Ben Nunoo Mensah, a name long associated with excellence in sports administration, is stepping into a new chapter, this time in the heart of Ghana’s energy sector.

The former President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), known for his hands-on leadership and reform-driven mindset, has been appointed to the newly reconstituted Board of Directors for the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).

His appointment, announced during an official inauguration ceremony led by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, underscores the government's confidence in Nunoo Mensah’s ability to contribute to the transformation of a key national asset.

Acting on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Hon. Jinapor charged the new board with the urgent task of restoring TOR’s operations and positioning it once again as a cornerstone of Ghana’s energy infrastructure.

“Your foremost duty is to get TOR back on stream,” Hon. Jinapor told the board. “You must implement bold and strategic actions to return the refinery to profitability. TOR is not just another company; it is a vital national asset.”

Though better known for his contributions to Ghana’s sporting excellence, Ben Nunoo Mensah brings to TOR a wealth of leadership experience and a reputation for turning around struggling institutions.

His tenure at the GOC was marked by transparency, innovation, and a deep commitment to national pride, qualities that will be crucial in tackling TOR’s operational and financial challenges.

Speaking on behalf of the newly constituted board, Chairman Hon. Nayon Bilijo thanked President Mahama for the trust placed in them and assured the public of the board’s commitment to delivering results.

“We are honoured by this appointment and understand the enormity of the task ahead,” he said. “We will work with urgency and dedication to revive TOR and make it a viable and efficient institution once more.”

For Nunoo Mensah, this role signals a continuation of his public service journey, now extending from the sports arena to the energy sector, both of which play vital roles in nation-building.

His presence on the board offers a unique blend of strategic insight, people-first leadership, and a relentless drive for excellence.

As TOR seeks to regain its footing, the board is expected to develop and present a robust roadmap that addresses both immediate and long-term issues, ensuring the refinery contributes meaningfully to Ghana’s energy security.

Meet the Members of the New TOR Board:

Hon. Nayon Bilijo – Chairperson

Edmond Kombat Esq. – Acting Managing Director

Mr. Thomas Martey Laari – Member

Mr. Robert Kempes Ofosuhene – Member

Hon. Dr. Sebastian N. Sandaare – Member

Mr. Mugabe Saifu Maase – Member

Hon. Mohammed Issah Bataglia – Member

Osabarima Kyei Osafo Kantanka – Member

Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah – Member

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Speaking at the Extraordinary Congress last Saturday at The Gym, Nii Gonti Adjor 1 aka Nii Adama Addy, former manager of Joseph King Kong Agbeko who has been co-opted onto the Ghana Boxing Authority executive board said international or world boxing is a big industry, and Ghana Boxing is just small part with a scanty population but there is always misunderstandings and indiscipline.

He noted that boxers and their coaches have to be professional and see the sport as a business and do and die affair so everyone should be guided by roles, regulations and rules.

He expressed that a banker, medical doctor or lawyer will not tell anyone his or her professional mistakes, but boxers and people around boxing always reveal their secrets which later affect or go against them.

He said boxing has taken him to meet great people and slept in big hotels.

He advised the boxing family in Ghana to be rational in bringing big bouts to bigger platforms and small or less popular fights to pubs or gyms.

He cautioned journeymen to exhibit professionalism showmanship to excite fans, otherwise those who are seen not to be fighting must be sanctioned.

Nii Gonti who is chief of Atukpai in the Ga Mashie area called for strengthening of the ranks and files of the stakeholders to ensure discipline, good business and professionalism.

He has contacts with some distinguished international sportsmen like professional footballer Memphis Depay and ace American boxing promoter Don King.

 By Sammy Heywood Okine

Daniel Gorsh is haunted by Moses Adjei Selvi and Theohilus Nii Kpakpo Allotey.

Before Daniel Gorsh suffered his first defeat, he thought no one could beat him in the Bantamweight division because he defeated Moses Selvi in style to the amazement and admiration of Boxing fans.

Now Selvi is calling for a rematch because he is not satisfied or convinced.

So Gorsh versus Selvi 2 may be coming up very soon.

Daniel Gorsh has agreed to give Moses Adjei Selvi a rematch and it will be fixed after contracts have been signed.

Gorsh who lost the WBO Africa Bantamweight Title to Theophilus Allotey on points said he has been thinking of a revenge, but will consider Selvi and take on the avenging mission later.

Gorsh is now 15-1, while Selvi is 10-2-1, he lost to Bismark Sarr and Daniel Gorsh, but won his last two fights. Michael Adjei Selvi of James Town Boxing Gym and Daniel Gorsh fought on March 5, 2024 on the ‘Clash of the Titans’ bill by Box Office.

Aside Selvi, Gorsh is looking to avenge the most painful lost to Super Flyweight Champion Theo Lopez Allotey.

And that clause too is there to be fulfilled, so boxing fans have more to watch out for in terms of explosive fights coming up.

Coach of Gorsh, Lawrence Carl Lokko says boxers are born to box so if any promoter is ready with good money, they are more than ready for both fights.

The Bronx Boxing Club have selfstyled themselves as the home of champions and they believe in sportsmanship.

Carl Lokko says defeat is part of the business and you must accept it in good faith and learn to come back better.

Coach Dr. Ofori Asare says defeat makes you sit up alert and reminds boxers to step up training to a high level.

Gorsh still holds the UBO Africa and National Bantamweight titles, and at number two of Boxing Ghana Pound for Pound, he is admired by boxing fans..

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana Boxing Stakeholders have demanded for copies of the report on the recommendations of the seven member Ministerial Committee set up to investigate the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwsegun Olanrewaju.

At the recent Extraordinary Congress held at The Gym, Dr. Ofori Asare former President of the United Boxing Coaches Association of Ghana asked why stakeholders and the Ghana Boxing Authority have not received copies of the report which will guide them in implementing the reforms of resetting Ghana Boxing.

He said talking and going up and down from the NSA office and coming to the Extraordinary Congress as well as going back to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation will not reach anywhere if the stakeholders do not see the report.

He said everything stakeholder agrees that there should be some ammendments to their Constitution and filling of gaps on the board.

He supported the idea of making Accra a hub of world boxing as it will ginger tourists to visit Ghana and it will help local boxers.

The major stakeholders in Ghana Boxing made up of the Boxers, Coaches, Managers, Promoters, Matchmakers, Ring Officials and Media supported that the GBA must be given a copy of the report.

Meanwhile, the stakeholders have appealed to the National Sports Authority to extend the mandate of the current board to three months..

By Sammy Heywood Okine

4 boxers of the national youth team, Black Rockets led by head trainer, Charles Quartey depart Accra with Team Ghana to participate at the 2025 African Schools Championships in Algeria

The four young boxers will represent Ghana in boxing at the upcoming African Schools Championship.  They had to fly out ahead of Team Ghana to Algeria on Tuesday.

They are Richardson Ofori - light flyweight 48Kg, William Laryea  - flyweight 50Kg, Abdul Rahman Ablorh - lightweight 60Kg, and Henry Owusu - welterweight 66Kg.

Coaches Charles Quartey and Joseph Martey are handling the team.

The Maiden African School Games will be held in Algeria from July 26 to August 5, 2025, in the cities of Constantine, Sétif, Skikda, and Annaba. The games are expected to feature 44 participating countries and around 2,456 athletes, with the possibility of more countries and athletes joining before the registration deadline. The event is under the patronage of the Algerian Head of State, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and aims to foster the development of young African athletes through sports.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Led by John Wesley Lawson who is the CEO, MPT Foundation GH Promotions is the latest to add up to the growing number of promotional outfits in Ghana.

MPT Foundation will be outdoored on Sunday July 27 at the Infinity Entertainment Centre in Accra.

MPT Boxing is founded on the core principles of nurturing healthy and professional boxing practices among young talents. Their initiative is devoted to cultivating an environment that not only enhances athletic performance but also fosters high standards of morality and respect for the individual and life itself.

They also focus on comprehensive training programmes holistic development and ethical conduct both in and outside the ring.

Their vision is to inspire young boxers to pursue excellence by providing them with world class training facilities, access in respect to expert coaching and a platform to showcase their talent skills at a competitive level.

MPT Promotions believe that a well structured approach to the sport can contribute significantly to developing athletes who will exhibit not only technical prowess but also exemplary character.

By Sammy Heywood Okine                  

Mrs. Winifred Seibu Arthur, Headmistress of Mamfe Methodist Girls Senior High School has sent goodwill and success messages to the Black Queens as they play in the semi-finals of the 2024 African Women's Football Championship in Morocco today.

The Black Queens of Ghana play host nation Morocco in a crucial match which is very important to both countries.

According to Mrs. Winifred Siebu, they can do it because they are capable.

She noted that in the same way as her students went to Kimberley to conquer and raked the medals,  the Queens will also make it.

She advised them to be focused and concentrate on the Ultimate goal which is to win the cup.

"You can do it, we are solidly behind you. All girls and women as well as the men are with you, no fear, just go to the stadium and enjoy yourself" she expressed.

The Queens who are ranked 6th on the continent are in the best four and victory will place them very high.

Meanwhile Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams aka the GASMan, CEO of Dreamland Sports Plus and One on One Foundation also sent his message for the Black Queens to score and make Ghanaians happy.

Williams is also President of Ghana Tug of War Association.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

On Saturday, 2nd August Ghana Tug of War Association (GHATOWA) in collaboration with Ghana Education Service (GES) will honor sports girls and boys for making Ghana proud at the 2024 and 2025 Africa Tug of War championship in Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls) and South Africa (Kimberley) respectively where Akroso Sectech won bronze and Mamfe Methodist Girls won two silvers and three bronze.

Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams, President of Ghana Tug of War Association said they will also honor some organisations and individuals for continuously supporting schools sports especially Tug of War (Strength Challenge or Pull Contest). They include 10 Companies, 10 Cooperate Personalities, 5 Stakeholders, 5 Media Houses, 10 Media Personalities and 10 Heads of SHS(s).

“Come and have an experience with the ROPE as 20 SHS (s) battle for bragging rights on who to represent Ghana next year at the Africa Championship 2026. It’s a victory pull, it’s a festival of strength and it’s time to select schools to represent Ghana. Let’s join over 20 senior high  schools with over 15,000 spectators as the rope will be stretched and pulled to decide who leads Ghana to Africa next year on Saturday, 2nd August* at Mamfe Methodist Girls SHS from 9am to 4:00pm” he said.

By Sammy Heywood Okine                                                                    

Nana Tuffour Okai aka Bboy Lyricx, President of the Breaking Federation of Ghana and Africa Breaking Academy officially launched the maiden edition of Root of the Culture - a groundbreaking photo exhibition and video documentary in Africa on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the Nima-Maamobi Community Learning Center, a hub of creativity and inspiration.

The premiere offered a powerful visual and narrative journey into Bboy Lyricx’s path toward developing the Afro Break concept - a fusion of African cultural identity and the global breakdance movement.

Through striking imagery and a heartfelt documentary, attendees were taken through the milestones, struggles, and triumphs that shaped both his personal evolution and the wider vision of Afro Break Concept.

Dignitaries from the French Embassy, KGL Foundation, and the local district assembly were in attendance, alongside a vibrant community of dancers, creatives, and youth.

The event marked a significant moment in Ghana’s dance landscape, with many highlighting it as the first time a dancer had used both visual art and documentary film to share their journey in this format.

The Photo gallery exhibition offered more than just aesthetics - it sparked dialogue around breaking as a sport and Hiphop culture, particularly as it gears up for the global stage through the Olympics.

For many in attendance, especially young dancers, the event was not only informative but deeply inspiring. The combination of storytelling, photography, and film emphasized the importance of documenting cultural innovation and the personal journeys behind them.

Attendees left feeling empowered, with many expressing renewed motivation to pursue their own creative paths and contribute to Ghana’s growing dance and arts scene.

The success of Root of the Culture sets a new benchmark for artistic expression in the breaking community and showcases the power of dance as both a cultural and professional pursuit.

Source Nana Tuffour Okai

Abdul Rasheed Saminu has blazed to a new NATIONAL RECORD in the 100m with a 9.84s run at the Last Chance Qualifier in Georgia, USA over the weekend .

That’s the joint 3rd fastest time in the world this year behind ???????? Kishane Thompson (9.75) and ???????? Oblique Seville (9.83).

By Sammy Heywood Okine