The Street Academy based at the Accra Arts Centre is organising their annual Health Walk on July 12.

According to Principal of the School and Founder of the Street Academy, Ataa Lartey, the aim and objective is to create awareness of healthy lifestyle and advertise the educational institution for street children.

He said the Street Academy has been there for years, contributing to national development and building the future by educating the deprived, needy, unfortunate and less privileged.

He appealed for support as that is the way to support the kids on the streets to become responsible and efficient citizens.

"As we support and contribute to these kids we will be blessed abundantly" Ataa Lartey expressed.

He urged people who have street kids at heart to come to the Accra Arts Centre on July 12, 2025 to make the deprived kids feel love.

"The kids must see more people to show that they are loved by the society" he said.

The Walk starts at 7am from the forecourt of the Arts Centre, opposite  the Department of National Lotteries (DNL) and goes through some principal streets to end at the same spot.

The Streetwise Academy which was founded in November 1986 is an NGO.

By Sammy Heywood Okine       

Ministry of Sports & Recreation And NSA Safeguarding Ghana Boxing Authority

... A stitch In Time Saves Nine, Because Boxers Are Training

In an effort to safeguard, protect and improve upon sports (boxing) activities in Ghana, the National Sports Authority (NSA) Director General, Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah acting on the instructions of the Minister of Sports and Recreation. Hon.Kofi Adams wrote a letter on June 4 to the Ghana Boxing Authority authorising them to postpone their impending Congress and Elections, scheduled for July 12 and 16 respectively.

Following the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwsegun Olanrewaju on 29th March 2025, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation set up a seven man inquiry committee to investigate and bring recommendations to reform the sport in other to avoid future occurrences that could tarnish the image of the nation.

The NSA directed that if the GBA does not abide by the direction it's license would be revoked.

This directive has not gone down well with some boxing stakeholders and they have labelled it as interference, while others feel there is the need to straighten up some structures and reform the Ghana Boxing Authority.

Most are of the view that despite the fact that the GBA is an autonomous body, it still needs the supervision and advise of the National Sports Authority and Ministry of Sports and Recreation.

For nations in the third world, with bad economies and poor remuneration, they even need government support and backing, not only financially but on the protocol and diplomatic levels especially when Ghanaian boxers are going to fight abroad or a foreigner is coming to Ghana.

The immediate past President of the GBA, Mr. Abraham Kotei Neequaye held a Press Conference and declared to fight the NSA DG and Minister if they dare involve themselves in activities of the GBA.

Meanwhile acting President, Referee Roger Barnor is yet to declare whether he will comply with the NSA instructions.

As stakeholders we humbly plead for coolness of heads and tempers not to allow some private interests to deprive the many boxers, coaches, cutmen, ring officials, matchmakers. media and promotions their daily bread.

Simply we call for peace and unity for the sport to move on smoothly. Boxing business cannot be halted, there are promotions lined up, like the Best of Bukom coming up on August 23.

The recent event staged by Legacy Rise Sports Promotions on June 13 where celebrities and business mongols Anthony Joshua, King Promise and Osei Kwame Despite were present shows that Boxing is really the gold mine that I have always been talking and writing about.

There is a saying 'A stitch in time saves nine" so let's tread cautiously and save our sport and business.

Meanwhile, the Friends of Boxing group in Ghana and Ghana Boxing Supporters Union have called for an amicable solution of all the problems and misunderstandings for the sports to move on.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Mr. Ernest Danso, President of the Ghana Baseball and Softball Federation believes Ghana can qualify and participate at the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA.

Speaking to the media at the launch of the first Major League in Ghana involving four clubs, he expressed his joy for the large interest of the game by the youth and noted that Baseball has a future in Ghana.

He hinted that plans are in the pipeline for the establishment of a Baseball Academy and an exchange programme to send best players to advanced Baseball nations like Japan or the United States to play with professionals.

He thanked the few companies that have come on board to support the League and urged others to join as Baseball is a sport of the future.

Mr. Albert K. Frimpong, President of African Baseball also disclosed that there is an African Championship coming up for students and inspired them to train hard to reach that level and make Ghana proud.

Mr. Richard Akpokavie, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee who graced the launch at the Koshen Park inside Labone Senior High School with some of his board members advised the youth to take sports serious as there are many opportunities.

He cautioned the baseball players to be disciplined, obedient to coaches and other officials and aspire to be great international stars.

 By Sammy Heywood Okine

18 years old Wede Osborn Quao is an amazing goalkeeper to watch. He is a product of the Accra Technical University and his ambition is to become an international goalie since he started in 2013.

He features for Kotobabi Fc Bayern Munchen and his role models are Manuel Neuer and Thibaut Courtois.

His dream is to play for FC Barcelona or Real Madrid in the future.

In realising his dream Ouao is lucky to get an invitation to Spain and he believes his targets are on course.

"My primary aim is to be spotted as the best goalkeeper by prevent the opposing team from scoring, by defending the goal and organizing the team's defense so well that it will be next to impossible to concede a goal" he told our reporter.

Quao has been spotted by an academy, and hopes to start shining soon.

Spain Rush-SPF International Soccer Academy is a renowned football academy located in Valencia, Spain, offering top-tier training programs for young athletes.

They are located at Carrer De La Democràcia 58, 46018 Valencia, Valencia, Spain

Partnerships*: Collaborations with top professional teams like Valencia CF, Villarreal CF, and Levante UD, providing opportunities for players to train with the best.

Their objective to provide an immersive football experience that builds confidence, intelligence, and game mastery, preparing young athletes for professional and collegiate success.

We wish Quao all the best as he embarks on his journey to become a star in goalkeeping.

By Elizabeth A. Gyamfi

The Street Academy based at the Accra Arts Centre is organising their annual Health Walk on July 12.

According to Principal of the School and Founder of the Street Academy, Ataa Lartey, the aim and objective is to create awareness of healthy lifestyle and advertise the educational institution for street children.

He said the Street Academy has been there for years, contributing to national development and building the future by educating the deprived, needy, unfortunate and less privileged.

He appealed for support as that is the way to support the kids on the streets to become responsible and efficient citizens.

"As we support and contribute to these kids we will be blessed abundantly" Ataa Lartey expressed.

He urged people who have street kids at heart to come to the Accra Arts Centre on July 12, 2025 to make the deprived kids feel love.

"The kids must see more people to show that they are loved by the society" he said.

The Walk starts at 7am from the forecourt of the Arts Centre, opposite  the Department of National Lotteries (DNL) and goes through some principal streets to end at the same spot.

The Streetwise Academy which was founded in November 1986 is an NGO.

By Sammy Heywood Okine       

Michael Decardi Nelson lost the big chance to win WBC International Bantamweight title.

The WBC International Bantamweight Championship between Ghana's Michael Decardi Nelson and home boy David Mwale aka Snioer on Saturday June 28 at the Government Complex in Lusaka, Zambia was full of action.

Michael Decardi Nelson who is trained by coach, Noah Awatey aka Coach Major could not find an antidote to the speed and power punches of David Mwale who won on a majority points decision.

The bout was promoted by Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions and attracted a lot of home support for Mwale

For Decardi Nelson and his team, they have to plan well after his second loss in a role. He suffered a defeat in his last fight in India, before losing again in Zambia.

The product of Akotoku Academy must really work hard to come back to winning ways.

He is young and full of potential so he can come back stronger.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

… Hands Over To Second Vice President, But Promises To Come Back To Contest In Next Elections

Mr. Abraham Kotei Neequaye has officially resigned as President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) due to his “fight” with the Minister of Sports & Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams and Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA).

“I am resigning because of His Excellency the President and the party I belong to but not afraid of the Minister and the Director General at all” he expressed.

Addressing a well attended Press Conference on Monday June 30, 2025; he urged the GBA board and all stakeholders in professional boxing to resist political interference in the sport.

He noted that the Ghana Boxing Authority is an autonomous body, and since the Ministry and NSA do financially support them, they have no right to mingle in their internal matters, recalling the Imax Promotions Boxing League and the sudden death of the Nigerian boxer Gabriel Olusegun 'Success' Olanrewaju in Ghana.

“I urge the board and all stakeholders to fight against political interference, let’s not encourage it now to save the future of Ghana Boxing” he expressed.

“Don’t be intimidated by politicians, fight for your rights” he conveyed.

Mr. Gideon Hanson Appiah, a coopted member of the board in charge on Marketing gave an overview of the current financial status of the GBA since 23^rd July 2021. He revealed that $3,000 was left by the previous administration instead of the speculated $30,000.

He commended, appreciated and explained the relations with Imax Media Boxing Promotions as well as how they disbursed monies whenever they organized the Professional Boxing League which they telecasted live on Max TV and other international networks. He also thanked co sponsors like Arla Foods, producers of Dano Milk, Bell 7 Star and Premier Motors.

Mr. Hanson Appiah and Coach Lartekwei Latey of Fit Square Boxing Club were the two officials who represented Ghana together with Abraham Boakye and some Sports Supporters at the funeral of the Nigerian boxer.

The Public Relations Officer / Communications Director, Mohammed Amin Lamptey recounted the achievements of Abraham Neequaye, recalling his contributions from  amateur boxing to professional boxing, playing leadership and motivational roles, purchasing a car for branding and marketing purpse for the GBA, refurbishment of the GBA Office (inside the Bukom Boxing Arena), ordering national titles which are kept by national champions, issuing health insurance to boxers, coaches and some matchmakers, organing a prosperous well attended league, presentation of brand new Renault salon cars to winning gyms and best boxer, Charles Tetteh and the successful burial of the Nigerian boxer without any support or contribution  from the Ministry and NSA who conducted an investigation on the death which delayed the repatriation of the body to Nigeria.

He said the previous administration never presented the current administration any official documents; however they have worked hard 24 hours on some days and created Promotions and Communications Desks. The GBA has organuse a Media Seminar for Sports Journalists and trained new referees and judges who officiate most bouts at the Boxing Arena.

“The NSA and Ministry want to dent the image of the GBA and we cant’t allow that to happen” he expressed.

The former GBA President called for unity of all boxing stakeholders to save the sport from politicians.

“I am a politician that is why I am stepping aside, but I will fight and come back to contest the next elections as some people said I am afraid. I am not afraid of anyone, I beat Dr. Henry Manly Spain when I have not achieved anything for Ghana Boxing, how about now when I have done much” he articulated.

Mr. Abraham Kotei Neequaye officially handed over to his Second Vice President Mr. Roger Barnor, in the presence of other board members like Alhaji Toffik, Sharach Aquaye and Deputy Promotions Manager Michael Tetteh aka Golden Mike, Ayitey Powers, President of the Voice of Professional Boxers and a number of coaches, promoters, matchmakers and boxing fans.

The past GBA President seems to have some amount of sympathisers who were present at the event to offer him moral support.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The much anticipated Jonah Cup Golf Tournament between old students of Adisadel College aka Santaclausians and Mfantsipim School aka MOBA has been shifted to Friday July 4, 2025 at the Achimota Golf Club.

Top golfers of both educational institutions have intensified their preparations and sharpened their strokes.

Adisadel College, the defending champions will feature players like President David Atuwo, Capt (rtd) Prince Kofi Amoabeng ,Okoe Allotey, the Abrokwah brothers, ace leftie Dr Alifu and steered by Captain Dr Kweku Appeatu Ankrah.

MOBA golf will bang their hopes on veteran Joe Tieku; Mike Aggrey, Martin Osei, President Eddie Nustugah, Benjy Cudjoe, Smyly Bannerman with Captain Dr Asimenu leading.

Mfantsipim School and Adisadel College have engaged in healthy challenges in education, sports and other fields, but this golf competition is a special one  in addition to strengthening the cordial relations between the two schools on the hill.

The tournament which started in 2015 in honor of Sir Sam Jonah, a Santaclusian who is the chief patron,has grown  to become a regular feature on the golf calendar.

Out of the seven events the Santaclausians have had the bragging rights with four wins while the Botwe lads have got three victories.

According to Dr. Appietu-Ankrah, Captain of the SANTA golf, their opponents must forget about winning, however they must come to the Achimota Golf Club and watch exciting golf action "It will be fun, trust Adisco when it comes to sports, we are going to stretch them" he said.

Dr. Ernest Asimenu, Captain of MOBA Golf replied that they are coming with a strategy to win and be at par because they want to prove that they are the first and the best. He noted that they are snatching the trophy this year.

Mr. Mike Aggrey, a MOBA and former President of Ghana Golf Association (GGA) said that the Cup will certainly change hands this year.

"MOBA is determined to achieve the tie breaker in order to retain the bragging rights which we famously attained in the first and second encounters" he revealed.

The tournament tees of at 8am.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Former WBO Africa Featherweight Champion, John Abaja Laryea has shared some experience training at the Roberto Garcia Boxing Gym in Carlifonia.

He was a guest on Omashi TV, The Big Fight Night hosted by Yours Truly last Friday.

He said it was great and unique opportunity,  thanking his management, Samuel Anim Addo, Coach Carl Lokko of the Bronx Boxing Club in Accra and American Peter Khan for the love.

He cautioned Ghanaian boxers to be extra disciplined, focused, determined and ready if they want to reach the high world stage.

"If you are told to sleep early, you should comply because you need to rest well and train well" he said.

He revealed that after fighting in the USA, his WBO Africa Featherweight title was competed by Nigerian boxers, so now his management is planning on his next move to annex another title.

Laryea is unbeaten with 14 fights and one draw to his credit.

His training your was to shape him for the next chapter of his career with international exposure.

Roberto García is a builder of world champions. His passion and discipline dominates the gym and drives boxers to their highest limits in training.

The gym is a place that champions success, both in and out of the ring. Built on respect, drive, and camaraderie, everyone is committed to pushing limits and celebrating milestones.

At Robert García’s academy, they just learn boxing - but adopting champion’s mindset and transform lives.

According to Laryea, it was an experience of  unity, ambition, and perseverance like never before. He was welcomed to the family, and was told "You belong here".

Roberto Garcia Cortez is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1992 to 2001, and held the IBF junior lightweight title from 1998 to 1999.

He has since worked as a boxing trainer, and was voted Trainer of the Year by The Ring magazine in 2011, and by the Boxing Writers Association of America in 2012.

He is the older brother of professional boxer Mikey Garcia, who was a world champion in four weight classes.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Michael Nii Ayitey Okine affectionately called 'Ayitey Powers' has disclosed that boxing made him who he is now and never regrets becoming a boxer, because the sport has taken him to places and even the Ghana National Anthem has been played before his fights.

"Through boxing I can go to high places and people respect me a lot" he said during an exclusive interview with Yours Truly on The Big Fight Night on Omashi TV.

According to Powers, who is President of the Voice of Ghana Professional Boxers Association, he started as an amateur and moved from national to international.

"I want to give back to society and the sport that made me great that's why am into promotion, but it's not easy. so I appeal to companies to sponsor and support because boxing is big entertainment and business. I lost big in my first two promotions but I am not deterred" he expressed.

According to him, he was beaten mercilessly on his first day at the Wisdom Boxing Gym under Coach Dr. Asare, but he decided not to retreat but stay on with the inspiration of Stoner Jones and Ablor Sowah and qualified to join the Black Bombers team before turning professional.

He won his first bout against Joshua Okine and that motivated him to do 48 fights, winning 22 before retiring.

He named Australia as the best place he fought and hinted that fufu is his best dish.

Ayitey Powers advised boxers who see themselves as good to fight the best on the local scene before aiming to travel outside because boxing in UK, USA, Asia and Australia is very serious business and the remuneration is good.

He commended Sharaf Mahama and Legacy Rise Sports for staging the much talked about bill and hoped to also organise good shows for Ghanaian boxing fans.

On the resignation of the Ghana Boxing Authority President, he did not have much to say as it was his personal decision as he knows how the office is.

He prayed for a better boxing leader who will listen to the stakeholders for the sport to move on because it is serious business.

By Sammy Heywood Okine