Undefeated Venezuelan Albert Ramirez is the new opponent to face Ghana’s Jacob Dickson’s for tomorrow’s WBO Global cruiserweight title bout

According to Coach Carl Lokko, Dickson’s trainer, Russia based Lenar Perez was unable to secure a visa to travel to Deauville, France.                          

“We were informed about this last night and the new opponent is a southpaw. We were prepared for an orthodox opponent, ” Coach Lokko said.

Meanwhile, at the time of filing this report, Dickson’s camp was dealing with not finding their luggage on arrival in Deauville, France.  

The Ghana Cruiserweight champion, Dickson said “since we came here, things have not been good, but we are managing. I have prepared for an opponent and it turns out he cannot make it, so I have to fight another one.          

“Since this is my first time travelling, I want to focus and keep my eyes on the belt and win this for Ghanaians. The situation is a tough one but we will manage it, ” Dickson told the media.  

Jacob Dickson, a product of the famous Bronx Gym in James Town, Accra and has won all eight professional bouts.

The experienced Venezuelan Ramirez who is a southpaw has a record of 14 wins, 13 being knockouts.

Coach Lokko said their game plan will be affected, but they are focused and hope to win to make Ghanaians happy.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Boxing Authority  (GBA) wishes to officially inform the public  that the much awaiting presentation of two Renault Kwid cars to the best boxer of the just ended season one (1) of the De-luxy Professional Boxing League, Charles Yaw Tetteh of the Panix boxing Gym and the league winners, Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation(CQBF) will be on 24th January,2023 at the showroom of Renault Premium Motors Ltd, Ghana at Odorkor in Accra.

A letter from the  GBA Communication Directorate  thanked all who have been part of the memorable, unprecedented and historic achievement made in the history of Ghana Boxing Authority(GBA) under the leadership of the visionary, Hon. Abraham Kotei Neequaye and support from Imax Media Promotions and other sponsors as well as stakeholders.

The presentation ceremony is strictly by invitation.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Boxing Federation GBF has granted opportunity for Ghanaian female boxers to participate at the IBA Women World Championship scheduled for March 14 to 26, 2023 in  New Delhi, India

At stake in the IBA Women World Championship is an attractive price money with the gold medalist taking $200000, silver medalist $100000 and Bronze  medalist going home with $50000.

According to the Vice President of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) , Mr. Dauda Fuseni Fuseini some girls have been selected for training at the Gym in Accra.

He said the GBF is currently stepping up their training in preparation towards the World Championship.

He named the team as Janet Acquah Light Flyweight, Ramatu Quaye of the Ghana Police Service Flyweight, Sarah Apew - Featherweight, Anatu Mohammed of the Ghana Army Lightweight Janet Adjeley Adjei -Lightweight, she will slug it out with Anatu Mohammed for the division representative, Farouza Osman - Light Welterweight, Nasara Fuseni - Light Middleweight and Trudy Manteaw - Middleweight.

The female boxers are training under coaches Abdul Rashid Williams (aka believer) : Head coach and Ernest Ofori - Assistant coach.

The coaches believe the girls have what it takes to win medals.

Dauda Fuseni said the girls have been training for a long time, and it is sad that they are not exposed to attain experience.

"We have very good female boxers who are strong and skilful, they need moral and financial support to reach the top of their chosen field and they must be encouraged " he expressed.

Meanwhile, the President of the Ghana Boxing Federation, Mr. Ben Quartey has appealed to the government and corporate organizations to help Ghana Amateur boxers as the sport is what has always won medals for the nation at major international sports events.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has approved the introduction of rugby league in schools across Ghana, and an introductory letter has been sent to all Regional Directors of education to facilitate the process.

Mr. George Asamoah, a Physical Education teacher at  Akrofrom D/A Junior High School (JHS) commented.

"Rugby league is a fast-paced and exciting sport that will provide our students with a new and challenging way to stay active and healthy."

 "We are excited to see the positive impact it will have on the physical and mental well-being of our students". Mr. George Asamoah added.

Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG) Technical Director, Marshall Nortey, said: “This approval will have a huge impact on developing a talent pathway by allowing us to now spread the game at the grassroots level, something we are committed to doing in partnership with Super League side Salford Red Devils.

Emmanuel Akuklu, RLFG Assistant General Manager, added: “This will make our work and that of the development officers even more valuable. We look forward to working with the schools and making rugby league one of the best-known sports in Ghana.”

The RLFG organized coaching and officiating courses last year for some interested individuals and will be organizing a lot more this year.

Rugby League in Ghana continues its development and expansion of the sport with the upcoming 2023 activities.

Source RLFG

The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) executive board led by President Ben Nunoo Mensah on Friday paid a visit to the family of the late Mr. Emmanuel Tetteh, former President of the Ghana Judo Federation at Osu in Accra.

Some of the GOC executive board members present were Mr. Mike Aggrey - President of the Ghana Golf Association, Mrs. Delphina Quaye - President of Ghana Swimming Association, Mr. Albert Frimpong- President of African Baseball and Mr. Asare, President of Ghana Cricket Association.

Others present were Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Mr. Sammy Heywood Okine and Mr. Ebenezer Amuzu of the Communications Directorate of the GOC. They were joined by officers of the GOC, Edem Avafianyo, accountant and administrative assistant Seth Avayi.

Mr. Nunoo Mensah paid glowing tribute to the deceased, describing the late Tetteh as a great personality who excelled in his duties as a sports administrator and former officer of the Ghana Customs who chalked many successes and was even honored by the king of Japan. He expressed that the nation has lost an important gentleman and promised to support in the funeral to give him a fitting burial.

“In fact, the late Tetteh was one of the elders in the GOC who I often consult for advise, and his demise is very painful, we have really lost one of our pillars, and may his soul rest in perfect peace” he said.

Mr. Delphina Quaye on behalf of the GOC Board presented some cartons of mineral water to the family and the GOC President led the hierarchy to sign the book of condolence.

Mr. Victor Tetteh, a brother who represented the family thanked the GOC Board for the visit and words of encouragement. He noted that the family will meet to decide on the funeral arrangements and date.

The late Mr. Emmanuel Tetteh passed on January 6th, 2023.

Source GOC Communications

… Fencing Federation Calls on Youth and Sports Minister

The Ghana Fencing Federation led by its president, Mr. Mohammed Mahadi on Wednesday 18th January 2023paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Youth and Sports at the Ministry's conference room.

The purpose of the visit was to introduce the newly constituted Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the hosting of the Fencing cadet and Junior African Championship in Ghana dubbed "Ghana 2023" and to present the roadmap of activities for the competition which is slated to begin from the 14th to 21st February, 2023 at the Trust Emporium, Bukom.

The Minister for youth and sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif on behalf of the Government welcomed the members of the committee to the Ministry and congratulated them for their nomination to serve on the committee.

The Minister assured them of his support towards organising the competition adding that the competition will serve as the preparatory ground to identify talents for Ghana's contingent towards the 2023 African Games.

The President of the Ghana Fencing Federation noted that the committee had begun series of engagements to create the awareness and also solicit for support to make the competition a memorable one.

He further thanked the Minister for granting them the request to meet and introduce the leaders of the Federation/LOC to him and to discuss ways through which their activities could be enhanced.

He mentioned that they anticipate great support and close working relationship with the Sports Ministry and other relevant institutions to make the organisation and hosting of the Championship a great success.

Source MYS

The Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has donated GH 50,000 Cedis to the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), to support the 47th edition of the SWAG Awards.

The SWAG Awards is held annually to honour distinguished Ghanaian sportsmen and sportswomen, and over 40 athletes who excelled and brought honours to the country in 2022, will be honoured by SWAG on January 28, 2023.

An aide to the Vice President, Tamimu Issah, presented Dr. Bawumia’s 50,000 Cedis support to the President of SWAG, Kwabena Yeboah, and Secretary General, Charles Osei Asibey on Wednesday.

SPORTS JOURNALIST, FEMALE FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR

Out of the total amount, Dr. Bawumia is donating 10,000 Cedis each to winners of two award categories; the Female Footballer of the Year and the Sports Journalist of the Year, with the remaining 30,000 Cedis going to SWAG to aid its organization.

Last year, Vice President Bawumia also supported the 46th SWAG Awards with 50,000 Cedis, and similarly presented GH 10,000 Cedis each to the Female Footballer of the Year and the Sports Journalist of the Year.

Speaking at the 46th SWAG Awards as the Special Guest, Vice President Bawumia explained that his financial support towards the two special award categories, is to encourage female footballers. On the Sports Journalist of the Year, the Vice President explained that his support is to encourage sports journalists to continue to make meaningful contributions to the development of sports in the country.

After receiving the support, the President of SWAG, Kwabena Yeboah, expressed the Association’s gratitude to Dr. Bawumia for his support, once again.

The Vice President has often earned plaudits for his benevolent support to sports organisations, with beneficiaries including RTU, King Faisal, Hasaacas Ladies, Ampem Darkoa Ladies, SWAG, etc

The 47th MTN/Adamus SWAG Awards comes off at the Accra International Center on January 28, 2023.

Source : www.swagghana.com

SES HD PLUS Ghana, the country’s premium high-definition (HD) satellite broadcast service provider, in line with its commitment to making an additional range of programs in HD quality to more satellite TV homes in Ghana, has partnered with the Sports Writer Association of Ghana (SWAG) for 47th SWAG Awards in Accra to promote sporting excellence in Ghana.

The 47th MTN/Adamus SWAG Awards is scheduled to take place at the Accra International Conference Center on Saturday, 10 January 2023 and will be available for HD+ subscribers to watch on SCOOORE HD channel 151.

Mrs Adelaide Ahovy Abbiw-Williams, CEO, SES HD PLUS GH : “This cooperation with SWAG is a significant step for us in the delivery of quality TV viewing experiences to satellite TV homes in Ghana. We are more than pleased to be delivering the 2022 SWAG Awards to sports enthusiasts at home and on the go via SCOOORE HD available on HD+ channel 151”

SWAG President Kwabena Yeboah in a response to the relationship said : “We are delighted to have SES HD Plus GH come on board to partner SWAG in delivering quality event through modern and sophisticated production. The is significant and timely“

HD+ offers compelling features such as the PVR function on the HD+ Decoder; the ability to watch TV on the go with free data every month; control to catch up on shows aired in the last 48 hours on the My HD PLUS mobile app; the first 4K channel in Ghana; as well as the introduction of a multi-feed function to allow active HD+ Customers to choose between two live video feeds on a single HD+ channel.

HD+ Decoders can be purchased at all authorised HD+ dealer or Electroland outlets across the country and activated on any mobile network by dialling *879# to unlock the HD viewing experience. Existing HD+ customers can continue to enjoy the HD+ FeeliFeeli Experience by purchasing a package via the HD+ USSD code for GHS35 a month. Customers who opt for quarterly and yearly payments will be able to enjoy further discounts from the standard monthly package, using the same USSD short code.

About SES HD PLUS

SES HD PLUS Ghana Limited is a subsidiary of SES, the leading global content connectivity solutions provider. SES HD PLUS Ghana which was founded in December 2020, markets the HD+ Product which promises to provide satellite homes with quality and affordable entertainment options by leveraging SES’s experience of delivering satellite TV channels directly to home (DTH) and its success of rolling out the HD+ subscription-based platform in Germany. HD+ offers up to 20 Free-TV popular channels in high-definition quality (HD and Ultra HD 4K) in addition to over 100 free-to-air SD channels generally available on the MultiTV satellite platform in Ghana. HD+ can be accessed either on the HD+ Decoder available for purchase at authorized HD+ dealer outlets and Electroland stores nationwide. The HD+ Service can also be received via the My HD PLUS operator App downloaded on QLED or UHD TV sets from Samsung or via an HD+ Module bundled with NASCO TV Sets. SES HD PLUS Ghana is collaborating with Adom TV, Joy Prime, GTV, UTV, Joy News, GTV Sports+, GhOne, Metro TV, TVXYZ, Citi TV, BID TV, Kool HD, DGN, 4Syte TV, e.TV Ghana, GNTV Junior, Aljazeera, AfroSini HD and SCOOORE HD to deliver their content in high-definition quality. There are four TV packages available: GHS12 for a week, GHS35 for a month, GHS85 for three months and an annual package that costs GHS290. HD+ is open to all broadcasters and looks forward to partnering with additional broadcasters who want to deliver their content in high-definition quality. Visit www.hd-plus.com.gh for further information.

Source : www.swagghana.com

Veteran forward Edin Džeko inspired Inter Milan to a 3-0 win over city rival AC Milan and a second straight Italian Super Cup trophy on Wednesday, adding to the Rossoneri's woes. The Canadian Press

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Veteran forward Edin Džeko inspired Inter Milan to a 3-0 win over city rival AC Milan and a second straight Italian Super Cup trophy on Wednesday, adding to the Rossoneri's woes.

Džeko scored one goal and also had a role in Federico Dimarco’s opener. World Cup winner Lautaro Martínez sealed the result late on as Inter lifted the first trophy of the Italian season at King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“I will be 22 soon,” joked Džeko, who turns 37 in March but is showing little sign of slowing down.

“We certainly put in a great performance, the lads really were splendid from the first to the last minute. We really gave everything we had. All of us.”

Attention will now turn back to the league, where there will be another Milan derby on Feb. 5.

“This can give us an extra push in the league,” Inter coach Simone Inzaghi said. “But tonight we will enjoy this trophy because winning like this, against Milan, in a final, is really wonderful.”

The result will increase worries over Milan’s start to the year, especially after such a dismal performance. It beat Salernitana in its first match in 2023 but followed that up with two draws in the league and also was eliminated from the Italian Cup.

The defending champion has fallen nine points behind runaway leader Napoli, with Inter and Juventus just a point further back.

“It’s clear that we’re not going through our best period, especially mentally,” Milan coach Stefano Pioli said. “We certainly need to do more and do better.

“We’ll move forward in the only way we know how: Working better to bring our level back up, because this is a defeat that really hurts us. But the season is still out there waiting for us and we need to get back to playing the way we know how.”

The Super Cup is traditionally between the Serie A champion and the Italian Cup winner. Inter won it last year after winning the league, but entered this edition having lifted the Italian Cup last season.

Its defense of the title got off to a great start as it took the lead in the 10th minute. Džeko played a great one-touch layoff to release Nicolò Barella, who rolled the ball across for Dimarco to tap in at the back post.

That seemed to spark Milan into life and Inter goalkeeper André Onana had to pull off an impressive save to deny Rafael Leão.

Džeko got on the scoresheet himself in the 21st minute. He caught the Milan defense napping to race onto a free kick from inside Inter’s half and cut inside past Sandro Tonali before placing an angled strike past goalkeeper Ciprian Tătărușanu.

And the Milan defense was at fault again for Inter’s third as Martínez shrugged off Fikayo Tomori all too easily before curling in a delicious strike.

AP sports

The Brock Royal Family  has paid off medical bills for  new mothers at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Labour Ward in Accra.

The  wealthy family were moved by the pathetic stories of the new mothers who have been discharged but cannot go home as a result of their unpaid medical bills totalling several thousands of Cedis.

A representative of the Brock Royal Family, who spoke on condition of anonymity said "The Brock Royal family has been doing such charity works on the quiet, but we decided to do this public.

" We consider this as a privilege than a duty,  we believe  paying off their bills  will not only make them financially  free, but will help decongest some of the wards, so it can accommodate more pregnant women."

A medical officer who received the cash on behalf of the  mothers madam Joyce expressed profuse thanks to the Brock Royal Family for the gesture and appealed to other affluent families and corporate organizations to follow their (Brock Royal Family)shinning gesture.

From Sammy Heywood Okine