferocious hook from the homeboy, he was marvelous before going down.

His performance has earned him another opportunity.

Star Boxing CEO Joe Deguardia said after the fight, “We are proud of George and the determination he fought with, inspired by the heart of Ghanaian fighters before him. He left everything he had in the ring and should be applauded for his toughness and desire to make this an entertaining main event. Credit to Alexis Rocha for a great performance and to Golden Boy for a putting on a wonderful show.”

His current trainer in the USA, Coach Emmanuel ‘Mosquito’ Addo also praised him and thanked all who supported and prayed for them, before, during and after the bout.

He said “We will be back again better and bigger” he told all boxing fans.

Ashie’s  current record is 34 fights, with 6 defeats,1 draw, with 25 victories by way of knockout.

Rocha’s  record improved to 22 wins with 1 defeat, and he got the WBO NABO title.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The 47th Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards which was held lasr Saturday, January 28, 2023 saw 18 year old Abraham Mensah, a member of the National Boxing team, Black Bombers, claiming the  Amateur Boxer of the year 2022  Award.

The young lad, a product of Seconds Out  has excelled in the year in question as he chalked the notable successes before ultimately winning silver medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth games.

At the 2022 Individual Championship, Mensah won a Gold medal and perhaps was one of the reasons why he picked up the ultimate against fellow contender in Joseph Commey.

Abraham Mensah made it to the finals of the men’s 51kg-54kg bantamweight division after a clean victory over Welshman, Owain Harris-Allan in Bermingham but eventually lost 5-0 in the finals against Dylan Eagleson.

But in all fairness, his transition has been great;

In 2019, he won silver medal at the Fist of Fury finals. He also won gold medals in the 2018 Individual Championship finals, the 2018 National Championship finals, the 2017 Temale Real innovation championship tournament and also in the 2016 Feast for feast championship tournament.

In the 2016 Greater Accra championship event, he won a bronze medal.

In all, Abraham Mensah has won a total number of 8 medals; 5 Golds, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze.

On the exciting SWAG Awards night which had Windy Shay on stage, another Commonwealth Games Silver Medalist, Joseph Commey was shocked to go home empty handed as he lost the the ‘Discovery of the year’award to a young tennis player.

The Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) and Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) won awards in the Category of Best 5 Sports Disciplines. Others were Ghana Armwrestling, Ghana Cycling Federation and Ghana Athletics.

[Credit to Boxing Ghana / Prince Dornu-Leiku for compilations]

Black Stars and Ajax Amsterdam midfielder, Kudus Mohammed won the double at the 47th SWAG Awards night.

The two goals scorer at the 2022 FIFA World Cup star was adjudged the 2022 Sports Personality of the Year and Footballer of the Year top prizes at the well attended event held at the Accra International Conference Center by 391 sports journalists.

Abraham Mensah, silver medalist in boxing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games who lost the Sports Personality Award consoled himself with the Amateur Boxers of the Year, while Joseph Paul Amoah collected the Athlete of the Year Award.

Debora Acquah took the Female Athlete of the Year.

Here is the full list of the 47^th SWAG 2022 Awards:

Personality of the Year - Mohammed Kudus

Armwrestler of the Year - Grace Mintah – Female

Athlete of the Year (Female) - Deborah Acquah

Athlete of the Year (Male) - Joseph Paul Amoah 

Boxer of the Year (Amateur) - Abraham Mensah

Chess Player of the Year - Dr. Kwabena Adu Poku

Club of the Year - Ampem Darkoa Ladies FC

Coach of the Year - Nana Darkwa, Ampem Darkoa Ladies FC

Cricketer of the Year - Samson Awiah Aweh

Cyclist of the Year - Anthony Boafo Boakye Dankwa

Discovery of the Year - Joseph Commey and Raphael Nii Ankrah

Dedication and Valour - Lepowura Mohammed Nurudeen Jawula

Footballer of the Year (Male) - Mohammed Kudus

Footballer of the Year (Female) - Ophelia Serwaa Amponsah (Ampem Darkoa Ladies FC)

Footballer of the Player (Home Based) - Daniel Afriyie Barnieh – Hearts of Oak

Hockey Player of the Year (Female) - Adizatu Sulemana (GRA Ladies)

Lifetime Achievement  Award - Awuley Quaye and Nii Dodoo Ankrah

Para-Athlete of the Year - Patricia Nyamekye

Professional Golfer of the Year - Kojo Barnii (Damang Golf Club)

Table Tennis Most Exciting Player - Israel Akili

Tennis Player of the Year - Samuel Osei Agbesi Antwi

Volleyball Player of the Year - Rashaka Katadat (Ghana Army)

SWAG TOP 5 Federations - Ghana Athletics Association, Ghana Armwrestling Federation, Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation, Ghana Boxing Authority and Ghana Cycling Federation

Swimmer of the Year - Abeiku Gyekye Jackson

Special and Meritorious Awards

Kingsley Owusu Achiaw, Bechem United, Reks Brobbey (Ghana’s Fatest Human Inventor), Christine Ashley, Vice President, Ghana Chess Federation, Ashford Tettey Oku,  Football Administrator, Danny List, Tom Vemon, Right to Dream Academy and  Rustum Gameli Senorgbe

Corporate Awards - Max TV, SES HD+ , One On One Foundation / Dreamland Sports Plus, Captain One Golf Society and Tennis Foundation

SWAG Journalist of the Year - Juliet Bawuah

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Flying Disc Association(GFDA) on Thursday, January 26, 2023  received its Probational  letter of Recognition from the National Sports Authority as part of the  process in achieving a  National Status.

In a brief ceremony held at the Accra Sports Stadium, the Director General of the National Sports Authority(NSA), Prof Peter Twumasi noted that he was pleased with the steps taken by the Association to be officially recognised by the NSA as per the Sports Act, adding, that the National Sports Authority is the only institution mandated to develop, promote and manage Sports in Ghana.

He entreated the Association to work closely with the Authority during its probationary period and  ensure that the rest of the requirements are met in order for them to be fully recognised.

Prof Twumasi further admonised the Association to strategically position itself by focusing  on grassroot development to unearth talents, engage in school programmes  and local Sports Development.

Speaking at the brief Ceremony, Principal Sports Development Officer at the NSA, Mr. Hubert Leo-Mensah read out some of the outstanding  requirement’s to be met by the Association during the probational period. These include, the inauguration of 10 Regional Associations across the nation, Organization of Congress, Organizing of sports competition and 3 National  competitions among others.

The President of the Ghana Flying Disc Association, Mr. Desmond Kwame Mantey expressed his appreciation to the Authority for the certification as he believes, it will help them in executing their duty without worry. He noted that the Association is keen on Sports development from the grassroots adding that they are  targeting in-school sports, which they have already begun.

 Vice President of the Association, Mr Peter Asiedu reiterated the need for exchange programs which will build the right relationship with other members across the world expressing as well as train more players and officials

The Greater Accra Chairman, Mr.Samuel Cobbinah on his part called for more women to participate in the soft sport. He explained  the benefit the sports will have on tourism likewise the need for more support from  Stakeholders.

Also present  at the Event were the Deputy Public Relations Officer-NSA, Madam Rita Odei,  Flying Disc -US Rep, New York , Mr.Ben Akakpo and Madam Anastasia Aminatu Iddrisu, Greater Accra Women Coordinator.

Source NSA

The Confederation African Football (CAF) has announced that the 2022 Championship for African Nations (CHAN) winner will walk away with $2million in prize money.

The continental football governing body has announced a significant 60% increase on the prize money of ongoing CHAN tournament in Algeria.

The final will be played on 04 February 2023 at Nelson Mandela Stadium.

The decision, that has been confirmed by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, is in line with CAF's strategy to increase the commercial value of African competitions.

The winner of this year’s trophy will receive $2million compared to the US$1,250,000 received by the previous champion two years ago.

The total prize money allocated for the tournament has been increased to US$ 7,900,000 from the US$ 5,450,000 that was paid to all the countries that participated in the previous edition of the tournament two years ago.

The runners-up will get US$800,000 while the third and fourth-placed teams will receive $500,000 each.

The four sides that fail to progress beyond the quarter-finalists will get $400,000 each while the two countries that finish second in the groups of three teams will earn $300,000 each, the same amount as countries that finish third in groups of four teams.

The bottom placed teams in all the groups will earn $200,000 each.

The TotalEnergies CHAN Algeria 2022 started on 13 January and the final is scheduled to be played at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on 4th February.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) wishes one of Ghana’s world title hopefuls, George “The Red Tiger” Ashie the very best of luck in his upcoming bout against Alexis “Lex” Richard in a scheduled twelve round contest in California, USA.

George “The Red Tiger” Ashie with an impressive official record of 33 fights, only 5 defeats,1 draw, with 25 of the wins came by way knockouts is billed to take on Alexis “Lex” Rocha with an official record of 21 fights, just 1 defeat and with 13 of those wins came by way of knockouts on Saturday January 28,2023 at YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California.

The GBA has been observing and monitoring the durable and enterprising George Ashie’s training regime since he arrived in America and has no doubt in his intuitive capability to use this fight as the much anticipated springboard to reposition himself as one of Ghana’s finest boxers and potential world champions.

The GBA wishes to commend you and your team for accepting an eleventh hour request to fight against Alexis Rocha,a credible opponent whose original opponent from Atlantic City, Anthony Young was removed from the main event for nose injury.

The GBA President, Abraham Kotei Neequaye and the entire Executive Board Members, the Ghana Boxing Supporters Union and members of the boxing Fraternity wish you the very best in this career revival fight.

As the statutory body in charge of regulation, promotion, organization and development of Boxing in Ghana, GBA will support you both physically and spiritually for you to win this fight regardless of any circumstances underpinned by the short notice replacement for the original opponent.

The GBA is by this goodwill message invites all Ghanaians especially members of the Boxing fraternity to remember George Ashie in their prayers to help him triumph in the fight.

We know you will fight for mother Ghana, lift our flag high and reposition yourself as a world title prospect. You are the best.

Abraham Kotei Neeqauye

(GBA President)