Accra, February 8, 2026 – MTN Ghana has been adjudged the overall best-performing operating company (OpCo) within the MTN Group after winning the MTN Group 2025 Million Dollar Challenge, cementing its position as a pacesetter across the Group’s footprint.

The prestigious recognition was announced at the MTN Global Leadership Gathering (GLG) 2026, a high-level forum that brings together leadership from across MTN’s operations to celebrate outstanding performance, innovation and strategic execution.

MTN Ghana’s triumph reflects its exceptional market execution, strong financial and operational results, and its success in scaling strategic platforms across Fintech, Enterprise and Consumer segments. In total, the company secured six major awards, further reinforcing its reputation as one of MTN Group’s most consistent and forward-driving businesses.

Awards won by MTN Ghana include:

Million Dollar Challenge 2025 – Connectivity (Enterprise)

Million Dollar Challenge 2025 – Connectivity (Consumer)

Million Dollar Challenge 2025 – Fintech (MoMo Ghana)

CEO of the Year – Fintech: Shaibu Haruna, MoMo Ghana

Overall CEO of the Year (1st Runner-Up): Shaibu Haruna

Overall Winner – MTN Group 2025 Million Dollar Challenge

Commenting on the achievement, Stephen Blewett, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, said:

“This recognition is a strong validation of the relentless commitment, creativity and execution excellence of our people. Winning the overall Million Dollar Challenge and leading across key platforms such as Fintech, Enterprise and Consumer demonstrates that MTN Ghana is not only delivering strong results today, but also building sustainable platforms for long-term growth. I am immensely proud of our teams and the discipline with which they continue to deliver on our strategy.”

The GLG 2026 convened senior leaders from across MTN’s operating companies to review performance, sharpen strategic priorities and reinforce leadership standards required to thrive in an increasingly competitive and complex digital environment.

MTN Ghana’s outstanding performance at the 2025 Million Dollar Challenge positions the company as a benchmark for excellence within the MTN Group and underscores its unwavering commitment to innovation, customer value creation and sustainable growth.

Source MTN

Remember Adomako will be remembered as the player who kicked the last ball to kick out Asante Kotoko the defending champions on penalties in the 2026 MTN FA Cup at the Kumasi Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday February 8, 2026.

Coach Karim Zito was not happy with his team because they missed a couple of scoring chances.

He told reporters after the game that in such matches, the lucky team can win, and Kotoko was not lucky on the day at home.

But for fans of Aduana, they jubilated in style with lemon coloured balloons.

It was indeed a  good FA Cup game with no goals during duration time, so the winner had to be decided by the lottery of penalties.

Aduana coach Aristică Cioabă from Romania who was not happy with his captain's first feeble shot which was saved by Kotokos goalie Camara ended up over joyed and hailed his players for the sweet victory.

Aduana FC have not won the MTN FA Cup before and this important victory should motivate them to go to the final.

Kotoko is on record to have won the MTN FA Cup 10 times and want to reach the record of glorious Accra Hearts of Oak who have won the prestigious trophy 12 times.

In other matches of the one 16^th stage, Attram De Visser beat Eleven Wonders 4-0. Medeama won 4-2 against FC Samartex, Nations beat All Blackes 2-1 while Techiman Liberty beat RTU 2-0 and Berekum Chelsea also won 1-0 over Tamale City.

Kpando Heart of Lion FC are through after beating True Life, same as Dreams FC who won over Inter Allies by 4-2.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Jonathan Tetteh popularly known as 'Worldwide' has retracted his submission made a couple of weeks that he is quitting Box Office Management and Promotions because of money.

When Yours Truly met the WBA Africa Super Middleweight Champion at the Bukom Boxing Arena during the National Individual Amateur Boxing Championship he apologised to his management and indicated that it was part of thrash talk which went overboard.

"I am still with Alex Ntiamoah Boakye and infact i can't be ungrateful as Box Office has helped me before and I can't forget" he said

Jonathan Tetteh revealed plans of defending his title against Freezy Macbones and deciding to go outside Ghana to fight.

He prayed that all plans in his career will be fruitful.

Recently he paid a visit to Media Personality, Bola Ray at GHOne office and restated his intentions to fight outside Ghana to become a real international star.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

President of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) Dauda Fuseni has disclosed that female boxing is very dear to his heart because he believes in gender balance and wants to lead female boxers to the next Olympic Games.

"We have taken females to the Commonwealth Games before, but I want to make history and be remembered for taking female boxers to the Olympic Games for the first time" he told Yours Truly in an exclusive interview at the Ga Mashie Hall during the National Individual Amateur Boxing Championship.

According to the creative and innovative leader, the female boxers must also have the chance because they can also do their best to put Ghana on the world map in boxing.

He expressed that the Black Hitters as the female national boxing team are known can also come up with something.

"I feel we should give the female boxers the same opportunities as the males," he said.

According to Dauda Fuseni, there would be another special tournament for only female boxers to pick or select the Black Hitters to complement the national boxing teams.

He noted that the team should have been selected as the Commonwealth Games is in July August, but the Federation will try to get some good female boxers to represent the nation.

The popular female boxers in Ghana are Trudy Manteaw of the Ghana Armed Forces, Perpetual Okaidja, Janet Acquah, Faruza Osman also a soldier, Sarah Apaw, Jill Whyte, Elizabeth Jeffrey, Nancy Bamfo. Faith Afreh, Elizabeth Boakye and Lois Marie Asiedu.

He congratulated the 26 male boxers who will be fighting at the finals of the Individual Championship.

The Championship exposed talented boxers like Samuel Plange, George Dowuona, Mathias Ashitey, Desmond Pappoe, Ebenezer Ankrah and others.

The team from the north showed potential while the officials also did their best.

He explained that the final was shifted to the end of February to enable the finalists to prepare well and for the GBF to have time to plan to attract more sponsors and invite some personalities and guests to watch the young boxers' performance.

It took almost 30 years before Ghana got an Olympic medal (bronze) through Samuel Takyi in 2021 at the Tokyo 2020 Games .

Meanwhile many top sports officials have promised to come and watch the finals.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, Minister for Sports and Recreation, will present the keynote address at the 8th Association of International Sports Press (AIPS) Africa Congress in Banjul, The Gambia.

The Congress comes up from February 6-9, 2026, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo under the theme “Digital Media, AI, and Ethical Journalism in Africa.”

The representative of Ghana will address “The Role of Government in African Sports Development,” under the chairmanship of His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of The Gambia.

The Congress will be graced by a high-profile panel of African sports leaders, including Mr. Bakary Y. Bajide, Gambia’s Minister for Youth and Sports; Shehu Dikko, Nigeria’s National Sports Commissioner; Abdoul Kassim Ibrahim Fomba, Mali’s Minister for Youth and Sports; and Khady Gaye, Senegal’s Minister for Youth and Sports. This gathering of ministers underscores a collective push to tackle pressing challenges in continental sports.

Kofi Adams plans to seize the opportunity for bilateral discussions with his counterparts, focusing on collaboration, infrastructure growth, and athlete welfare. These talks aim to forge pathways for sustainable sports development across Africa, addressing longstanding barriers to progress.

The congress offers sports journalists a prime platform to learn, network, and advance professionally amid evolving media landscapes. Sessions will explore digital tools, AI integration, and ethical standards, empowering reporters to elevate sports coverage.

AIPS has over the years championed sports journalists’ rights, fostered professionalism and ethics, and built capacity through global platforms.

The Gambia promises to strengthen these efforts, positioning African sports journalism at the forefront of innovation and integrity.

By Elizabeth A. Gyamfi

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) will be represented at the congress by its Secretary General, Mr Charles Osei Asibey

Ghana will be represented at the 8th edition of the Association of International Sports Press (AIPS) Africa Congress in Banjul, The Gambia, from February 6 to 9, 2026.

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) will be represented at the congress by its Secretary General, Mr Charles Osei Asibey.

Organised under the theme “Digital Media, AI, and Ethical Journalism in Africa,” the congress will be held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo.

The event will provide an opportunity for sports journalists across the continent to learn, network, and grow professionally.

According to continental leaders of the association, the congress will help strengthen the future of sports journalism in Africa.

Dignitaries expected to attend include His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of The Gambia; Mr Gianni Merlo, President of AIPS; Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams; Sports Ministers from Senegal, Mali, and Nigeria; as well as other continental sports icons.

Over the years, AIPS has protected the rights of sports journalists, promoted professionalism and ethical standards, built capacity, and created platforms for learning, networking, and the overall development of sports journalism.

The AIPS Africa Congress aims to bring together sports journalists and key stakeholders from across the continent to deliberate, collaborate, and shape the future of sports journalism in Africa.

Source radio univers

… Funeral Fixed For February 26 And 27

The family of the late Peter Lamptey aka 'Goal Thief' has called on the Noyaa Mantse of the Ga State. Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira 1, a Patron of Accra Hearts of Oak Old Players Association (AHOOPA),  former management member of Accra Hearts of Oak and former President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC)  to formally inform him about the death, funeral arrangements and also announce the dates for the funeral which has been fixed for February 26 and 27 in Accra.

Nii Kojo Ashirifi Papanyira 1 known in private life as Ben Nunoo Mensah described Peter Lamptey as a hero and great soccer star who brought joy and smiles on faces of fans and supporters of the teams he played. He expressed his deepest condolence to the delegation and family recalling his personal relations with him.

Peter Lamptey was a great footballer of Ghana who won the Goal King title in 1973. In fact he was the first top scorer of the National league to be recognised and rewarded by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG).

He featured for the Black Stars, Accra Great Olympics and Accra Hearts of Oak making  goal scoring very easy. He had pace and was one of the most intelligent players on the field.

After his illustrious career as a footballer, he tried to coach some youthful rising stars before his demise on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Kaneshie Polyclinic.

Among the personalities who supported Nii Ashiefie Papanyira to received the delegation  were Yoomo Afiyea - Chief Fetish Priestess of the Ga State, Nii Laryea Amartey, Nii Tackie - Katse and Nii Ayaa 1- Afototse of Odorkor Official Town.

Peter Lamptey's family delegation included Nii Tuku Armah, Sowah Ghartey, Jennifer Lamptey and Vincentia Sosu.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Badminton Association has on 30^th January 2026 organised a workshop for traditional and social media content creators in Accra.

President of the Association, Mr. Evans Yeboah made a passionate call on corporate Ghana to support and encourage people in sports, especoally Badminton.

Mr. Yeboah who doubles as Treasurer of the Ghana Olympic Committee was happy with the attendance of the group of Sports journalists who showed interest in the workshop at the Media Centre of the Accra Sports Stadium.

He urged the media to encourage more people to know about Badminton, invest in and the culture of the sport, terminologies, dimensions of the court, equipment like racket and shuttlecock, rules and regulations.

The workshop attracted 22 vibrant media community - bloggers, photographers, editors, storytellers, and creators!

Yeboah said the athletes' journey is profound and they must be first on the agenda.

He shared some experiences with Francis Oteng a Ghanaian who is Africa number one.

The workshop which was in partnership with SWAG, is aimed at deepening technical knowledge of badminton, mastering the craft of compelling sports storytelling, amplify badminton to inspire a new generation, and build lasting media partnerships to grow the sport

22 participants out of the 42 who registered said the workshop was exciting and educative.

They agreed for frequent interaction with the sport’s federations.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The prelims, quarter finals and semi finals of the exciting National Individual Amateur Boxing Competition have been held and now fans are waiting for the grand finals which have been fixed for the end of February at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

All the weight categories have been completed remaining with the 67kg to compete for the semi-finals & finals.

After two days of super boxing action, Dennis John Dugbenu (Seconds Out) will face Bernard Kotey (Sea View) in the 86kg category final, while Daniel Amoo (Sea View) takes on Lionel Owoo (Wisdom Boxing Gym) in the 48kg class.

George Dowuona (Will Power) meets Ibrahim Doku (Black Panthers) in the 51kg class as Caleb Mensah (Wisdom Boxing Gym) takes on mercurial Mathias Ashitey (Black Panthers) in the 45kg in a revenge or repeat duel.

For the 57kg, amazing Amadu Mohammed (Sea View) fights Reginald Lamptey (C.Q.B.F), while at 60kg, James Okoe (Wisdom Boxing Gym) faces Ebenezer Ankrah (Black Panthers)

In the 63.5kg, Henry Owusu (Wisdom Boxing Gym) takes on experienced Abdul Wahid Omar (Wisdom Boxing Gym), while the 71kg will be between Solomon Sackey (Akotoku) and Zakari Kamoko (Sea View).

For the 75kg, Khalid (Fit Square) faces Desmond Pappoe (Jamestown Boxing Club), while at the 81kg, Mubarak Amarh (Seconds Out) faces Abdul Wahab (Sonia).

In the heavyweight, 92kg + Isaac Asiedu (C.Q.B.F) clashes with Daniel Plange (Jamestown Boxing Club).

So far it has been exciting and the Ghana Boxing Federation wishes to climax activities on a splendid note.

We pray that all competitors and coaches remain disciplined and calm for the nation to witness a good final so that the best fighters are selected. We also wish the referees and judges the best of wisdom so that they operate free and fair.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Wisdom Boxing Club founded by Coach Dr. Ofori Asare contributed massively to the 2026 National Individual Amateur Boxing Championship at the Ga Mashie Hall over the weekend

The Championship was organised by the Ghana Boxing Federation headed by Dauda Fuseni involving 145 boxers from all over the country. Upper West, Volta, Central, Ashanti and Northern were all represented.

Wisdom Boxing entered 18 boxers and recorded 19 wins, producing five finalists in Light Fly, Bantam, Lightweight, and Light Welterweight, as well as an all-Wisdom final in the 63.5kg weight division.

Wisdom fighters exhibited character, discipline, courage, and skill. Most are talented while others learnt from the scratch.

They brought  the youngest boxer, Philemon Lomotey (14years) and had the most experienced amateur boxer Wahid Omar (31 years).

According to head trainer Dr Asare,Wisdom has developed to become an academy and also have a promotions wing.

"At Wisdom our boxers learn the art and trade" he expressed.

He noted that some bouts were decided by very close margins, and they have learnt lessons to be used to improve like stronger conditioning, smarter fight management, and consistent hard work.

The experienced technician believes the new Black Bombers which would be selected after the final is going to produce medalists at international competitions.

Other clubs that have produced finalists are Black Panthers, Sea View, Jamestown, Fit Square, Seconds Out, Will Power, Charles Quartey Foundation, Sonia and Akotoku Academy.

By Sammy Heywood Okine