The evening of Saturday October 31st, would be unforgettable at the Hogbesotso Festival in the Volta Region where the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, under the inspiring leadership of Hon. Kofi Adams and the tireless efforts of Recreational Coordinator, Hon. Betty Krobsbi Mensah witnessed a classic Para Boxing show as part of a wonderful social, cross-cultural, recreational, and inclusive sports activity.

The event was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. For many, it was a first-time experience witnessing the amazing abilities and barrier-breaking agility of persons with disabilities through sports. The crowd was captivated by the skill, determination, and passion of the para boxers, and it was clear that this event marked a significant milestone for the sports recreation department.

We sincerely thank the Ministry of Sports and Recreation for including sports in our sociocultural festivals. This initiative not only promotes inclusivity and diversity but also provides a platform for persons with disabilities to showcase their talents. We are excited to see more inclusive and equitable sporting events in the future and look forward to ongoing support from the Minister to keep this momentum going.

The Para Boxing showcase at the Hogbesotso Festival was a testament to the power of sports to unite and inspire. We celebrate this achievement and hope that it will be a stepping stone for more inclusive sporting events in the future.

Special thanks to Hon. Kofi Adams for championing this initiative and to Hon. Betty Krobsbi Mensah for her dedication to making this event a success.

By Elizabeth A. Gyamfi

​The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has announced Ghanaian music star and afropop legend, Stonebwoy, as the headliner for 50 years, Golden Jubilee SWAG Awards ceremony which comes off on November 15 at the Accra International Conference Center.

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) confirms an unprecedented union of sporting excellence and explosive musical entertainment, promising an atmosphere of unbridled celebration.

The Golden Jubilee SWAG Awards is a moment of deep reverence for Ghanaian sporting history. The night is designed to honour top athletes in the year under review and the legacy of legends who paved the way and inspire the next generation of stars.

​In combining the gravitas of Ghana’s most prestigious sports awards with the magnetic charisma of one of Africa’s biggest musical exports, the Golden Jubilee SWAG Awards are set to become a historical convergence point. This is more than a ceremony; it is a fusion of culture, entertainment, resilience, national pride and golden celebration.

The SWAG is appreciative to companies like GCB Bank, National Petroleum Authority, Stanbic Bank, Ghana Free Zones Authority, OmniBSIC Bank, SIC Insurance, Lufart, Goldbod, KGL, Phoenix Insurance, and others.

Some of the nominees for the prestigious awards are Abedi Pele, Kwesi Appiah, Azunah Nelson, Antoinne Semenyo, Mohamed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Benjamin Asare Razak Simpson, Stephen Amankona, Desmond Pappoe, Mathias Ashitey, George Dowuona, Grace Asantewaa, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah and others.

The SWAG Club of the Year 2025 will be decided between Police Ladies - Womens League Champions and Super Cup Champions, Faith Ladies - Women's FA Cup Champions, Kotoko SC - FA Cup Champions and Champion of Champions and Bibiani Gold Stars - League Champions.

The SWAG Technical Official of the Year, 2025 nominees are Daniel Laryea, a FIFA Referee. He is the topmost Ghanaian Football referee internationally. Francis Yeboah is the topmost Badminton Referee. He officiated in 4 major international events. W.O Clement Smith from the Ghana Armed is a topmost technical official for Ghana Athletics.

Hon. Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff for the Republic of Ghana is the Guest of Honour.

Gianni Merlo from Italy, the President for the Association of International Sports Press (AIPS), the Global body for all Sports Journalists will be in Ghana for the 50th SWAG Awards

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The featherweight clash between John Abaja Laryea aka ‘Expensive Boxer’ of the Bronx Boxing Club and Holy Dorgbetor aka ‘Jaw Breaker’ of The Gym has been fixed for December 20, 2025 after both boxers agreed to fight.

Laryea called the shot at the last minute and Dorgbetor answered that he has been waiting for the opportunity.

Both boxers are respected champions on the local scene. Laryea held the WBO Africa featherweight title while Dorgbetor is the IBF Continental Africa featherweight champion.

Both have good support base, and can attract new fans. For the records Laryea is 15-0-1, while Dorgbetor is 14-1-1.

Laryea is sponsored by Baby Jet and managed by Bronx Boxing Promotions with Sammy Anim Addo as the local manager and American Peter Khan (foreign manager), while Dorghetor is handled by Ace Power Promotions headed by USA based Dr. Amoako Addae.

Both are tried and tested, with few international experiences. Laryea was in the USA, while Dorgbetor fought in Saudi Arabia.

The match maker for Legacy Rise Sports, Mubarak Yusif Nanor says both camps have agreed and the fans will see them in the ring in action on December 20, 2025.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Young rising amateur boxer, Mathias Ashitey is full of hope and confidence to grab this year’s Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Boxer of the Year Award.

Speaking to Yours Truly on Omashi TV, The Big Fight Night, he said “I deserve it because I have worked harder as I won a bout at the World Youth Boxing Championship in Montenegro to reach the 1/16^th stage, before winning gold at the African Youth Championship in Guinea, where I won all my fights, then another gold at the individual championship in Accra. I think I am the one to win.”

According to Ashitey, he has always dreamt to be a champion, not just an ordinary boxer, but someone who will achieve for the nation.

He takes inspiration from other heroes like Michael Abban, Joseph Commey and Samuel Takyi who won an Olympic bronze medal.

Ashitey said growing up, he visited many gyms in Bukom and Jamestown before landing at the Black Panthers Gym where he has learnt a lot, apart from boxing rudiments.

He thanked his trainer, Coach Ebenezer Adjei for the support and encouragement that has seen him being nominated by SWAG.

“I thank SWAG members for the nomination and know this would propel me to my dream destination at the World, Olympics and Commonwealth Games” he expressed.

The Kinbu SHS Form three student is studying Visual Arts and appreciates the combination of sports and education.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

National amateur boxer, Desmond Pappoe feels proud to be nominated by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) for the Boxer of the Year 2025.

In an exclusive interview with Yours Truly, the Jamestown based boxer who won gold medal at the African Youth Boxing Championship in Conakry Guinea said he has more to offer if he is given the opportunity.

"I didn't start early like 4 or 5 years but came in at 12 years and I think it has been good so far. I am learning very fast, I have been encouraged and highly motivated, I trust my coach and we are on track" he said.

Desmond Pappoe noted that boxing is a whole life, culture and science and school on its own and he had gathered a lot since associating himself with the sport.

He trains at the Jamestown Boxing Gym under Coach Randy.

James Town Gym is a club of young boxers who aspire for greatness.

By Sammy Heywood Okine                                                    

Popular boxers Ayitey Powers and Bukom Banku aka Braimah Kamoko are among the special guests to feature at the grand opening of new pub, La Famacia Lounge at Mamprobi near Korle Gonno in Accra.

The much anticipated grand opening of La Famacia, the latest sports bar, pub and lounge at Mamprobi / Korle Gonno has been fixed for Friday, November, 7, 2025.

Performng live on the day are top artistes and DJs like DJ Willie of Onua FM, DJ Laxtik, MC Pato, King Jerry, Ayitey Powers, Bukom Banku, Nii Funny, Pappilon Blood, Mr. Day, Moustache, Don Dely, Natty Lee, Naughty Dansoman Boys, Jah Blu and JMS Supa. Aside the popular artistes, some few underground performers will be exposed.

There would be assorted drinks, food and friends to buy and share love among family anf friends.

You can also watch your favourite sports on dstv at La Farmacia and there is available space to play your Snooker and Ludu.

La Famacia is the place to relax after a hard day’s work and the place to chill and have fun. It is also a place to organize parties, get togethers and special days like birthdays and others. Enjoy the breeze from the Atlantic Ocean.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

USA based former boxer Emmanuel Addo aka Mosquito has instituted a special tournament to involve four boxers each in four different weight categories bouts in honour of four past boxing coaches in Accra.

Speaking on on The Big Fight Night on Omashi TV, Addo a former boxer who is now a trainer and promoter said he instituted a title belt in honour and memory of four top coaches, the late Godwin Nii Dzanie Kotey aka Alloway of Attoh Quarshie Boxing Club, Jones Hammond of Square Deal Boxing Club, Emmanuel Lamptey aka Akise of Black Panthers Boxing Gym and Napoleon Ayaa Tagoe of Will Power Gym.

He noted that four titles will be at stake for four weight categories, and the winners to be rewarded after losers are eliminated.

He said the bouts would be held after suspension on Ghana Boxing  has been lifted at Bukom Boxing Arena.

He announced that the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II is special patron of the titles designed by the World Boxing Council (WBC).

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Addo has shelves plans to become President of Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA). He claimed no one is following him, and the stakeholders do not understand the business of boxing.

“Boxing is strictly business, B for Boxing, B for Business but our people do not understand and most of the local promoters don’t have big money to invest in the game, so we have a long way to go in Africa” he said.

Many respected people don’t speak well about our sport and I am very much disappointed: he said.

He stressed that it is unlawful for the Minister of Sports & Recreation and the National Sports Authority (NSA) to suspend boxing because someone died.

“That is corruption” he expressed                                                   

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana's Michael 'Black Spider' Abban who is the new Commonwealth Youth Super Flyweight Champion following a round 2 stoppage victory over Ogunyanju Sikiru of Nigeria at the Akusa Park in Lome, Togo on Saturday, October 25, 2025 says he will keep the title, because he will beat every challenger.

Speaking to Yours Truly on The Big Fight Night on Omashi TV, he expressed the the Black Spider has arrived and no one can beat him because he is ever prepared to fight anyone in Ghana and outside.

“I love traing, that is my weapon and I don’t shy away from hard work” he stressed.

He thanked Coach Ebenezer Adjei of Black Panthers Boxing Club for discovering him and taking him out of fishing to become a boxing champion.

With an amazing record of 13 fights and one defeat in Tanzania which he does not feel comfortable about because he believes he won that bout in Tanzania.

He loves to watch and use the styles of Geovonta Davis and Manny Paquiao for power and speed.

Abban is a staunch Christian and has advised boxers to refrain from juju and other rituals that would not help them. He urged them to train and pray for doors to be opened for opportunities.

He thanked Papa, his able manager and all who contributed or played a role in the Togo promotion.

He congratulated fellow Ghanaian champion Faisal Abubakar who also won his fight on the bill. he also commended club mate Mathias Ashitey who has been nominated for the 2025 SWAG Boxer of the Year Award.

The 50th SWAG Awards takes place on November 15 at the Accra International Conference Center.

 By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Cycling Federation on Friday held a special encounter with sports journalists on how to promote the 2025 edition of Tour du Ghana and involve sponsors to invest more to attract their mileage and patronage of Ghanaians.

Mr. Shabaan Mohammed, General Secretary of the Ghana Cycling Federation (GCF) urged the media to report accurately and factually using right language and terminologies with interesting stories.

He said with less than two weeks for the event, the organisers, sponsors and cyclists and are ready to paddle for glory and fame.

He expressed that this is the 10th edition of the glamorous event and this year is to showcase some of the tourism attractions in Ghana.

He thanked the government and Black Star Experience Secretariat for their support and motivation.

According to Mr. Shabaan, the Tour will start with arrivals of officials and guests from the USA, Netherlands, Benin, Togo, Nigeria,  Burkina Faso and Morocco on November 13 and on November 14, the show begins with the flagging by the President of Ghana,  HE John Dramani Mahama at the Black Star Square.

He stated that cyclists will ride to Ada, Aflao, Ho, Hohoe, Dambai, Jasikan and back to Accra, ending at Ablekuma.

He named the sponsors of the Tour as Prudential Life Insurance, MTN, THP, Asa Plus, Twellium Ghana Ltd, DHL Global, Stanbic Bank and Dot.Aleliers.

The partners are the government of Ghana,  Ghana Olympic Committee,  Ministry of Sports and Recreation, National Sports Authority, Ghana Tourism Authority and the Paramount Chief of Akwamu Kotoi.

Mr. Isaac Mortey of the Public Relations Department of the GCF briefed that accredited media would be offered logistics to work effectively and efficiently, while a French journalist with 34 years experience in cycling reporting would be in Ghana to aid the local press in their reportage.

Journalists who have applied for accreditation were recognised and commended for attending.

At least 210 persons including 72 cyclists would be accredited for the Tour du Ghana 2025

Present at the meeting which took place at the Ghana Olympic Committee Conference Room were representatives of Stanbic Bank, Prudential Life Insurance, GOC and Abrokwa, the popular international cycling acrobat.

By Sammy Heywood Okine    

Mr. Solomon Allotey. General Secretary of the Ghana Golf Association has lectured at a short but impressive seminar for sports journalists on Wednesday at the Bok Nam Kim Golf Club near Burma Camp in Accra.

He promised stronger ties with sports media and equip them with the necessary tools to improve upon their reporting on golf.

He advised them to be professional, ethical, know the terminologies in the sport and learn how the equipment for the sport are used, as well as tournament structures and formats

He said the media, who are content creators and developers must support them with new media manifestation in this digital era to get their messages, tournaments, events and programmes across on various social media platforms.

“The media has a responsibility to report on golf because the sport has evolved and with new media it must be easily done well, golf is a game of integrity, attitude and emotions” he conveyed.

The exciting and educative event was attended by a few sports journalists, however the General Secretary did not appreciate the attendance as he believes the sport has been termed as a lesser known sport, while others see it as a sport for the affluent.

He noted that golf is a very big and attractive sport in some countries, attracting thousands of fans during four or three day tournaments.

According to Mr. Allotey, most journalists are not aware of how golfers score to get their results, so he tasked them to learn by practising and playing.

He expressed that golf is one sport that can be played at an advanced age, noting that many golfers are above 80 years and they play to exercise, aside networking and socializing.

He hinted that plans are advanced to introduce golf in schools to involve the youth who will become the future champions.

The Ghana Golf Association General Secretary appreciated support from the R&A.

R&A stands for The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, which is one of the world's governing bodies for golf, responsible for upholding and developing the sport globally.

The R&A governs the Rules of Golf outside of the United States and Mexico, stages major championships like The Open, and promotes golf's development worldwide.

Present at the seminar was Mr. Rodney Oddoye, Treasurer of the GGA and Mr. Maurice Quansah, former Vice President of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana and editor of the Graphic Sports who said story telling skills in golf reporting must be enhanced.

He suggested the setting up of a media development fund for the training and encouraging the media to have interest in golf reporting

By Sammy Heywood Okine