The Ghana Football Association (GFA), on Friday, December 04, 2020 received a cheque of One Million Ghana cedis (GHc1,000,000) from the government of Ghana for onward distribution to Premier League Clubs.

According to Government, this is part of their support mechanism to the clubs to offset some of their expenses in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The presentation of was done by officials of the Ministry of Youth and Sports led Mr. Harrison Sasu, Director of Finance and Administration.

Others included Mr. Emmanuel Oteng, Chief Accountant, Mr. Ahmed Osman, Communications and Mr. Kenneth Annang, Public Relations Officer. Speaking on behalf of the Ministry and Government of Ghana, Mr. Ahmad Osman, said the donation is to support the clubs in this challenging period of COVID-19.

"His Excellency the President through the Ministry of Youth and Sports has heeded to the request of the GFA to assist our various clubs in the country with some financial support. Ahmed Osman said.

"You know there was a directive from the Ministry of Youth and Sports that all Premier League matches must be played behind closed doors. We are happy to observe that the clubs have adhered to the directive and the GFA through its President, General Secretary and other members had engagements with the Minister that, the Ministry should find a way of assisting the clubs to meet some of their expenditure.

"The engagement went on very fine and government this morning has accepted the request made by the GFA that some assistance should be given to the clubs. This includes the Division One, Women and our Reps who are also participating in Africa engagements. But this morning we are here to present a cheque of Nine hundred thousand Ghana Cedis as first tranche thus 50 percent of what we promised.

"We issued a statement assuring the clubs that the promise made by the government that everybody will be catered for will be fulfilled in due course.

"We are presenting this cheque to the GFA for onward transmission to the 18 clubs. The press release stated Nine Hundred Thousand but we have added Hundred Thousand cedis to it up to One million for other administrative cost inquired" Ahmed Osman added

President of the GFA, Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku expressed his gratitude to the Government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their continued support to football in the country.

"On behalf of the entire football Industry, Executive Council, we want to express our sincere gratitude to the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo for this amazing gesture. President Simeon Okraku said.

"I think that it has come in due time. We will also like to thank the Sports Minister, Isaac Kwame Asiamah (Hon.) for being there for the Football Association all the time and playing a pivotal role. We want to also thank the entire Youth and Sports Ministry for being there for us.

"I think that it has come in time since we have been working on this for so long. We have had numerous meetings and finally, the President has delivered. This will go a long way in pushing our Premier League clubs especially during this challenging period of Covid and clubs being asked to play behind closed doors.

"I think that we grateful for what we have been giving and we look forward to receiving the second part and I have been promised that the second part is even gargantuan in nature and in character. So, we are very positive about the future of our sport and we look forward to using the football platform to educate the Ghanaian populace towards the upcoming election.

"It is dear to our heart and soul. It is important that we survive this period to be able to enjoy our football. We wish the entire country the best, vote peacefully, go home and enjoy football" he added.

GFA General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo (ESQ), who received the cheque on behalf of the Association added his voice by showing appreciation to the Government.

"On behalf of the Executive Council and all the clubs who are beneficiaries of this gesture from government, I would like to express my sincerest appreciation to the government, the President of the land, our father, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Isaac Asiamah (Hon.), Staff of the Ministry, the Sports Authority for accepting to engage and listen to us and after listening to consider and quickly as possible come to our aid with this amount.

"This will indeed go a long way to help the clubs. The clubs are extremely happy about this gesture and would want to extend their appreciation to the father of the land" Prosper Harrison Addo added

Each Premier League club is expected to receive an amount of Fifty Thousand Ghana cedis.

In attendance were Executive Council Members, Madam Habiba Atta Forson, Mr. Samuel Anim Addo, Alhaji Salifu Zida, Frederick Acheampong and Kingsley Osei Bonsu.

Others included Greater Accra Regional Football Association Chairman, Samuel Aboabire and Henry Asante Twum, Director of Communications.

GFA COMMUNICATIONS

The Stadio San Paolo in Naples has been renamed after Diego Maradona

Napoli have officially renamed their San Paolo home stadium in memory of Diego Maradona after the club legend died aged 60.

Maradona, regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, forged a strong bond with the Italian club and its supporters during his seven-year spell between 1984 and 1991.

The forward, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, joined Napoli from Barcelona and won their only two Serie A titles - in 1987 and 1990 - along with the Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup.

The Naples city council confirmed on Friday - nine days on from Maradona's death - that the stadium has been renamed in his honour as the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Naples city mayor Luigi De Magistris and Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis had confirmed last week that the San Paolo would be renamed, but were originally unsure whether the initial name would need to be kept as part of the title, which it ultimately was not.

"I've been in talks with local authorities for the past 17 years, I have always asked to buy the stadium and rename it 'Diego Armando Maradona'," De Laurentiis told Sky in Italy. "If then, for tradition, we will need to call it both 'San Paolo' and 'Maradona' so be it.

"It won't change much, but it's only right that Maradona has this recognition. Even if we were to build a whole new stadium, I would name it like that."

"I believe it is right to name the San Paolo after you, so we can keep you with us as a witness of the excellent path this team has taken," De Laurentiis reiterated in an emotional letter addressed to the late club icon.

"Your years here remain indelible in the memories of the people of Naples - symbolic of a coveted redemption and yearned-for resurrection."

Pele paid tribute to his fellow all-time great Maradona, saying: "One day, I hope we can play football together in the sky".

Argentina's all-time top goalscorer Lionel Messi wrote on Instagram: "A very sad day for all Argentines and football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal. I take all the good moments lived with him and send condolences to all his family and friends. RIP."

Cristiano Ronaldo tweeted in Portuguese alongside a picture of him and Maradona: "Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius."

Gary Lineker, who was in the England side beaten by Maradona's Argentina in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, led the tributes on Twitter, writing: "By some distance the best player of my generation and arguably the greatest of all time.

"After a blessed but troubled life, hopefully, he'll finally find some comfort in the hands of God. #RipDiego."

Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford also posted a message on Twitter, while Jamie Carragher wrote: "I'll never forget watching Diego Maradona as an 8 yr old at the World Cup in Mexico. Never seen anything like it on that stage since. Sad news."

"One of the best ever. An unparalleled magician. He leaves too soon, but leaves a legacy without limits and a void that will never be filled. Rest in peace, ace. You will never be forgotten."

Diego Maradona's time at Napoli is the stuff of legend but Asif Kapadia's documentary got to the heart of the tale.

By skysports

Ghana Rugby League administrator, Rachel Ankomah has been nominated to be part of the Middle East-Africa (MEA) women’s working group.

Rachel who serves as the Women’s Coordinator of the Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG) revealed this to The Pressbox stating “By God’s grace, I have been nominated to be part of the Middle East-Africa women’s working group.”

MEA, which is the rugby league governing body for the Middle East and Africa regions is looking to develop the female side of the sport, and the setting up of the women’s working group seems to be the first step on that journey.

“We are basically in charge of coordinating all international activities of females. So, what we are going to do is try our very best to develop the sport in Africa.” Rachel said.

The Skolars Rugby League Club (RLC) Team Manager has been a major voice for the development of female rugby in Ghana setting up the “Pretty Girls Play Rugby League” campaign which has led to the formation of 5 female rugby league clubs and a Ghana Women’s Rugby League Championship also in the works.

“We have already made provisions that [female rugby league competition] but most of the ladies are new to the sport so we might not start with the contact yet, so we are planning on starting with Touch Rugby.

“So our plan is that the ladies will play curtain raisers for the matches from January [2021] and along the line when they get used to the contact we might organize a female tournament.” She further stated

Rachel Ankomah has been making a name for herself in the rugby league world; from leading her Skolars RLC to 2nd place at the maiden edition of the Ghana Rugby League Championships back in 2019 to appearing on a special episode of the popular rugby league podcast “Chasing Kangaroos” and now adding the role as a member of the MEA women’s working group. The sky really is the limit for the Women’s Coordinator of the RLFG.

By Leroy Hawkson

The youth coordinator of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams has called on the youth in Ghana to ensure peace and order in the country before, during and after the General Elections on December 7, 2020.

After organising a successful mini marathon for the people in the three Okaikoi constituencies in the Greater Accra Region, he expressed that the future of Ghana Sports is still bright.

The race which attracted about 300 runners was won by Nii Okaikoi Tagoe.

According to Olla Williams, the youth are the majority of the population and they must be wise and vote wisely too.

He adviced them not to join any vigilante group or violent people which can land them where they would not like.

He also called on the political leaders to accept defeat in good faith or enjoy in a decent manner not troubling the opponent.

He ended by tasking all sportsmen and women to keep on training ahead of up coming events in the new year.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Cabic Promotions & Management, the award winning boxing promoters in Ghana are poised to stage the first post Covid-19 professional bill on December 26, 2020 in collaboration with Box Office Promotions at the newly opened Idrowhyt Events Centre at Dansoman.

The main bout on the Boxing Day Rumble will involve former top world rated and WBO Africa Champion, Patrick Allotey against Volta region based Victus Kemavor an a super welterweight contest.

Kemavor, who has a record of 15 fights with 12 wins and three defeats said he will only respect Allotey outside the ring, but in the ring, it will be a different story. He promised not to disgrace himself and his gym, Remember Boxing Club at Aflao.

Allotey on the other hand said he has been starved of boxing for the past nine months and also promised to give guests and patrons a memorable Boxing Day.

Also on the bill, Emmanuel Quaye will take on Ben Ankrah in another super welterweight clash over 8 rounds.

Crack boxers like Michael Pappoe, amazing young super featherweight Yusif Seidu and a UK based boxer will thrill the few invited guests.

Mr. Alex Ntiamoah Boakye, CEO of Box Office said all participants in the bouts will be subjected to Covid-19 test.

He disclosed that they have written to the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) and health authorities to support them to undertake the tests to revive the sport.

Mr. Ellis Quaye, a director of Cabic expressed that boxing is a sport and big business, so those who invest in it must be supported by the government.

He appealed to the media to check their facts before publishing, not to discourage promoters from helping talented boxers.

Mr. Ivan Bruce Cudjoe, CEO of Cabic Promotions who addressed the press conference to announce the bouts said Covid-19 held back boxing, but they are back to revive the sport and entertain a few guests.

He revealed that Cabic is out to aid boxers, but like tomatoes not all would be good as some may over ripe and rot, so they have decided to work with disciplined boxers and put Ghana on the world map in boxing.

“We are on a new journey again and we have leant our lessons from managing heavyweight boxer, Harrison Lartey and hope to work with Allotey, Quaye and others to deliver attractive boxing packages to Ghanaians” he said.

Gideon Jingles, the marketing manager of Cabic hinted that Idrowhyt Events Centre is sponsoring the programme which is exclusively for invited patrons.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem tennis club will officially be inaugurated on 5th of December 2020 at  the Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem Tennis Court, Mile One, Akyempim - Tarkwa.

Guest of honor for the event is the president of the Ghana Tennis Federation, Isaac Aboagye Duah with support from the Western Regional Tennis Association president; Quainoo Ronald.

After the inauguration ceremony, there will be a friendly tournament between GMC Tennis Club House, Mobic Tennis Club and host Anglogold Tennis club.

Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem tennis club made up of employees of Anglogold Ashanti and some members from Tarkwa township

Speaking to ghanatennis.org captain of the club Karim Osman said, "the formation of the club is to ensure that members feel part of a community whose goals are to unite and have fun as well.’

He added, “Anglogold  tennis club soon will be regarded as one of Ghana’s topmost tennis club’.

Story: Gabriel Amoakoh

The Ghana National Paralympic Committee has marked this year’s International Day For Disability with a surprise Racing Chairs and Training Wheelchairs.donations to the Ghana Para Athletics, Ghana WheelChair Basketball, Ghana WheelChair Tennis and Ghana Para Badminton.

The historic initiative follows UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities’ theme 'Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 world' #Incusive.

The Ghana Paralympic Committee (GPC) presented 8 WheelChairs ‘’3 Racing Chairs inclusive to the Athletics, Tennis, Basketball and Badminton federations to support their preparations towards the Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Games.

In his message on the International Disability Day, the President of the Ghana Paralympic Committee, Mr. Samson Deen advised the Paralympic movement in Ghana to remain peaceful and be kind to one another before during and after the Ghana Election on 7th December 2020.

Mr. Samson Deen reminded all government offices to change their attitude towards persons living with disabilities as “Disability is Ability’’ and urged the Minister of Youth and Sports to leave a legacy by making sure his office and all his agencies becomes accessible #accessibility.

The grant support initiative - the biggest of its kind in the history of the GPC - is a result of development support from the International Paralympic Committee and its body Agitos Foundation Development Programme.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

AND THE NEW Denzel Bentley becomes British middleweight champ

…after Mark Heffron retired on stool because of HORROR eye injury

DENZEL BENTLEY became the new British middleweight champion after a gruesome stoppage win over Mark Heffron.

Bentley forced a fourth round TKO after a continued barrage with the right hand saw Heffron's eye close SHUT.

Denzel Bentley became the new British middleweight champion after a TKO win over Mark Heffron On November-13, 2020.

Mark Heffron's eye was swollen completely shut with the referee waving off the fight at the end of the fourth round.

The referee and doctors waved off the fight with Heffron unable to open his left eye.

The pair had fought to a draw just two months ago but Bentley looked a level above at the BT Sport Studios in Stratford.

The pair were even in the first but Bentley began to land right-hand bombs, with swelling showing as early as the second round.

In the third and fourth - and with Heffron's eye closing rapidly - Bentley was able to land heavy punches at will, inflicting yet more damage to the eye.

Bentley threw his right hand with pinpoint accuracyCredit: Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions

The referee waved off the fight at the end of the fourth round with Heffron unable to open his eye.

Source -The Sun                                                                                                  

Former GABA President Col. John Sharp has been reported dead on Thursday December 3, 2020.

He was a keen sports enthusiast who contributed massively to Ghana Boxing.

He was a member of AIBA, the international amateur boxing association, and also held position as president of the Ghana Kickboxing Association.

He encouraged many boxers in the amateur ranks, especially soldiers. He also tasked the the media to promote sports, especially boxing and kickboxing.

During his time, many kickboxers were able to travel out to fight outside Ghana and they won many titles.

The Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation, Ghana Boxing Authority and Friends of Boxing have sent their condolences. May he rest in peace.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Lizzy King Advises Sportsmen and women

Madam Elizabeth King, Chairperson of the Women’s Commission of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has advised sports men and women not to get involved in violence during and after the General Elections.

Speaking exclusively to Yours Truly, the Vice President of Ghana Hockey Association who also serves on other international sports bodies said Ghana needs every life, so people should not take the law into their own hands and do what they like as the security agencies are there to deal with them.

The former Ghana Prisons Services Director who is also known as Lizzy King said as we go on the elections trail people should be cool, calm and collected, and accept the decision of the electorate in good faith since this is not the only time that there have been elections.

She said sports people should not think because they train always so they are fit and will indulge in macho acts that will reduce their reputation.

“Sports people must use their fitness intelligently and also vote wisely. Ghana needs everyone, we are all Ghanaian first before supporting political parties, so I urge every one to be calm and collected, as we vote to elect leaders for the next four years” she expressed.

According to Madam King, Covid-19 halted most of the programmes of the Women’s Commission, but prays that next year is going to be better and Ghana Sports will shine brighter.

By Sammy Heywood Okine