Major electronics suppliers, Electroland Ghana Ltd have supported the Functional Sports event ‘Dawn of the Orphanages’ Challenge which took place at the Zulka Astro Turf at Dansoman in Accra on Saturday 19th April 2025.

Four orphanages competed in the ‘Dawn of the Orphanages’ Functional Fitness League Competition with Chosen Home Foundation Orphanage coming first as they successfully defended their title in style against Enough Grace, Great James Academy and Shalom of Zion.

Contestants were taken through a three hour test of intense body fitness drills of endurance, strength, body weight, power and others.

The winners got a 43inches Nasco TV, ceiling fan, blender, rice cooker blender and kettle, the runners up collected microwave, ceiling fan and kettle, third place got table cooker, rice cooker, ceiling fan and kettle, while the fourth place went home with blender, standing fan, bread toaster and flask and kettle.

The various teams expressed their joy and promised to train harder to perform better in subsequent events coming up.

Mr. Charles Owusu Ansah, President of Functional Sports League Ghana said they want to discover hidden talents in the communities and give them opportunity to be functional by doing something to keep fit, and if possible win prizes.

“We want society to see what the orphans have and can do, we will groom them for athletic development and possibly get them onto the international scene, very soon Functional Sports which was introduced in 2023 will be the most attractive sports in the world” he said.

He noted that the contestants have been training for over three weeks, so there is an improvement over the first edition.

He said they believe in catching them young that is why most of the contestants were very young, because they will grow to become better.

He hinted that after the orphans programme, they will hit the schools and later organize a national championship for male and female adults.

He appealed to corporate Ghana for support to promote healthy living lifestyle.

Charles Owusu-Ansah thanked all participants, the sponsors and media as well as the fans who came to watch to encourage and motivate the competitors.

Commander In Chief of the Fitness Revolution, Charles Owusu Ansah said the motive and aim of the competition was achieved and hoped that future events will be more exciting and attractive.

Other partners and supporters of the event were Erata Motors, Denzgate, Kofas Enterprise, High Protein Recovery, Forte Commodities, Sunder International, Neurkies Hub, Yumvita, Health and Fitness Matters, Afrofit Global Foundation and NASFAAG.

By Sammy Heywood Okine    

Dr. Ben K. Asante, President, Ghana Hockey and former CEO of Ghana National Gas Company has made himself available to be voted for to serve on the Executive Board of the Ghana Olympic Committee.

He has been a keen contributor to the development and promotion of the least financed sports, especially Hockley.

He has played active sports and administered same to the highest levels.

"I put myself up to be voted into office as one of the five Olympic Federation Board Members of the GOC" he said.

He said his vision for the GOC is anchored on 3 Pillars:  1. Development of Personnel, 2. Development of Facilities and 3. Facilitation for Financial Support.

He urged delegates to vote for him to be a part of further Development of Sports in the country.    

According to Mr. Romeo Oduro, former PRO at Ghana Gas, Mr. Asante is popular and so he will win hands down.

He said Ghana Sports need investment and people like Asante have the links and connections to attract sponsorship and partnerships.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Four orphanages competed in the ‘Dawn of the Orphanages’ Functional Fitness League Competition on Saturday 19th April 2025 at the Zulka Astro Turf at Dansoman in Accra.

Chosen Home Foundation Orphanage came first as they successfully defended their title in style, beating Enough Grace, Great James Academy and Shalom of Zion to second, third and fourth respectively.

Competitors were taken through a three hour test of intense body fitness drills of endurance, strength, body weight, power and others.

Mr. Charles Owusu Ansah, President of Functional Sports League Ghana said they want to discover hidden talents in the communities and give them opportunity to be functional by doing something to keep fit, and if possible win prizes.

“We want society to see what the orphans have and can do, we will groom them for athletic development and possibly get them onto the international scene, very soon Functional Sports which was introduced in 2023 will be the most attractive sports in the world” he said.

He noted that the contestants have been training for over three weeks, so there is an improvement over the first edition.

He said they believe in catching them young that is why most of the contestants were very young, because they will grow to become better.

He hinted that after the orphans programme, they will hit the schools and later organize a national championship for male and female adults.

He appealed to corporate Ghana for support to promote healthy living lifestyle.

Charles Owusu-Ansah thanked all participants, the sponsors and media as well as the fans who came to watch to encourage and motivate the competitors.

All the contestants received trophies and fantastic prizes from Electroland Ghana.

Commander In Chief of the Fitness Revolution, Charles Owusu Ansah said the motive and aim of the competition was achieved and hoped that future events will be more exciting and attractive.

“This is the doing of the Lord and it is marvelous in our eyes, the second edition of ‘Dawn of the Orphanages’ was amazing and we're thankful for another fantastic and successful event.

God bless everyone who put a smile on the faces of these children as they gave their all on the field” he expressed.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Chef de Mission for Team Ghana at the 13th African Games has declared his interest in contesting for the Third Vice President at the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Elections scheduled for Saturday April 26 at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Danso who is President of Ghana Baseball and Softball Association said he wants Ghana Sports to move forward, where there are well maintained facilities all round in the communities and people having the right appetite to get involved in sports.

He noted that there are many sports disciplines and all must be given attention because talents vary and those who are not given the needed attention may be performing better.

He also urged corporate Ghana to see sports federations as partners and support them to develop and promote athletes.

He appealed to sports federations and organisations involved in sports to come together and coordinate for the nation to benefit.

On the upcoming elections he said 'Let us build a board that serves, one that acts with purpose, not one that stalls progress".

He also called for the restoration of credibility and create an environment where Ghanaian athletes, coaches, and stakeholders can truly thrive.

"Together, we have the power to fix what is broken and build something better.

I humbly ask for your vote to serve as your 3rd Vice President, not for the title, but for the transformation" he expressed.

More than 30 sports personalities are seeking votes of delegates in the much anticipated Elections.

For the President position, two distinguished personalities are in the hot race. They are Richard Akpokavie a former President of Ghana Hockey and Michael Aggrey also a former President of Ghana Golf.

Yours Truly wish all candidates and delegates success and a peaceful event.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Big Test For Ghana's Michael Decardi Nelson as he faces Zambian David Mwale on May 25 for the WBC International Bantamweight Title at the Government Complex in Lusaka.

Nelson (8-1-1) a former national title winner is a product of the famous Akotoku Academy of Accra. He lost his last bout in India and hopes to come back better.

Mwale is the African Boxing Union (ABU) Bantamweight Champion. The Southpaw is undefeated in 9 professional outings.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Hon. Kofi Adams Launches 10^th KGL Millennium Marathon With A Call For Massive Participation

Minister of Sports & Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams says sports must not be seen as a consuming activity because it can generate healthy minds and bodies and impart on the economy of Ghana.

Speaking at the launch of the 2025 edition of the KGL Millennium Marathon with the theme ‘Beyond The Finish Line’ at the media center of the Accra Sports Stadium, he commended the organisers, participants over the years, the supporters, sponsors and media who cover of the event.

He promised to take part on September 6, 2025 and invited many people to join, especially students.

He recalled how President John Dramani Mahama launched the first edition together with Ethiopian marathon legend Haile Gebrselassie in 2015 and it has kept going on with many athletes and social runners getting the interest to participate.

He commended the organisers for their hard work, commitment and dedication as the event is now more than a race, but for grassroots athletes’ development, economic and business promotion as well as uniting sports lovers.

He noted that the government is focused on reviving schools sports and sports especially will create jobs when the 24 hour economy policy takes off.

He advised participants to run clean and avoid doping as it has serious consequences.

“Do not be intimidated by foreign athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia and elsewhere, run your best” he encouraged local athletes.

Mr. Alex Dadey, Chief Executive of KGL, the major sponsor of the event emphasized the need for corporate funding noting that KGL Foundation takes health and sports very serious.

“Corporate Ghana should take the lead in sports development” he advised.

Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) said with the Millennium Marathon every participant is a winner and was glad and honoured that the NSA is part of the 10^th edition.

Mrs. Catherine Morton, Co-Founder and Race Director hinted that many things will change for the 10^th edition, such as the rebranding with new colours, logo, prizes and social impart tapping into the communities.

She announced that the Race is recognized and certified by World Athletics, and it will not be only a sporting event but will boast tourism and business.

According to her, there will be charity slots to raise funds and later work with the Ghana Athletics to open an Athletics Academy to train world class runners for Ghana.

She said both male and female winners will take home 75,000ghc each, 50, 000ghc for second and 30,000ghc for third placers, while there will be consolation prizes for the fourth place to 25^th position. She added that an additional 10,000ghc will be added if the Millennium Marathon record is broken.

President of Ghana Athletics and Director at the Winneba Sports College, Mr. Bawa Fuseni also hailed the Millennium Marathon Sports Ltd for their resilience in continuing with the laudable national sporting event, and hoped that they will meet all the requirements to be a fully accepted international competition and an Olympic qualifying event.

Present was the Chief Director at the Ministry of Sports & Recreation Mr. Willie Kartey and other sponsors, partners and supporters including the Red Cross.

Anyone who wishes to take part in the KGL Millennium Marathon can register by dialing *800*17#.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

John Abaja Laryea aka ‘Expensive Boxer’, the WBO Featherweight champion is back in California, USA to continue with his international training proramme ahead of a possible world title shot in the future.

He was the only Ghanaian boxer who went out of the country and won his fight in the United States with a fantastic display that excited many fans.

Laryea who is undefeated will train under the direction of his foreign manager the famous Peter Khan who has directed them to Coach Garcia for the next phase of his development and possibly engage in another fight.

He promised not to fail his fans and his management. He said discipline is the key to success and acknowledged his team, “Every day is business day” he stressed.

According to local manager Sammy Anim Addo, the aim and ultimate goal is to let Laryea have a chance and an opportunity to crack at the world title.

He said it is many years since Ghana got a world champion, and it is time that someone takes the mantle and produce a new world star for Ghana.

“We want to continue what D.K. Poison, Professor Azumah Nelson, Ike Bazooka Quartey, Joshua Clottey, Emmanuel Tagoe and other top boxers did” he expressed.

He noted that Bronx Boxing Club has the potential to produce a world champion, because they already have other WBO Africa champions and other title holders, like bantamweight Daniel Gorsh, lightweight Sheriff Quaye, welterweight Jacob Laryea, featherweight Stanley Nyantekyi aka Ashanti Warrior, super bantamweight John Zile, super featherweight Felix Ajom, super lightweight Emmanuel Quartey and others.

He said Team Laryea is on a war path to claim a world title for Ghana and boxing fans should watch out.

“We have to redeem our game with quality boxers, quality managers, and quality boxing” he added.

Laryea beat Nicaraguan Alexander Mejia in November 2024 in his first international bout in the US.

By Sammy Heywood Okine    

Ghana U-20 head coach, Desmond Ofei, has expressed his ambition to guide the Black Satellites to victory at the upcoming 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The four-time champions have been drawn into a challenging Group C, where they will face defending champions Senegal, DR Congo, and the Central African Republic. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Egypt, kicking off on Sunday, April 27, and concluding with the final on May 18, 2025.

In an interview with CAF media, Ofei emphasised the importance of taking the tournament one step at a time, with the initial objective being progression beyond the group stage.

“Our immediate goal is to get out of the group stage. From there, we take it one step at a time. Of course, the long-term aim is to win the tournament and qualify for the U-20 World Cup, but we’ll do that by staying consistent and focused on the process."

The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed sides, will advance to the quarter-finals.

Ghana will be looking to reassert their dominance on the continental stage after recent disappointments and will hope to draw inspiration from their rich history in the competition.

Source ghanasoccernet.com

Ghana’s Elvis Ahorgah suffered another defeat in Birmingham after 10-Round bout on Easter Sunday.

As usual, Elvis Ahorgah, affectionately called Soldier, talked much at the prematch weigh in and press conference but endured a narrow defeat against British pugilist Tyler Denny who was also coming back into the ring to put his career in shape.

On that same night another Ghanaian Ebenezer Tetteh, a former West African Heavyweight Champion was defeated in round one by Frazer Clarke. Tetteh protested against what had seemed a justifiable stoppage by the referee.

Meanwhile, some boxing experts have come out to castigate the recent performances of Ghanaian boxers in foreign rings.

The operator of MED Sports said it is shameful as boxers do not prepare well or they just go in with records which are not impressive.

He called on the Ghana Boxing Authority and the boxers to sit up and do the right things that will get the nation back to its glory days.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Offinso North — The 2025 Dada Joe annual football tournament came to an electrifying conclusion as Nkenkaasu ‘A’ won the tournament by defeating Nkwankwaa 1-0 in the final game.

The three-day exhilarating event, which started on Good Friday, produced some intense and exciting moments as the curtain was drawn on Sunday evening for its closure.

The semi-final matchups saw Nkenkaasu ‘A’ outclass and defeat Nkenkaasu ‘B’ to advance to the finals. Nkwaankwaa also knocked out Darso 2-1 to advance on Sunday after the semifinalists dominated the group stages on the opening two days.

In the third-place playoff game, Nkenkaasu ‘B’ ensured they ended the tournament with a bronze medal after a 3-0 win over Darso.

Nkenkaasu ‘A’ were crowned champions after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Nkwankwaa. A wonderfully executed strike from Phillip Yeboah in the 68th minute sealed a memorable victory for them.

Principal organizer of the Dada Joe Annual Tournament, Joseph Badu Boateng (Dada Joe), awarded the first place team, Nkenkaasu ‘A’ a staggering GHS 5,000 and a coveted trophy for their triumph, while second and third placed teams, Nkwankwaa and Nkenkaasu ‘B’ were given GHS 3,000 and GHS 2,000 respectively.

The Best Player of the tournament, Kennedy Donkor (Nkenkaasu ‘A’), and the Top Scorer of the tournament, Jeffery Danquah Williams (Nkenkaasu ‘B’), both received prizes and an ultimate prize of an all-paid expense trip to Dubai later this year, courtesy Dada Joe.

The Best Player of the Tournament, Kennedy Donkor, of Nkenkaasu ‘A’ speaking after the game praised Dada Joe for his unselfish effort to host the tournament and help some of the youth realize their dreams.

 “It’s a special tournament and I think we’ve really enjoyed it. We’ve seen some prominent people promise us such tournaments but we never get to witness it. This tournament has helped the entire community and we’re so grateful to Dada Joe”, he said.

Tournament organizer,Joseph Adu Boateng (Dada Joe), also speaking after the tournament appreciated the effort of all the teams that were represented. He acknowledged the talent displayed throughout the three-day event and also emphasized on the importance of having the community come together for such a celebration.

“It was a great tournament, and I want to extend my warmest appreciation to the teams that participated and the eventual winners. This tournament has been a real eye-opener. I’m glad we’ve been able to bring the entire Offinso North constituency together for the Easter celebrations”.

When asked if the tournament will be held next year, Dada Joe answered, “Of course. It’s an annual thing, and we will definitely be delighted to watch the best players grace the tournament”.

Source Michael Obeng