The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has organised a successful two day retreat for sports federation’s presidents at the Eastern Premier Hotel in Koforidua, Eastern Region last Friday and Saturday.

Over 50 federation’s presidents were represented including the new executive board and the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Lawyer Richard Akpokavie who commended all who attended.

In his opening address, he spoke about the Olympic brand, reputation, strength, achievements, relationships with government and sponsorship, fragmentations unity among federations and placing athletes first, communication and benefits of social media, talent identification and facilities.

He expressed that athletes are always playing central role and should be considered premiere.

He noted that building capacity of athletes, coaches and administrators is essential and federations should collaborate with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and National Sports Authority (NSA) for quality athletes to be selected to take part in international competitions.

According to Akpokavie, there are vast opportunities to be tapped in sports in grants, scholarships delivered by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Commonwealth Games Association.

He advocated for clean sports, warned on manipulation of competitions and discussed funding of sports.

He urged sports federation heads in Ghana to work together for positive results.

Other resources persons spoke on topics that are relevant for progress and sustaining sports.

Prof. Akwasi Sarfo Kantaka spoke on branding of sports federations, Ms.Sussie Populampu handled financing of sports, while Naa Amorkor Amarteifio lectured on alternative disputes resolution.

Mr. Chris Essilfie of the Olympians Association led the retrear through 'Federation led strategy formulation' after all the federations representatives had presented their brief plans and projections for the next four years.

There was also some information on anti doping by the WADA in Ghana, Prince Azanu.

Some Presidents who were interviewed by Yours Truly after the retreat hailed the new leadership of the GOC for fulfilling the campaign promise.

Mohammed Muniru, Esq the Secretary General of the GOC said more of such interactions would come on from time to time to engage the sports leaders.

The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams and the Director General of the National Sports Authority, Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah were present at the innovative retreat.

The Minister said the sports industry will undergo resetting and create a sports fund to support athletes and federations.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghanaian boxing icon, Professor Azumah Nelson, is set to be honoured once again by the World Boxing Council (WBC) as part of the global body’s “Year of Africa” celebrations, with a major boxing event scheduled to take place in Accra on June 13.

The mega fight night, dubbed “The Battle of the Beasts”, is slated for the Bukom Boxing Arena. The date holds special significance—it marks exactly 21 years since Nelson became the first African boxer to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004.

The event is being organised by Legacy Rise Sports Promotions, led by Sharaf Mahama, in collaboration with Amir Khan Promotions, owned by former unified world champion and WBC ambassador, Amir Khan.

Azumah Nelson, now 66, will be honoured for his illustrious career and lasting impact on the sport. Fondly known as “The Professor,” Nelson first etched his name in the annals of boxing history in December 1984, when he knocked out Wilfredo Gómez in Puerto Rico to win the WBC featherweight title. He defended that crown until 1988 before moving up to the super featherweight division, where he captured the world title twice and held it until 1997.

His remarkable reign—spanning over a decade as a world champion—remains one of the most enduring achievements in African boxing history, and a benchmark few have approached.

A Legacy Celebrated

Recognised as the greatest African boxer of all time, Azumah Nelson has consistently received accolades from the WBC. Since his 2004 induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame—alongside legends such as Mike Tyson and Sylvester Stallone—he has been honoured with several distinctions, including being named the WBC's greatest super featherweight of all time.

In 2018, the WBC further celebrated Nelson’s legacy during his 60th birthday with the presentation of two honorary belts and a silver vase at a commemorative fight night in Accra.

WBC’s Year of Africa Continues

The WBC’s Year of Africa 2025 aims to celebrate the rich history, talent, and influence of African boxing. The initiative began in February with the inaugural ABU/WBC Amateur Boxing Tournament in Lagos, Nigeria, which brought together emerging fighters from across the continent.

Next, the spotlight shifts to Accra for the June 13 event, which features the maiden WBC Africa bridgerweight championship. The headline bout pits Nigerian-American fighter Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti against Ghana’s former national cruiserweight champion Jacob “The Beast” Dickson, in a clash that promises fireworks.

The event is not just about crowning new champions, but also about honouring the legends who laid the foundation—and none stands taller among them than Azumah Nelson.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Young rising boxer, Mathias Ashitey got Ghana’s first gold medal at the ongoing African Youth Boxing Championship in Conakry, Guinea  with an amazing performance before knocking out his opponent.

He won his first international medal in grand style on his birthday. Mathias Ashitey was classic, powerful and good to watch as he overcame  his South African opponent Khato Mbulelo at the Africa Youth Championship

Ashitey landed his opponent with mixture of punches and sent Mbulelo to the canvas in round one for the referee to signal the end of the bout.

Desmond Pappoe and George Dowuona will take their turns in the finals today as they strive to secure gold for Ghana.

Vice President of the Ghana Boxing Federation, Alhaji Dauda Fuseni who is attending Ghana Olympic Committee Retreat in Koforidua hailed the performance and said the boxers have made the nation proud, but no one knows how they suffer at training. He noted that the Black Rockets, the national youth team has huge potential and should be guided well for future international competitions like the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games in 2028.

He also commended the young coach, Joseph Martey who is  leading and handling the boxers.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Mr. Ivan Bruce - Cudjoe, CEO of Cabic Promotions has picked nomination forms to contest for the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) President position in the next Congress scheduled for July 12, 2025.

The 2019 SWAG Award winner, who is a boxing promoter, event manager and businessman, said it is time for Ghana Boxing to have a new face with a new direction to return to winning ways.

Addressing a Press Conference on Friday in Accra he said stake holders have called on him to contest for the position of President, because he is the right man at this time..

He promised to take Ghana Boxing to "a new era of growth, professionalism, and global excellence" for the sport.

He observed that retired boxers will be ambassadors. role models and mentors to encourage rising stars and planned to work with the National Sports Authority to establish standard boxing gyms in all 16 regions of the country to encourage national title fights to be staged across various locations to foster competition and talent growth nationwide.

He said IBC (Ivan Bruce - Cudjoe) will be the winner and thanked all who support his dream and ambition to become the next GBA President,

He intends to hold regular stakeholder conferences to ensure that the voices of promoters, referees, coaches, and athletes are heard and factored into key decisions.

“Ghanaian boxing needs collaboration, not division,” he said.

“My leadership will be built on inclusivity, respect, and appreciation for all contributions made to the sport so far.”

In addition to proposing a comprehensive welfare scheme for all stakeholders, Bruce-Cudjoe says he will appoint special envoys to deepen international cooperation and secure global opportunities for Ghanaian fighters.

His ultimate goal is to groom a world-class boxer who will bring home a world title within the next four years.

He promised to present his plans and manifesto that include making boxing the preferred sports very soon.

He believes Ghana’s boxing industry “stands at a crossroads” and insists now is the time for transformation.

He announced his team who are also picked forms like Ellis Afotey Quaye going for 2^nd Vice President, Mr. Johnny Gordon and GideonK. Ohiadjo aka Jingles going for Board Member.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The second edition of the African Youth Scrabbles Championship qualifiers is slated to take place on 14th June at the Accra Technical University in Accra.

This one-day event invites all young scrabbles enthusiasts to demonstrate their tactical skills, with winners earning automatic qualification and into the representing Ghana at the championship which will take place in Nairobi-Brighton Intentional Academy in Kenya from 14th August -17th August 2025

Competitors will be categorized into under-15 and under-19 boys and girls.

According to Esther Danso Mensah, Personal Assistant to the President of the Scrabbles Association of Ghana, "We are extending an invitation to new young scrabbles players to showcase their tactical skills, providing them with the opportunity to compete against Ghana's most skilled young scrabbles players later this year in Kenya."

"This competition will enhance the kids' word mastery," she added.

To register, please contact 0244755527 or 0552720206.

Story: Gabriel Amoakoh

President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Mr. Abraham Kotei Neequaye has promised all boxing stakeholders that there will be clean, free and fair elections on July 12 in Accra.

Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive chat at his office on Wednesday evening, he said no contestant should be afraid because the essence of the Congress is about accountability and he is going to make sure he renders the accounts of the Ghana Boxing Authority on the Congress day.

According to him, the GBA has not got enough funds to hold an Extra Ordinary Congress and another congress for elections, so everything will be done on the same day.

“I have nothing to hide and I know I have done much for Ghana Boxing and I am not afraid of my competitors, I am a politician and I know what it takes to win or lose elections so I know what is right” he expressed.

He assured that no contestant will be disqualified, so that he will be blamed.

“I want everyone to contest, I know I am very popular and will win hands down, people are making me popular by saying negative things, but that is politics and I love what is going on” he stated.

He hinted doing many good things for Ghana Boxing like the Boxing League which boxers and clubs have benefitted brand new cars, insurance for boxers, renovation of the GBA office, transparency and accountability in the game and administration and making the sport attractive, though as humans there may be some one or two mistakes or problems with security and crowd violence which he always preach against.

He thanked the media for coming out with whatever happens, as there is nothing to hide from stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the GBA has issued a rejoinder on a statement by a Committee for Professional Boxing Stakeholders (CPBS).

The GBA President said their attention has been drawn to a publication with regards to a purported boycott of the upcoming congress and elections.

“The information provided is based on a publication on the airwaves from the Committee for Professional Boxing Stakeholders (CPBS) and may not reflect the views of all stakeholders or the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).

The Ghana Boxing Authority acknowledges the concerns raised by the CPBS regarding the elective congress date and demands for accountability. We appreciate the stakeholders' passion for the sport's development”.

He noted that the GBA remains committed to its obligations and is open to discussions with stakeholders.

“However, the date for the congress and elections, July 12, 2025, stands unless otherwise decided through due process” he emphasised.

The GBA President said they will invite CPBS representatives to engage in constructive dialogue to address concerns and work towards the sport's growth.

He assured that the GBA is committed to transparency and accountability. “We will consider the stakeholders' demands and explore ways to ensure the elective congress is conducted fairly and in accordance with the rules and regulations governing the GBA”.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The National Paralympic Committee of Ghana (NPC Ghana) has issued a firm clarification following a recent public disclaimer from the Ghana Adaptive Boxing Federation (GHABF), reaffirming the reassignment of Mr. Isaac Tetteh as a Media Officer and Administrator under the national para-sports body.

According to NPC Ghana, Mr. Tetteh’s new role is integral to the Committee’s strategic mandate to promote advocacy, development, and visibility of para-sports across the country. His reassignment forms part of a broader national initiative outlined in the NPC 2020–2027 Strategic Plan, a document hailed as the backbone of the para-sports movement in Ghana.

“All appointed media and administrative officers assigned to federations operate under the authority and framework of NPC Ghana,” the Committee emphasized in the official release. “These officers contribute to a shared national vision of building a unified, inclusive, and globally competitive para-sport ecosystem.”

NPC Ghana highlighted that Mr. Tetteh’s work is not confined to one federation but is intended to serve the collective interest of all para-sports disciplines under its umbrella. His functions include project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and media management—particularly in support of landmark initiatives such as the 1st Open Para-Sport and Classification Festival scheduled for later this year.

The Committee congratulated all federations and members of the Technical Committee actively contributing to the development of the festival, which aims to position Ghana as a continental hub for para-sports and talent identification.

While respecting the autonomy of federations like GHABF, NPC Ghana called for unity and professionalism among all stakeholders in pursuit of a shared mission: empowering persons with disabilities through sport.

NPC Ghana closed the publication with a strong message of inclusivity: “We are one movement, one vision—and together, we rise.”

Source NPC Ghana

CEO of Cabic Boxing Promotions & Management, Mr. Ivan Bruce Cudjoe has disclosed that Samuel Takyi has the right to reject a fight with Joseph Commey aka ‘Jaguar’ because they are of different levels.

According to the ace promoter who also owns Travel Matters and Idrowhyt Events Center, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medalist, Samuel Takyi has plans to become a world champion and focused with seven professional fights with seven wins to his credit, while Commey who represented Ghana and won silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games has only two professional bouts and won all.

He expressed that the difference in their bouts is the issue because Takyi has fought more and has the experience more than Commey.

Mr. Bruce Cudjoe who is considering running for the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) Presidential position said there is the need to revamp Ghana Boxing with good boxers taking up worthy opponents and dreaming to become continental and world champions.

He noted that there must be some discipline in Ghana Boxing and promoters have a big role to play in giving boxers good opponents and fights.

He declared his plan to give Samuel Takyi an opportunity if he is ready.

Meanwhile, Samuel Takyi aka ‘Ring Warrior’ has also stressed that he is not ready to fight boxers below his level and trying to challenge bigger opponents.

“I want to fight the likes of Keyshawn Davis, because that is my focus and I am looking beyond Ghana and Africa” he stated.

Keyshawn Davis has held the WBO lightweight title since 14 February 2025. As an amateur, he won silver medals at the 2019 Pan American Games, 2019 World Championships, and 2020 Summer Olympics.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Rising Star Mathias Ashitey defeated Ayoub Mouhamed of Tunisia on the second day fight umber three in the 51kg category of the African Youth Boxing Championship in Conakry, Guinea.

Earlier in the first day, Desmond Pappoe fighting in the 75kg category progressed to the next stage with a great performance and splendid win against Albingagu Mftah of Libya.

He was supposed to face home boy, Diallo Mamadou of Guinea at the time of filng this report..

George Dowuona also secured success for Team Ghana at the Youth Championship happening in Conakry, Guinea which started yesterday

He next faces Aboubacar Camara of the host nation in the 54kg weight class.

Coach Joseph Martey is happy for the good start of the Black Rockets and hopes they will keep up the winning spirit and enter the medal zone.

George Dowuona who was the first to fight for Ghana beat Miftah Albinbagu of Liberia in the 54 kg preliminaries before Desmond Pappoe battled and made mincemeat on Lade Micock of Seychelles in the 75 kg division on Tuesday when the fight tournament belled off at the 2025 African Youth Boxing Championships in Conakry, Guinea.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has announced a 5-member  Election Committee for the upcoming elections: they include Ben Nunoo Mensah -Chairman, Sam Laryea Esq - Secretary, Joshua Clottey - Member,  Alhaji Moshud Zaid - Member and Lord Acquaye -  Member.

The Duties of the Election Committee: is to Oversee the electoral process, Ensure compliance with Ghana Boxing Authority's constitution and electoral regulations, Manage the nomination and voting processes and Declare the results of the elections.

The Election Committee will ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process. Stakeholders are encouraged to cooperate with the committee and report any concerns or issues.

Any enquiries or concerns, please reach out to the Election Committee Secretary, Sam Laryea Esq on 0244886788 on behalf of the GBA.

The Ghana Boxing Authority election is fixed for 12 July, 2025 at the Mudor Conference Hall, Trust Sports Emporium.

Nomination Forms will be available at the secretariat of the GBA at a fee of Ghc 200 from 15th -22nd May, 2025.

The Filling fee for the various positions are President- Ghc 10,000, 1st and 2nd Vice - Ghc 5,000, Treasurer - Ghc 3,000 and Executive Member - Ghc 3,000.

Filling of nominations is fixed for 29th and 30th May 2025 (Thursday and Friday) respectively. Vetting is on5th to 7th June 2025.

All members in good standing are eligible to participate in the elections.

Further details and nomination forms can be obtained from the Ghana Boxing Authority Secretariat at the Bukom Boxing Arena

By Sammy Heywood Okine