The Olympic and non- Olympic family in Ghana on Friday assigned a delegation led by the President, Ben Nunoo Mensah and other Board members of the GOC/ CGA to the AICC to console with the Family of the former President H. E Jerry Rawlings.

The GOC President signed the book of condolence for H E Jerry Rawlings on behalf of the delegation.

The GOC wrote -

"From a young 32 years old Flt Lt. you rose to become one of the most pivotal leaders in Africa and the world.

Your huge impact on the direction and destiny of our sports and our great country, will forever keep you in our hearts.

On behalf of the Olympic family in the world, we say fare thee well Papa Jay. R.I.P"

The delegation also went to the residence of the late Mr. Frank Quist, who was the chief director at the Ministry of Youth & Sports to commiserate with the wife and family.

According to Ben Nunoo Mensah, it is sad to lose distinguished personalities at the time and they are deeply sad by the turn of events.

He prayed that they will get befitting memorial services and burials. He expressed that the nation, Ghana has lost people who sacrificed a lot and deserve to be honoured.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Leeds United Partner With Jay-Z's Roc Nation Agency     

Jay-Z founded Roc Nation in 2008 and Leeds are the first Premier League club to partner with the agency

Never before have Jay-Z and Leeds United been mentioned in the same breath but then along came 2020.

The Premier League newcomers have marked their long-awaited return to the top flight by signing a new partnership with the rapper's entertainment agency.

In doing so, they join the likes of global music superstars Rihanna, Alicia Keys and DJ Khaled on its roster, as well as footballers Kevin de Bruyne and Marcus Rashford.

Esteemed company indeed.

The partnership was unveiled on Saturday in the form of a mural depicting homegrown Leeds and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips, alongside club legends Lucas Radebe and Albert Johanneson, in Leeds city centre.

Painted by street artist Akse P19 - who recently completed a mural of Rashford in Manchester - the design "proudly honours the diverse heritage of the club" as well as that of minority-owned Roc Nation, whose New York home also features.

"It's really impressive - it's a symbol of our club in this moment with Kalvin," Victor Orta, Leeds' sporting director, told BBC West Yorkshire Sport.

"It's a real pleasure for me and the club because it is a symbol of our team and now it is eternal in a wall."

He added: "It's a big international brand worldwide. We want to grow in the States, we want to grow in Asia.

"It's a partnership that shows where Leeds United are now.

"It shows the ambition of the club to continue growing."

Roc Nation, a leading music and sports agency, aims to "support the growth of the Leeds United brand in key markets of the USA and Asia".

In commissioning the mural, Roc Nation's Kelly Hogarth said it was intended to "do something special for the fans".

"It's such a lovely time with Kalvin getting his England national team call-up, just really championing and celebrating figures who have really paved the way for our modern-day footballers," she said.

"This is our first consultancy partnership in the Premier League. We'd had a lot of different discussions with a lot of different clubs, and it took just an hour with Andrea [Radrizzani - Leeds' owner] and Angus [Kinnear - Leeds' chief executive] for us to really buy into their strategic vision for the club.

"There's a great blueprint for success and you really need a partner who is willing to collaborate and wants to try new things."

Jay-Z gig at Elland Road, anyone?

By BBC

World Football governing body, FIFA, has banned CAF President Ahmad Ahmad for five years for financial misconduct.

According to a FIFA statement, the Malagasy, who has been under investigation, has been charged for breaching 4 acts of the FIFA code of conduct.

Ahmad Ahmad had been under investigation by FIFA Ethics Committee between 2017 and 2019, into irregularities concerning CAF- related governance issues.

According to a FIFA statement, the Malagasy has been charged for among many governance issues using CAF money to finance an Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca for 15 African FA presidents.

The FIFA Adjudicatory chamber, after an extensive hearing, ruled that the CAF President, had breached his duty of loyalty, offered gifts and other benefits, mismanaged funds and abused his position at CAF President, pursuant to the FIFA Code of Ethics.

The decision of the chamber is set to be made known to Mr Ahmad in the next 60 days, per act 78 par 2 of the FIFA Code of Ethics.                                                                            

By FIFA.com

Mr. Samuel Koranteng, CSE of MTN Ghana has described 2020 as an amazing year.

“Our dear invitational golf nearly did not happen for obvious reasons. Yet we’ve braced the odds to be here, a testament of our resilience as a people and as business men and women. The pandemic resulted in a change in plans for the year, top of that, we lost some loved ones including our very own Prof Plange Rhule, MTN Ghana Foundation Board member and an ardent golfer. We will celebrate him in a special way shortly” he said.  

According to him the tournament was organised to provide us an opportunity to relax, re-strategize and share insights on business performance in our usual cordial atmosphere. I am sure we have had a therapeutic effect playing.

“Please permit me to share some insights into our business activities for the year 2020. We themed 2020 as “The Year of the Customer, The Digital Experience”. This theme is in line with our objective to become a Digital Operator by the year 2023. 

He said they are empowering the customer to interact with us through our ayoba and myMTN apps. There are so many functions on these apps and he encouraged all to download ayoba and myMTN app from the Google Play Store and the Appstore.

“We also had to make serious interventions as a good corporate citizen to support government’s efforts at fighting the pandemic, some of these include:

Using our platforms (caller tunes, SMS etc) to create awareness and educate people on the need to adhere to the protocols, providing through the MTN Ghana Foundation GHS 5 million worth of PPE, medical supplies and other essential items for first responders across the country, zero rating well over 200 educational websites to facilitate e-learning activities of students at home, significant investment in our network to ensure adequate resilience and optimum performance to support Work from Home plans by organisations and individuals who had to use that approach to stay safe. In all the total support to fight COVID -19 for stakeholders such as customers, staff and the community was GHC100 million Cedis” he revealed.

He thanked and congratulated all players, especially the award winners. For those who do not win anything, he asked them to enjoy the lunch, interact and come back stronger and make us all proud at the next MTN CEO invitational.

He remembered to stay safe even as we get closer to the elections.

“Wear your mask everywhere you go. At MTN we say, Be W.I.S.E meaning- “Wear It Safely Everywhere You Go” “We Are good together” he added.

Felix Kwame Akafo and Georgina Andoh topped all at 2020 MTN Invitational Golf.

100 golfers from all over the country took part in the 2020 MTN Invitational Golf Tournament.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana Premier League side Legon Cities have parted ways with head coach, Goran Barjaktarevic after just two games into the 2020/2021 season.

According to multiple reports in the local media, the management of club terminated the contract of the Bosnian contract following their 3-0 defeat to Great Olympics on Friday night.

However, official communication is expected to be issued by the club.

The Royals had opened the season with a 1-1 draw at home to Berekum Chelsea last weekend at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Barjaktarevic has been at the helm for 11 months after taking over from John Paintsil who failed to meet the league criteria of having a CAF License A certificate.

The 51-year-old won just 3 games out of 15 before the coronavirus pandemic led to the cancellation of the 2019/2020 season.

He managed a win rate of 17.6% in his 17 games in charge.

Legon Cities ahead of the new campaign made 12 new seasons ahead of the new season, including the addition of Ghana’s all-time leading goalscorer in international football, Asamoah Gyan.

They were expected to hit the grounds running and challenge for the ultimate but have started the season on a bad note.

Meanwhile, Techiman City coach, Ignatius Osei-Fosu, Medeama SC gaffer, Samuel Boadu and former Hearts of Oak boss, Kim Grant have all been linked to the job.

Legon Cities play Medeama in Tarkwa in their next Ghana Premier League game.

ModernGhana

Heavyweight prospect Fabio Wardley (10-0, 9 KOs) made a statement as he demolished Richard Lartey (14-4, 11 KOs) in two rounds.

Lartey was pressing forward, looking to land something big. Wardley working with his jab off the backfoot and just feeling out his opponent.

In the second round, Wardley was taking his time, working the jab and then landed a big two-punch combination and sent Lartey down and out. Lartey was down and very hurt as the ringside doctors entered the ring to give him oxygen.

Lartey had previously been stopped in four rounds by heavyweight destroyer Daniel Dubois.

By Boxing Photos 

Mr. Sammy Heywood Okine, Communications Director of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has welcomed ACE Power Promotions and called for more promoters to make the sport interesting and serious.

Speaking at the launch, the experienced sports journalist said boxing is the number one sport in Ghana because they have produced 10 world champions and many Commonwealth and Africa Champions.

He added that Ghana won the first medal for Africa in boxing at the Olympic Games in 1960.

He noted that boxing has brought Ghana many glories so the game should be organized well and in the modern business way.

He added his voice for the rebranding of Ghana boxing and called for more promoters so that there would be frequent bouts all over the country.

“We have the talents, but lack the promoters and trainers, we need to encourage businesses to venture into boxing, and train more coaches” he said.

Ace Power and Box Office will stage a contest without fans at the Ga Mashie Hall of the Trust Sports Emporium on November 29, 2020.

By Naa Amerley Commey

Hurray we are Five Years and keep counting.

The Zen Garden Special Anniversary Bash comes up on Saturday November 28, 2020 at Labone in Accra.

All roads definitely should lead there because it is going to be another wonderful experience in the serene exotic and graceful garden.

The entertainment is what makes people to feel the place and as usual the best of performers are on the bill.

Food and drinks are in different kinds and available on order. The service at Zen Garden is so unique that you will come back to become a patron.  You can also have private meetings and your own party at Zen Garden. 

If you are you ready for the Birthday Bash this November 28? Reserve now on 0244933339 or 0240714474. Tickets are limited.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

ACE Power Promotions, in collaboration with Box Office Sports Promotions, will host Ghana’s first bout since COVID-19 struck on Sunday, November 29, behind closed doors at Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.

Daniel Aduku will fight Sani Yidana Kugblie in an eight-round super welterweight contest for the main bout of the night.

Aduku (11-2-1, 7 KOs) recently joined ACE Power Promotions alongside Holy Dorgbetor and Emmanuel Baidoo. All expected to make their debuts on the card.

Dorgbetor will slug it out with Billy Quaye in an eight-round featherweight contest while Baidoo faces Daniel Kotey in a six-round, super welterweight encounter.

Alex Ntiamoah, CEO of Box Office said his outfit was willing to step up and partner with other promotional banners in order to give boxers the opportunity to return to the ring and make a living.

“It is good to have boxing return and I believe fighters will take advantage of these tune up bouts,” Ntiamoah told the media.

Aduku will be fighting for the first time in nearly two years; since he won a unanimous decision over Emmanuel Quaye in December 2018.

His opponent, Kugblie, last fought in February, suffering a knockout defeat at the hands of Nigeria’s Obinna Joseph Mathew.

Also on the card, undefeated featherweight prospect Alfred Lamptey will face Edward Kambasi whilst Prince Oko Nartey fights Prince Tetteh in a super middleweight contest.

John Dugu will clash with Ahmed Abdula in a light heavyweight contest, Ishmael Djan will fight Yakubu Alidu at heavyweight, a super welterweight clash involving Isaac Aryee and Raymond Ansah and finally, Amadu Seidu versus Michael Dicardi-Nelson in a bantamweight clash.

CEO of ACE Power Promotions, Dr. Adae Opoku Amoako, hopes the bouts will be held on a bright note. The focus, he said, is to make a significant impact domestically and on the continental stage.

“Our aim is to unearth and nurture talents for the future and to make them compete at the highest level. This is what we believe would make us a great organization.”

According to organizers, all boxers will be quarantined a week before their bouts and tested throughout.

“We are prepared to meet all COVID-19 restrictions to enable the fight to take place,” said Kizito Akudago, Legal and Corporate Affairs manager of ACE Power Promotions.

“The bouts will be streamed live on social media with only news outlets and organizers to be at the venue.”

More boxing events are expected on national television in Ghana due to the threat of COVID-19. These events will include frequent testing of fighters and officials. The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) believes their protocol will allow the sport to resume shows on a regular basis during this crisis period.

“Promoters will have some financial relief from the government because the COVID-19 tests would be catered for by the government,” said Patrick Johnson, GBA General Secretary.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) Ghana on Friday, November 20, 2020 organized one-day workshop on building sports brands through Social media for media attaches at the media center of the Accra Sports Stadium.

Chairman of 2023 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare urged the media to support in the promotion and marketing of the upcoming African Games through their social media channels and portals.

He said Social Media: Helps in globalization and socialization. It helps the individuals to interact.-It creates emotional connectivity.-Connects to consumers .

On Branding, he said Journalists should support federations to brand themselves which can help various sports win medals. He advised that the journalists should be mindful of what they put on social media.

He expressed that reporting on lesser known sports helps in branding them for people to know and understanding the game, as branding the game well by good reportage.

University of Ghana Business School lecturer, Dr. Kobby Mensah, also talked about building sports brands through journalism. He touched on brand management, brand journalism, branding terminology (Brand Awareness and Brand Association). Brand Image, Brand Identity, Brand.

President of Commonwealth Games Ghana, Ben Nuno Mensah said, "I am happy with the turnout of events especially the media attendance. Hope the workshop will have great impact on their reportage and how the media can use social media and branding to help lesser known sports.”

Some sports personalities present at the programme were Chairperson of the Women's Commission on Sports, Madam Elizabeth King, Executive Director of WISA, Madam Gloria Commodore and President of WOSPAG, Mrs Joyce Mahama.

Others who graced the program were the President of Ghana Netball, Rev. Nikoi, President of Ghana Volleyball, Mr. Paul Atchoe, President of Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation Mr. George Lamptey, President of Ghana Karate do Mr. Melvin Brown and Mr. Evans Yeboah, President of Ghana Badminton.

Most participants who were interviewed about the content of the workshop commended and congratulated Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah and his charges. They also hailed the resource persons for their knowledge and willingness to share and know more.

Over 50 sports journalists who took part in the workshop were awarded certificates.

The programme was sponsored by Papaye Fast Foods, Twellium Industrial Company, Jay Kay Industries & Investments Limited, AshFoam Ghana Limited and CODA.

By Sammy Heywood Okine