Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games bronze medalist Samuel Takyi aka 'Ring Warrior' has accepted the challenge from Joseph Commey who recently won the National Lightweight title.

According to Takyi. the 2021 SWAG Sportsman and Boxer of the year who is currently on a training tour in UK, he has accepted to fight on condition that the bout is staged by a competent promoter like Legacy Rise Sports Promotions with a good take home purse for the winner.

He noted that most of the local promotions are not rich and do not offer attractive purses to boxers.

He said if boxers are paid well, they will fight.

The man who made history after winning Ghana's Olympic only medal after almost 30 years is lacing his boots and gloves to fight in Nigeria. His current manager is Michael Amoo Bediako of Streetwise Boxing and his corner is handled by experienced Dr. Ofori Asare.

Joseph Commey aka 'Jaguar' on the other side missed the SWAG Award in 2022 after being nominated however he was named Boxing Ghana's Boxer of the year in 2024. He is a silver medalist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Scotland. He was crowned UBO Africa Lightweight Champion after his first professional bout.

According to Commey, he is challenging Takyi for boxing fans to see and know who is the best among them. He is trained by Ebenezer Adjei at the Black Panthers Gym at Jamestown and managed by Alex Ntiamoah Boakye of Box Office fame.

Both boxers represented Ghana at the 2023 African Games held in Accra and won gold respectively, after excellent performances at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Asante Kotoko beat Bibiani Gold Stars 1-0 to lift the Champion of Champions title on Sunday at the Dun’s Park in Bibiani.

Gold Stars, last season’s Ghana Premier League winners, faced the FA Cup holders in a keenly contested clash that promised more than silverware, as both teams sought momentum ahead of the league kickoff on September 12. Fresh from winning the GHALCA Top 4, the Miners entered as favourites, while Kotoko had failed to win a game in the pre-season tournament. Yet it was the Porcupine Warriors who prevailed.

Kotoko settled quickly, dominating possession, though Gold Stars threatened with a dangerous first-half free-kick that was expertly saved by goalkeeper Frederick Asare Camara. With few clear chances, the opening half ended goalless.

The breakthrough arrived in the 68th minute when midfielder Hamzata pounced on a loose ball from a set-piece, slotting home decisively. Gold Stars pressed late on, but Kotoko’s backline held firm.

The victory secured Kotoko’s fourth Champion of Champions crown, boosting coach Karim Zito’s side ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup campaign, while Gold Stars must regroup for their Champions League challenge.

Source GhanaSoccrernet

Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease transmitted by sand flies, continues to devastate communities across Africa, with Ghana’s Volta and Oti Regions among the hardest hit. While the disease exists in two major forms, visceral and cutaneous, both are marked by painful symptoms, limited treatment options, and growing drug resistance.

In Ghana, outbreaks of cutaneous leishmaniasis have persisted since the early 2000s, with recent studies revealing alarmingly high exposure rates. A 2021 survey found that 41.8% of individuals across three communities tested positive for Leishmania parasites, with Keri village peaking at 55.1%. Ulcer biopsies showed 87% positivity, often complicated by co-infections such as Haemophilus ducreyi, making diagnosis and treatment even more challenging.

But amid these sobering statistics, a new wave of innovation is emerging, led by Ghanaian scientist Aaron Boakye, a PhD candidate in Biochemistry at the University of Utah. Mr. Boakye has pioneered a hybrid approach to drug discovery that blends ancestral knowledge with modern computational tools, offering fresh hope for diseases long overlooked by global pharmaceutical pipelines.

Mr. Boakye’s research targets Leishmania donovani, the parasite responsible for visceral leishmaniasis. Using molecular simulations, he’s investigated two key enzymes, OASS and PTR1, that the parasite relies on for survival and drug resistance. These enzymes are either absent or structurally distinct in human cells, making them ideal candidates for selective treatment.

Through virtual screening, Boakye identified synthetic compounds ICA-2 and ICA-3 as promising inhibitors of OASS. But it’s the plant-derived molecules grifolin, piperogalin, and licochalcone A that have captured attention. Sourced from traditional medicinal plants, these compounds bind tightly to PTR1 and remain stable under simulated physiological conditions, suggesting real therapeutic potential.

“This isn’t about replacing traditional drug development,” Mr. Boakye explains. “It’s about using digital tools to refine and validate what traditional medicine has long offered.”

His work underscores a broader truth: across Africa, communities have used plant-based remedies for centuries to treat infections and inflammation. Now, with open-access software, cloud computing, and publicly available datasets, African scientists can explore these remedies with unprecedented precision without the need for massive budgets or high-end labs.

Mr. Boakye is especially intrigued by the concept of dual targeting, blocking both OASS and PTR1 simultaneously to reduce the parasite’s ability to adapt and resist treatment. It’s a strategy that could reshape how we approach drug resistance in parasitic diseases.

More than a scientific breakthrough, Mr. Boakye’s work is a call to action. It demonstrates how Africa’s rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge can guide precision medicine, and how computational tools can democratize drug discovery for underserved regions.

“In the fight against leishmaniasis and other neglected diseases,” Boakye says, “our greatest strength may lie in the synergy between tradition and technology. Sometimes, the answers are already growing around us, we just need better ways to listen.”

Related Links

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44371-024-00032-8

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07391102.2023.2166119

https://seriesscience.com/antileishmanial-medicinal-plants/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0020751915001484

https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0009413

https://www.afro.who.int/countries/ghana/news/diagnosis-action-whos-efforts-strengthen-

ghanas-health-workforce-against-cutaneous-leishmaniasis

Source Aaron Boakye

Welbeck Olivierra Aryeh has won his fourth professional fight over experienced Francis Mensah by a spectacular fourth round knock out in Aflao in the Volta Region on Sunday August 31.

Welbeck Olivierra Aryeh who loves to be called 'King of Astana' said the bout was a learning curve and thanked the promoter and fans who contributed to the event.

He acknowledged that boxing programmes should spread across the country.

He said the people of Aflao in the Volta region also deserve good boxing entertainment.

" I’m having (4)four undefeated fights winning three by way of knockout, and gradually moving towards a title shot" he told Yours Truly.

Aryeh trains at Coach Asare’s Wisdom Boxing Gym.

By Sammy Heywood Okine 

Four boxers who are managed by Ivan Bruce Cudjoe's Cabic Management & Promotions have promised more fireworks in up coming bouts and made public their target of winning more titles.

In exclusive interviews with Emmanuel Mankatah (UBO Africa Super Featherweight Champion), Kofi Dana (UBO Welterweight Champion), Emmanuel Quaye (West African Super Welterweight Champion) and Michael Darko aka The Chorkor Dynamite on The Big Fight Night on Omashi TV, they promised to uplift their performance and go for bigger and popular titles.

Led by Matchmaker / Ring Announcer Sam Nana Gold, he said these new breed of Cabic Management and Promotions boxers are very committed, confident, strong, serious. disciplined and capable of winning laurels for themselves and the nation.

Emmanuel Mankattah, the silent killer, and Kofi Dana who performed on the recent Bishop Boxing Promotions Bill were a delight to watch as they dished out real powerful punches to win in style.

Kofi Dana who hails from the northern part of Ghana said he struggled a bit when he started boxing, but now he has learnt many things and has transformed. He has challenged all Ghanaian contenders in his weight class. He has challenged two opponents in the Ghana Armed Forces.

Emmanuel Mankattah has also showed what he can do, and has even called out Wasiru Mohammed for a Showdown.

Michael Darko noted that opponents are running away from him, but he will corner them and let them fight because boxing is the business and they must fight to know their strength and capabilities. His next fight should be against Mustapha Kamoko, son of former popular boxer Bukom Banku.

For Emmanuel Quaye, who is a veteran at Cabic Management, he has seen it all on the local front and wants to go international by engaging boxers on the African continent and other parts of the world.

"My target is a world title and when the chance comes I will never disappoint, I am training under Coach Asare for the big one" he said.

Sam Nana Gold announced pending promotions by Cabic in October and December which will feature all the four boxers and others at the Idrowhyt Events Centre at Dansoman.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Four boxers who are managed by Ivan Bruce Cudjoe's Cabic Management & Promotions have promised more fireworks in up coming bouts and made public their target of winning more titles.

In exclusive interviews with Emmanuel Mankatah (UBO Africa Super Featherweight Champion), Kofi Dana (UBO Welterweight Champion), Emmanuel Quaye (West African Super Welterweight Champion) and Michael Darko aka The Chorkor Dynamite on The Big Fight Night on Omashi TV, they promised to uplift their performance and go for bigger and popular titles.

Led by Matchmaker / Ring Announcer Sam Nana Gold, he said these new breed of Cabic Management and Promotions boxers are very committed, confident, strong, serious. disciplined and capable of winning laurels for themselves and the nation.

Emmanuel Mankattah, the silent killer, and Kofi Dana who performed on the recent Bishop Boxing Promotions Bill were a delight to watch as they dished out real powerful punches to win in style.

Kofi Dana who hails from the northern part of Ghana said he struggled a bit when he started boxing, but now he has learnt many things and has transformed. He has challenged all Ghanaian contenders in his weight class. He has challenged two opponents in the Ghana Armed Forces.

Emmanuel Mankattah has also showed what he can do, and has even called out Wasiru Mohammed for a Showdown.

Michael Darko noted that opponents are running away from him, but he will corner them and let them fight because boxing is the business and they must fight to know their strength and capabilities. His next fight should be against Mustapha Kamoko, son of former popular boxer Bukom Banku.

For Emmanuel Quaye, who is a veteran at Cabic Management, he has seen it all on the local front and wants to go international by engaging boxers on the African continent and other parts of the world.

"My target is a world title and when the chance comes I will never disappoint, am training under Coach Asare for the big one" he said.

Sam Nana Gold announced pending promotions by Cabic in October and December which will feature all the four boxers and others at the Idrowhyt Events Centre at Dansoman.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Twellium Ghana Limited has presented packs of Verna water and energy drinks to the Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club and Accra Great Olympics Football Club, the two traditional clubs who will vie for honours on September 5 at the Legon Sports Stadium and lift the Democracy Cup.

The Democracy Cup an annual football competition initiated last year by the Speaker of Parliament on behalf of Parliament to unite Ghanaians and enjoin them to support the constitution and democracy.

Coach Massoud Didi Dramani thanked the speaker and parliament for initiating the cup at the presentation event which took place at the Accra Hearts of Oak training grounds at Pobiman , 

He expressed that Hearts will use the match as a good warm up competition for the upcoming 2025/ 26 league which Phobia fans want to win.

"Hearts is preparing feverishly for the league and the Democracy cup will be a good match for such preparations, and we are going to win it," he stated.

At the Accra Great Olympics training grounds at the La Town Park there was same hopefulness.

Coach Sully Adamu stated that the first division side will shock Accra Hearts of Oak. He commended Verna water for the gifts.

An official of Twellium Industries who are into production of food and beverage at the corporate marking and business development, Priscilla Awumey said they are geared towards supporting the two clubs participate in a very successful cup in honour of democracy.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Members of the Ghana Sports Supporters Union on Saturday met at the Accra Sports Stadium to read the Quran and offer Muslim prayers ahead of the Black Stars two crucial World Cup 2026 Qualifiers against Chad (away) on September 4 and Mali (home) on September 8.

The prayers were led by three Mallams who called for unity and peace among the supporters front.

A ram was slaughtered as a sign of sacrifice, before the supporters had a short rehearsal of what Ghanaians should expect on the day the Black Stars host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium.

President of the amalgamated Ghana Sports Supporters Union, Alhaji Polo Forty Forty commended the supporters who turned up, and was positive that the Black Stars will qualify. He appealed to the National Sports Authority and Ministry of Sports and Recreation to back them as they cheer the players.

Abraham Nkansah aka Apirigu ChakaPaama, PRO of the GSSU as well as President of Die Hard Supporters said Ghana cannot afford to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup so they are doing everything possible to ensure a safe qualification.

He said football is both physical and spiritual so as the players play on the field, the supporters also cheer the team to be motivated to win,

"It is ideal and proper that they also pray for spiritual protection, seek divine intervention and success" he stressed.

He said the supporters are ready to jubilate if the Black Stars qualification.

Others present who spoke to the media were other supporters leaders, Coordinator Alhaji Guntu and Organiser Rashida Iddi and Akwasi Agyemang.

Since 2006, the Black Stars have qualified for all FIFA World Cup events except Russia 2018.

Ghana was at Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Qatar 2022 and now USA/Canada/ Mexico 2026 is on the line.

Ghana has a rich football history and produces very good footballers. Those who cannot play but love the game also cheer in style. The fans look very confident that the Black Stars will make it to another mundial, and excel than previous.

By Sammy Heywood Okine    

… Military backs Speaker’s call for unity through sports

The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, has presented the 2025 Democracy Cup trophy to the Ghana Armed Forces, marking the start of a series of ceremonial visits ahead of the annual football match.

The presentation took place in Accra today, with the trophy received on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, by Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing and other senior officers.

Rear Admiral Bessing, speaking on behalf of the military, welcomed the initiative, noting its significance in uniting the nation.

“As neutral players in our democratic dispensation, and that is the armed forces, we actually welcome this agenda which has been set up by our legislative arm of government, spearheaded by the Right Honourable Speaker, and we assure you that come September 5th, we will mobilise our personnel in their numbers to come and grace this important occasion.”

He observed that football has long been a unifying force, even in areas experiencing conflict. “Ghana is a football nation... sports or football is sometimes used as a means of a unifier between or amongst feuding people,” he said. He added that the initiative could help ease ethnic tensions in some parts of northern Ghana, including Nkwanta.

Mr. Djietror explained that the Democracy Cup has now become a regular fixture on the national calendar, with support from the President, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Chief Justice. “The Democracy Cup has been accepted as one of the national events which will be observed. So on our national calendar, the Democracy Cup is a critical item which we would have to relate it to as a nation every year,” he stated.

He described the tournament as a symbol of unity and national development.

“We see a concept of unity of purpose characterising that process. Unity of purpose which is so essential, important for purposes of developing, for purposes of building, for purposes of achieving excellence.”

The second edition of the Democracy Cup, now scheduled for September 5 at the University of Ghana Stadium, will see Accra Hearts of Oak face Accra Great Olympics. Ahead of the match, the trophy will be presented to various state institutions, including the President, the Chief Justice, the Electoral Commission, and the Inspector General of Police.

This year’s series of visits began with the Ministry of Defence, following last year’s postponement of the intended presentation to the Armed Forces. “Last year, we pencilled here, unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we could not come over. So this year, we decided to start from this place,” Mr. Djietror said.

The Democracy Cup was first launched in 2024 and is part of a broader effort to use football to promote civic education and national unity. The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, has championed the idea of using the sport’s popularity to enhance understanding of Ghana’s democratic system.

The match comes up at the University of Ghana Stadium to “ensure optimal facilities, security and a premier experience for spectators, players and supporters nationwide.”

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The Association Of International Certification Schools – Ghana and Brilliant Maths And Education presents empowering Primary School Mathematics Teachers at the Ghana International School on Thursday August 28 and Friday August 29 from 9am to 4pm GMT. The facilitator is Dr. Ngozi Orevaoghene, CEO, Brilliant Maths &Science Education.

The highlights include deep dive number stands, the posture of an international educator, mental maths. Fractions & place value, thinking and working mathematically, progression & checkpoint strategies.

The two day package which includes certificates and lunch comes at a cost of 800ghc.

Register at www.asics.gh @gmal.com / 0249293523.

From Sammy Heywood Okine