WABA is spreading its wings very fast and this time history was made in Togo when Ghanaian Ebenezer Tetteh captured the vacant Supreme Africa Heavyweight Championship by defeating Togolese Ayaovi Agbonson by TKO inside 35 second of the 5th round.

It’s truly inspiring to see dedicated trainers like Edward Otu Arthur and Emmanuel Adu-Tutu leading their athletes to victory in the heavyweight Supreme Africa WABA title.

Their commitment and hard work are essential to the success of the athletes they train.

As they set their sights on the WABA world title, we wish them continued success and hope their efforts will be rewarded with more achievements in the boxing world.

Congratulations to the team Ebenezer Tetteh for their hard work and this significant accomplishment!

Thank you Ayaovi Agbonson for your heroic display and thank TOGO for your great hospitality

They call it AFRICA…..we call it HOME

By Ricketts Kofi Darku, WABA Commissioner to West Africa

A couple of months ago, we received a special message from Carly Maloney, the 2024 Utah Teacher of the Year, who had watched the film "Black Ice" by On with her students. Mrs. Maloney teaches a course called English Language Development, which consists of multilingual learners who have recently moved to Utah. There are 6 languages spoken in her classroom (Spanish, Portuguese, Swahili, Samoan, Pashto, and English). These amazing students are navigating a new school, a new state, and, for many, a new country. She invited us to visit her school with our Power of Resilience School program, and last week, it turned into an incredible event at Viewmont High School in Bountiful, Utah with their multilingual learners. What was planned to be 30 students turned into over 150 kids aged 14-17!

We delved into essential life principles like daring to dream, stepping out of your comfort zone, believing in yourself, working hard, and never giving up. Through engaging activities and hands-on demonstrations, including movement and teamwork, we ignited a spark in each and every one of those 150+ students. They were thrilled to receive a copy of the Black Ice comic book, serving as a reminder to pursue their dreams and inspire their communities.

The highlight was hearing the students say, “You changed my life.” That’s the heart of what we do at Hope of a Billion Foundation – empowering lives, one dream at a time.

https://hopeofabillion.org

The 2nd Edition of the annual May Day Corporate Walk will be held on Wednesday, May 1, at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The annual Corporate Walk is a collaboration between Medivents Consult – Media, Public Relations, Marketing, Events Planning and Management outfit and Ghana Digital Centers.

It is part of activities marking the annual May Day celebration- a day reserved for workers.

A statement from Medivents Consult said the Walk would commence at the Accra Sports Stadium, through the Ministries, AMA Head Office, Cathedral Square to Osu Castle Road and end at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Over 500 [participants drawn from different corporate bodies are expected to participate in the 5-kilometer race.

Mr. Micheal Attitsogbui – Events Coordinator said they were seeking to improve upon the maiden edition of the walk by increasing the umber of participants and ensuring that patrons have adequate fun.

He said plans were in place to give participants adequate safety during the 5-kilometer walk.

He urged corporate bodies, and individuals to join the walk to keep fit and also

network.

The May Day Corporate Walk was an initiative of Medivents Consult and supported Ghana Digital Centers.

Source William Ezah

Ghana’s Edmund Govina took the Bronze medal in the F46/F44/F68 Discus Throw at the on going Marrakech 2024 International Para Athletics Grand Prix in Morocco.

He threw a distance of 18.04 meters which is his Personal Best (PB).

Earlier Zinabu Issah had won two gold medals for Ghana in Discus Throw and Shot Put.

Here are the results of the other para athletes who represented Ghana.

*F57 Discus Women* Zinabu Issah - PB 26.66 - 1st Gold,

*F44/46 Shot put Men* Edmund Govina - PB 07.01 -4^th,

*T46 100 Men* Amos Ahiagah - PB 12.63 -5^th,

*T 46 800 M Women*Diana Kuubetegr - PB 2:50:42

*F57 - Shot Put Women* Zinabu Issah - PB 7.94 - 1st (Gold)

*T46 Long Jump Men* Amos Ahiagah - PB  5.14m - 6th

*T46 Javelin Men* Edmund Govina  - PB 21.81m - 6th

*T46 200m Men* Amos Ahiagah - DQ

*F57 Javelin Women* Zinabu Issah - DNS

*T46 400 M Men*Amos Ahiagah - PB 1:04.02 - 5th

*T46 1500 Women* Diana Kuubetegr - PB 6:12.65

*F46 Discus throw Men* Edmund Govina  -PB 18.04 - 3rd (Bronze)

Edmund Govina who won Bronze in the F46/F44/F68 Discus Throw is one of the rising stars expected to qualify to Paris 2024. He threw a distance of 18.04.

The Team to Marrakech will arrive in Accra in the early hours of 1st May 2024 and there shall be a media engagement with the Para Athletics Technical and Athletes on the current position of Ghana’s athletes to the PARIS 2024 Paralympic Games.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Second edition of the Withray Junior Open Championship ended at the National tennis center, Accra on Saturday

The three-day event began on Thursday, and saw players from within Ghana and some from outside. The players competed in Under 10, 12, 14 and 16 age levels.

These junior tennis players gave an impressive performance on the final day in their various categories.  

Stadium-based Samuel Ayittey from stadium tennis club proved his superiority over St. Francis tennis club’s Donatus Ayaaba won 7-5,6-1 in the boys 16 and under. Another trophy to the stadium tennis club as Benedicta Kotey won the girls 16 and under after defeating Judith Abey of Shishijee Shad’e sports foundation 6-4, 5-7,(10-6).

Eric Torto also from Stadium tennis club won the boys 14 and under after beating his national under 14 partner Emmanuel Frimpong of Ghana tennis club, Adabraka in the finals. Stadium tennis club’s Georgette Nortey keeps dominating her peers, picks another trophy after defeating Ashaiman based Nhyira Antwi in the girls 14 and under 6-2,6-0.

It was all Ashaiman in the boys 12 under as Maxwell Antwi outplayed his colleague from Edward Mensah 6-2. Winfred Amoah won the girls 12 and under final.

It was also Stadium tennis club affair in the girls 10 and under as Stephen Boateng captures title  after beating Solomon Dowouna 7-5.

Tesano Sports club-based Grace Tetteh emerged as the girl’s 10 under winner  after beating Emmanuella Tokoli Williams 6-3 of Shishijee Shad’e-sports foundation.

All winners walked away with a GH¢1,000.00 scholarship prize and medals. The finalists received a cash prize of GH¢500 and the quarter finalists GH¢200.00.

Speaking after the presentation ceremony, Mr. Mr. Orimoloye Abiodun expressed satisfaction at the performance exhibited by the kids.

He said he would stage a monthly competition and urged all players to continue to train for the event.

Dignitaries present for the finals include, Honorable Bola Akinsanya, Mr. Adjei Darko, Cheif Fatuyi oyeyemisola, Mr. Martins Nnabuife, Cheif Fatuyi oyeyemisola and 2019 Ghana Tennis Hall of Fame Victoria Dowuona.

Story: Gabriel Amoakoh

Victor Amartey emerged as the winner of the 2024 Alisa Hotel Veterans Scrabble Championship, held at the Alisa Hotel.

 Victor Amartey took home a trophy and cash prize 2000 Ghana cedis and a plaque, with a spread of 975 after winning all 8 games.

 He fended off stiff competition from Shem Suleiman, Mark Ofori, Dan Buadu Akrong, Kojo Acheampong aka Boro and Scrabble Association of Ghana president, Mr. Haruna Adamu.

 Speaking after the tournament, Victor Amartey said, I was up to the task and wasn’t taking chances. I tightened up my game because I did not allow complacency to set in.

 “My other colleagues were equally good, but like I said, there was no complacency on my part”.

 The Chairman of Ghana Scrabbles Association, Mr. Haruna Adamu also said, the organization of this year’s event has been tremendously successful. The number increased from 18 last year to 24.

 I want to use this medium to thank Mr. Kwabena Ofosu Bamfo the CEO of Alisa Hotel for hosting and feeding us at this event and Media Majique for sponsoring the prize.

By Gabby Amoakoh

The European Union (EU) Delegation to Ghana in collaboration with the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) last Sunday launched a Special Three Round Boxing Exhibition bout between the Ambassador HE Irchad Ramiandrasoa Razaaly and Ghana's boxing legend, Professor Barima Zoom Zoon Terrible Terror Azumah Nelson at the Mudor Conference Hall of the Trust Sports Emporium.

The event titled ‘Diplo Rumble’ as part of the celebration of the 2024 European Month, aimed to showcase the boxing talent of the young athletes in James Town, Bukom and its environs to promote Youth Empowerment through sports is fixed for Saturday, May 4 at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

Frenchman HE Irchad Ramiandrasoa Razaaly, a former amateur boxer in his youth days who was born in Antananarivo, Madagascar said it would be an encounter between two worlds, noting that beyond boxing there is friendship, respect, discipline, humility, diplomacy and sharing of values.

He said Ghana is blessed with many young champions like Prince Larbie who must be given opportunity and scholarships to excel.

He promosed to celebrate the EU event with the people at the Bukom Boxing Arena with a good fight against Azumah Nelson with Coach Torado Bruce in his corner.

The icon of boxing in Africa and world boxing hall of fame inductee who has intensified his training under Coach Lartekwi Lartey assured fans of an exciting moment as he has missed the ring and will display alongside the young talents.

Azumah Nelson, 65 said he accepted the fight without thinking of his opponent, but the course, to create opportunities for the future champions and empowering the youth through sports.

“I just want my fans to come early because I will display, you know how I do it” he said at the media launch.

He warned the youth against drugs and recklessness in sport.

“We have a lot of world champions, but you need hard work, respect and humility then you see where God will take you," Nelson expressed.

The mouth watering undercards will feature juvenile, amateur and elite boxers from the Black Rockets and Black Bombers camp. Mohammed Ablor will take on Wesley Ayibonte as Prince ‘The ‘Buzz’ Larbie faces Desmond Pappoe in the juvenile bouts.

Light Flyweight Kelvin Addy meets Kelvin Amartey, while African Games medalist Theophilus Allotey takes on Nii Noi Dowuona in a Flyweight contest.

Bantamweights Stephen Armah and Wisdom Barnor will display, likewise Lightweights Philip Quansah and Dalvin Nelson, son of the legend.

Israel Commey will clash with David Ankrah in a Light welterweight contest as Henry Malm take on Rexford Cofie in a Light Middleweight fray.

Light Heavyweight Jonathan Tetteh aka ‘Worldwide’ faces Benedict ‘White Warrior’ Badu, while a female contest will see Sarah Apew and Janet Acquah of the Black Hitters in action.

Mr. Dauda Fuseni, Vice President of the GBF said this is an opportunity for boxing lovers who have not seen Azumah Nelson in action to come to the Boxing Arena on Saturday, May 4 as there would be adequate security for a night to celebrate the EU and Ghana Boxing.

The GBF President Mr. Ben Quartey welcomed sponsorship for the bill and announced the rates as pegged at 100ghc for ringside, 50ghc for VIP, 20ghc for regular stand and 5ghc for popular stand.

Top musician Adotey Tetor will entertain fans with his sweet Ga melodies.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana’s Olivierra Welbeck Aryeh gained a round two KO victory over Dennis Otto from Cameroun in their International Cruiserweight contest over the weekend.

Welbeck Aryeh who is an employee of the National Sports Authority (NSA) expressed his joy for winning his second professional fight with a knock out and hopes to get to the top.

Now 2-2-0, he promised to train harder to gain national title held by Haruna Mohammed, his gym mate at Wisdom Boxing Club.

The tournament was to celebrate Togo’s Independence Day April 27^th.

Togolese champion Ayaovi Agbonson lost by TKO inside 35 second of the 5th round.to another Ghanaian Ebenezer Tetteh for the vacant Supreme Africa Heavyweight Championship dubbed the Anglophone vs Francophone Africa. The event took place at Terrain Municipal De Sokode in Togo.

Ghanaian boxing official Ricketts Kofi Darku who was as the Chief Supervisor congratulated the boxers from Ghana who excelled.

The President of the Togo Professional Boxing Federation was in attendance among the presentable crowd who watched the interesting bouts.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Three-time world boxing champion Azumah Nelson is coming back to the ring for an exhibition fight against EU Ambassador Irchad Razaaly at the iconic Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday, May 4, 2024 after retiring from the sport many years ago.

The bout, dubbed Diplo Rumble, which will feature ten juvenile, amateur and elite bouts forms part of activities to celebrate Europe month in Ghana.

The 65-year-old former WBC Super Feather champion's unanticipated return is for a special purpose which is to raise funds for the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF).

According to the organizers, the exhibition match forms part of efforts to showcase the boxing talent of young boxers from the famed Bukom neighborhood and underscore the role of sports in empowering the youth. "The European Union Delegation to Ghana is proud to announce a series of events highlighting the importance of youth and skills development in the European Union-Ghana partnership," Ambassador Razaaly told the media.

Other activities for the EU month Apart from the boxing spectacle, the month-long celebrations will feature various activities to foster dialogue and collaboration between the EU and Ghana. Notably, an annual partnership dialogue scheduled for May 6 will bring together key stakeholders from both sides, including Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, ambassadors of EU member states, and representatives from various government institutions such as the Ministries of Finance, Foreign Affairs, and Regional Integration.

Mr. Razaaly who was am amateur boxer in his youth added that the dialogue would help address crucial topics such as trade, security, and sustainable development, aiming to strengthen the relationship between Ghana and the EU. This would be followed by the annual Europe Day Reception, an event touted as one of the largest diplomatic gatherings in Accra, scheduled for May 9 at the EU Ambassador's Residence.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana’s Para Athlete ZINABU ISSAH won Gold in shot put at the Paris 2024 Qualifiers Grand Prix Marrakech in Morocco.

She competed in the F57 Women's shot put throw where she threw a distance of 7.94 metres to lead that class event to win a Gold Medal for Ghana at the Ongoing 2024.

Kadissa Koumeal of Togo was second with a throw of 7.05 meters, as Benin’s Houndalowan Marina Charlotte took the bronze medal.

They faced stiff challenge from athletes from Cameroun, Rwanda, Senegal Congo DR and Morocco who all did their personal best

“Zinabu is in pole position for qualification to France” said President of the NPC Ghana, Mr. Samson Deen who congratulated her and urged other athletes to do well to gain more points in the qualifications.

Zinabu Issah was an award winner at the 9th WISA Awards last year.

The Paralympic Games comes off in Paris, France from August 28 to September 8, 2024.

By Sammy Heywood Okine