Ghana has taken another bold step in advancing women’s rugby with the official launch of Rugby Rising Play at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium on Friday, September 12, 2025. The initiative makes Ghana only the second African country to roll out this World Rugby-backed programme.

Opening a Pathway for Girls in Rugby

Rugby Rising Play is designed as a structured, 10-session pathway for teenage girls with no prior rugby experience. It introduces them to the sport in a safe and supportive environment, helping them build confidence, embrace teamwork, and develop the skills needed to progress to Tier 1 rugby.

Described as more than just a project, the launch was celebrated as a movement—one aimed at empowering girls, breaking social barriers, and shaping the future of women’s rugby across Africa. Around 30 young girls from 12 schools showcased the sport during the ceremony.

Calls for Investment in the Next Generation

Special Guest of Honour, Madam Veronica Commey, Deputy Director (Technical) of the National Sports Authority, hailed the initiative as “a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to transform the landscape of girls’ participation in sport in Ghana.”

She stressed the importance of supporting young girls, not only in rugby but in all sports, saying:

“When we invest in girls, we invest in the future. From grassroots to greatness, let us rise together through sport.”

Her remarks underscored the programme’s wider mission to nurture female athletes, coaches, administrators, and leaders for Ghana’s sporting future.

Celebrating Rugby’s Growth in Ghana

Former GRFU President, Mrs. Gifty Anna Myers, the first woman to lead the union, reflected on her early efforts to introduce rugby in Ghana back in 2003—a move initially met with doubt. She expressed delight at seeing the sport’s growth, urging young girls to take rugby seriously and seize the opportunities the game now offers.

She also highlighted Ghana’s milestone of hosting the first CAR North-West Africa Women’s 7s Tournament in Accra, which drew participation from Morocco, Tunisia, and other nations.

Guidance and Caution for Young Athletes

President of Women in Sports, Mrs. Joyce Mahama, encouraged girls to remain committed to their sporting journey while issuing a word of caution:

“Do not see sport merely as a chance to travel. Desperation could expose you to exploitation.”

She urged participants to stay focused, avoid dropping out, and bring their peers along to help rugby grow. Mrs. Mahama praised the GRFU’s partnership with World Rugby, noting how Ghanaian girls are already making a mark internationally.

A Long-Term Vision for Women’s Rugby

Ms. Rafatu Inusah, President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union, outlined the bigger picture. She spoke of a future where today’s players evolve into coaches, referees, administrators, and leaders within the sport.

She revealed that the project will also roll out teacher and volunteer training, safeguarding workshops, community sessions, regional festivals, and a national celebration of rugby for girls.

Closing her address, she offered an inspiring message directly to the participants:

“To the girls who will soon take to the field: this program is for you. We believe in your potential, and we are committed to giving you every opportunity to rise, shine, and lead safely through rugby.”

About Rugby Rising Play

Rugby Rising Play is part of World Rugby’s global initiative, Impact Beyond 2025, launched last month. The programme leverages the momentum of the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in England to drive lasting change worldwide.

Through its three core pillars and nine strategic initiatives, Impact Beyond 2025 aims to inspire more women and girls to embrace rugby, not only as players but also as coaches, referees, and administrators.

In Ghana, Rugby Rising Play stands as both a challenge and an opportunity: to nurture the next generation of women who will carry the sport forward, building a legacy that stretches from grassroots fields to the global stage.

Source GRFU Communication

The Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), in partnership with World Rugby, will officially launch the Rugby Rising Play Project on Friday, 12th September 2025.

Rugby Rising Play is World Rugby’s first bespoke girls’ participation programme, specifically designed to recruit and retain more teenage girls in rugby.

The primary goal of the initiative is to create a clear pathway for girls to progress into Tier 1 rugby and other formats of the game.

It aims to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in the sport while promoting lifelong involvement.

Beyond rugby skills, the programme fosters a holistic learning environment that embodies the core values of the game: teamwork, discipline, respect, and integrity.

For the first time, teenage girls across Ghana will have access to a structured pathway into rugby, with 10 empowering sessions crafted to build confidence, unlock potential, and open doors to Tier 1 rugby and beyond.

The launch is scheduled for Friday, 12th September 2025, at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium.

This is more than just a programme; it is a movement. A bold step towards empowering young girls, breaking barriers, and shaping the future of rugby in Ghana and across Africa.

The future is female. The future is rugby. And it begins right here in Ghana.

Source Richard Achore

The Sports Education and Management (SEM) Promotions led by Lord Eddie Coleman is staging a mouth watering boxing show at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Friday 12th September 2025.

There was a public appearance at Gbese on Sunday evening to market the fights which attracted a pleasant crowd.

On the bill as the main bout is Ernest Akushey aka Baubali versus Jacob Dickson aka The Beast in a Cruiserweight contest. .

This is a fight that boxing fans have called for and they must be grateful to the promoter with their presence and patronage.

Both Akushey and 'Paa Dicky' Dickson lost their last bouts with titles at stake, and SEM is giving them another chance to appease their fans.

Dickson was a former National Cruiserweight Champion and lost the chance to win the WBC International Bridgerweight belt against American Nigerian Tabiti.

Baubali was also knocked out by Jonathan Tetteh aka 'Worldwide'.

However the  Chorkor hero. Baubali has promised victory, while Dickson said he will retire him.

On the packed bill is the National Super Welterweight clash between powerful Kofi Dana and mercurial Musa Rahman Lawson who was recently signed by SEM Promotions.

The evening is expected to be full of fireworks with exciting boxers like John Laryea aka Expensive Boxer, Daniel Gorsh aka Emperor, Abubakar Kamoko aka Ambitious Tilapia, Obodai Sai aka Miracle and Ghana based Nigerian Sampson Solomon on the bill.

According to Lord Coleman the event is named Monaco - 'Night to prove' for the boxers to express themselves to the  fans as to who is the boxer and who is the talkative. .

Some amateurs, the Black Rockets and juvenile boxers (Ben Ankrah versus Oko CP) will thrill to herald the professional fights.

Top musical artists have been lined up to provide entertainment so it is not going to  represent only sports, but art, music and culture will be on display.

The gate fee is cool to meet every pocket and the VIP will serve a classic and exclusive entertaining atmosphere.

No boxing fan will love to miss this bill.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Young Spartans from Awudome, Kaneshie stole the juvenile football show which heralded this year's Wormanne Art Festival Korle-Gonno on Sunday.

They beat Chorkor based Golden Kick in the exciting final which attracted a large crowd at the Dr. Bannerman Park also known as Okpotsu. Park. Gt. Padua, last year's winners placed third.

The teams that took part in the two day competition were Mamprobi Utd, Saint Stars, Charity Stars, Trust FC, Sharp Thinkers, Mighty Victory, Great Cedabs, Mighty Cosmos, Great Padua, Golden Kick and Young Spartans who produced the most exciting player and goal king.

Nii Adotey Allotey,  PRO of Native Tribegh,  organizers of the Womanne Festival said the football competition was very successful despite the anxious moments during some matches

The CEO of Native Tribegh who loves to be called Level also thanked all the sponsors and supporters of the event noting that the main festival is from September 12 to 22.

He advised all participants to comport themselves to be safe and cheerful.

He said there would be various forms of art works, candle night walk, culture on display, music, dance and general entertainment.

The Korle Gonno Stool Secretary also congratulated the football teams and players.

Yours Truly who was there to present some of the awards urged the players to train hard and keep playing and praying to be successful like Black Stars Goalkeeper Ben Asare who was born and bred at Korle Gonno.

Hon. Gideon Hammond, Deputy Director General of the National Sports Authority graced the final. He hailed the teams and young players for their wonderful artistry and fantastic football which delighted the fans.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Street Academy based at Arts Center in Accra has distributed free exercise, note books and other stationary to pupils and students on Saturday 6th September at the school premises.

Ataa Lartey, Founder and CEO of the popular Street Academy said many philanthropists and organisations have been supporting the school and their programmes and events over the years.

He thanked Mr. Boi Abbey who has decided to mark his birthday by presenting gifts to the pupils in the Primary department and students in the Junior High School department respectively.

The items distributed include exercise books, pens, pencils, crayons, maths sets and others.

According to Ataa Lartey who is a sports enthusiast, the most important project which is dear to his heart and wants for the Street Academy is an astro turf where the children can play and discover their talents.

Aside academic work, students are taught culture and arts as well as sports such as football. boxing, hockey and athletics.

He thanked all sponsors and supporters as well as the media for promoting the Street Academy which has produced prominent personalities in the society.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Street Academy based at Arts Center in Accra has distributed free exercise, note books and other stationary to pupils and students on Saturday 6th September at the school premises.

Ataa Lartey, Founder and CEO of the popular Street Academy said many philanthropists and organisations have been supporting the school and their programmes and events over the years.

He thanked Mr. Boye Abbey who has decided to mark his birthday by presenting gifts to the pupils in the Primary department and students in the Junior High School department respectively.

The items distributed include exercise books, pens, pencils, crayons, maths sets and others.

According to Ataa Lartey who is a sports enthusiast, the most important project which is dear to his heart and wants for the Street Academy is an astro turf where the children can play and discover their talents.

Aside academic work, students are taught culture and arts as well as sports such as football. boxing, hockey and athletics.

He thanked all sponsors and supporters as well as the media for promoting the Street Academy which has produced prominent personalities in the society.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

WBO Africa Bantamweight Champion Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey is leading the Boxing Ghana Pound for Pound ratings for the month of September 2025.

He has overtaken Holy Dorgbetor who reigned for two months.

Daniel Gorsh who led at the beginning of the year has dropped to fourth position as others are climbing.

WBO Africa Lightweight Champion Faisal Abubakar aka Poncho Power has moved up to the third position, Shakul Samed who fought at the WBC Grand Prix is at the fifth position, Joseph Commey, the National and UBO Lightweight Champion is at number 6. while another power puncher Emmanuel Mankatah who holds the UBO Africa Super Featherweight title has joined the top ranks.

The Boxing Ghana monthly rankings is based on fight frequently, performance, media appearances, activeness and quality of fight platforms or organisations staging bouts such as WBC, IBF, WBA, WBO, ABU or ABU.

Recently a number of Ghanaian boxers have been rated by the African Boxing Union ABU where Theo Allotey is number 5.

He is number 5 at IBF, 15 in the WBO recent ratiings 8 at IBO Intercontinental and 9 at IBC respectively.

Theo Allotey who is preparing for a WBC International shot told Yours Truly on The Big Fight Night at Omashi TV, he is very happy with his new status as number one in Ghana and his journey to reach the top and claim the ultimate world title has just began.

He said the new ratings has motivated and inspired him to push harder.

His trainer Coach Dr. Ofori Asare also said Theo is coming like a rocket and should be supported to realise his dream after representing Ghana and excelling at the amateur level.

He expressed that within eleven months they have really worked very hard and leaving no stone unturned till they achieve the goal if winning a world title.

He appealed to the government and companies to support Team Allotey.

Allotey was the shining star at the Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifiers and won a medal for Ghana at the African Games before turning professional.

He currently holds the National and UBA Africa Super Flyweight title and showed his talent, skill and power against Daniel Gorsh for the WBO Africa Bantamweight Championship.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Madam Gloria Commodore, the founder and first President / Director of Women In Sports Association (WISA) will be enstooled as Sei Nye of the Nii Mensah Kanlow We in Prampram and Accra.

The grand Yam Festival celebration when she will be outdoored and introduced is on Sunday, September 14 at the family house near Bukom.

The 67 years old lover of humanity. nature and sports who has for ten years organised and supported the annual Women In Sports (WISA) Awards was chosen at the age of six, but has eluded the elders for many years until recently.

She told Yours Truly "I had no choice, because I knew I was prepared for another mission after WISA and I am ready to serve my people and learn the values and traditions"

Madam Commodore who worked in the United Kingdom before coming to Ghana, and became a member of the Sports For All Federation and Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) revealed she did not believe in traditions and deities, but after her direct and personal experience she had to surrender and be obedient to serve the gods of the land.

She stated that "I hope to develop my people spiritually, morally and inspire them to enter or take on ventures and businesses to make them improve their lifestyle through education".

She wished her Elders, Asafoastemei and Nyemei plus others a fruitful Homowo Festival with more blessings. prosperity and unity among the people.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Type II diabetes is no longer a disease of aging; it’s fast becoming a defining health crisis among Ghana’s youth. Over the past decade, Ghana has witnessed a troubling rise in metabolic disorders, with Type II diabetes increasingly affecting adolescents and young adults. While national prevalence estimates range from 2.8% to 3.95% 1 , regional studies show much higher rates in urban centers like Accra, where lifestyle transitions marked by processed diets, sugary beverages, and sedentary routines are reshaping metabolic health 2 . In a 2017 study at Korle Bu

Teaching Hospital, over 60% of young diabetic patients were overweight or obese, and 67% reported low physical activity 2 . These trends mirror global patterns, but Ghana’s youth face unique vulnerabilities: limited access to screening, cultural stigma around chronic illness, and a lack of institutional support in schools.

What makes this surge especially dangerous is its invisibility. Most young people with prediabetes or early-stage Type II diabetes remain undiagnosed until complications arise.

Schools where students spend most of their waking hours rarely offer screening, education, or psychosocial support. And yet, these institutions hold untapped potential to reverse the tide. As a biochemist working at the intersection of insulin receptor signaling and public engagement, I believe Ghana’s high schools and universities must become strategic hubs for diabetes prevention.

This means embedding metabolic health into science and health curricula, not just as abstract biology, but as lived reality. It means launching peer-led campaigns that normalize conversations around chronic illness and empower students to make informed choices. It means creating campus wellness programs with regular screenings, fitness clubs, and access to affordable, nutritious meals. And it means training educators to recognize early warning signs and support affected students with empathy and discretion. Studies from the University of Ghana show that students with family histories of diabetes had higher awareness, but many lacked practical knowledge of symptoms and prevention 3 . Meanwhile, psychosocial distress linked to stigma, academic pressure, and lack of support was found to negatively affect self- management and glycemic control 4.

We’ve seen promising models emerge. The KiDS Programme, launched by the Ghana Education Service and Ministry of Health in partnership with Sanofi, has reached thousands of students and teachers with tailored education. But isolated efforts won’t be enough. Countries like South Africa have introduced school-based screening programs and youth-led awareness campaigns that combine sports, nutrition education, and community outreach 5,6 . Ghana can adapt these models to its own context, leveraging existing infrastructure and youth energy.

Policy support is critical. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) currently covers some diabetes-related services, but gaps remain, especially for youth. A 2025 NHIA-KOFIH report revealed that diabetes and hypertension now account for over 10% of NHIS claims, yet preventive services are still underfunded. Expanding NHIS coverage to include routine screenings, test strips, and youth counseling could dramatically reduce long-term costs and improve outcomes. Moreover, partnerships with NGOs, telecoms, and food vendors could amplify reach and sustainability.

From a molecular standpoint, insulin receptor signaling dysfunction, often triggered by chronic inflammation, poor diet, and genetic predisposition, is central to early-onset Type II diabetes.

Tackling diabetes in young Ghanaians isn’t just a medical imperative; it’s a matter of economic survival and social justice. If we fail to act, we risk losing a generation to preventable disease.

But if we mobilize schools as engines of change, we can build a healthier, more resilient future one student at a time.

Related Links

1. Kazibwe J et al. (2024). The epidemiological and economic burden of diabetes in Ghana: A scoping review. PLOS Global Public Health
2. Marcel A et al. (2017). Higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Accra, Ghana. Global Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology
3. World Diabetes Foundation. Smart Living: Teenage Diabetes Awareness, South Africa. Project Summary
4. NHIA & KOFIH (2025). Access, Affordability, and Outcomes: Rethinking Diabetes and Hypertension Management in Ghana. NHIS News
5. Clinical Diabetes and Endocrinology (2020). Psychosocial distress and self-management in Ghanaian Type 2 diabetes patients. Study Link
6. Amankwah-Poku M. (2019). Knowledge and awareness of Type 2 diabetes among Ghanaian students. Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine.

By Aaron Boakye

Kenyan athletes swept all top prizes at 2025 KGL Millennium Marathon with new records in both male and female 21 kilometres races which ended at the Black Star Square on Saturday 6th September.

Gilbert Kiprotich emerged champion in the men's category with a blistering time of 1:00:59, ahead of Alfred Cherunoi (1:01:04) and Paul Eyanae (1:02:12).

In the women's race, 20 years old Hympha Kiteta took gold in 1:07:42, followed by Lucy Ndambuki (1:10:25) and Eupke Muchiri (1:13:00)

Eunice Nyawira Muchiri took the third position, as Lucy Nthenya Ndambuki was second while 20 years old Hympha Kiteta Kivalo placed first in the female race.

Gilbert who won ran gracefully to break the Millennium Marathon record, as Alfred Kipkemoi Cheruiyot took the second position, and Paul Eyanae was third in the men's elite event.

The first prize record breakers went home with 85,000ghc, while the runners up got 50,000ghc and 30,000ghc respectively.

Ghanaians were spotted in the 5km category were. Abotsi Daniel Gawuga, Emmanuel Kwatey, and Germain K. Dzorgbesi claimed the top three positions in the men’s race, while Anai Jennifer, Tuolong Rener, and Bramah Rabiatu secured gold, silver, and bronze in the women’s event.

Winners of the 5km races collected 4,000ghc plus products of sponsors.

Lead sponsors of the Millennium Marathon, KGL Foundation and Twellium Ghana Ltd also got air tickets to travel to Egypt for supporting the grand event.

Director General of the National Sports Authority, Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah was present and commended the many young student athletes who did the 5km and 21km races.

CEO of KGL Foundation, Elliott Dadey congratulated participants and winners as well as the media for making the event successful. He said KGL Foundation was glad for a successful event.

Mrs. Cathy Morton. Co Founder of the KGL Millennium Marathon also hailed the participants and thanked the sponsors.

Most of the participants were drawn from Senior High Schools in the Greater Accra Region, Keep Fit Clubs, Casual and Professional runners, boxers and fitness fans.

By Sammy Heywood Okine