Qualification points for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will be on offer as Madagascar hosts the African Judo Championships.

The Championships is scheduled to begin on December 17 and run until Sunday (December 20).

Competition will be held in Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital city.

The African Judo Union (AJU) awarded Madagascar the event last month, with the organisation seeking to offer athletes’ an opportunity to earn qualification points for Tokyo 2020.

Winners in each weight division will earn 700 points.

The African Championships will offer qualification points for Tokyo 2020 ©African Judo Union

The African Championships will only feature senior events.

The AJU cancelled cadet, junior and kata events due to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers said no effort has been spared in ensuring the safety of delegations, with 33 nations expected to take part.

The event has been organised under COVID-19 protocols outlined by the International Judo Federation.

By Michael Pavitt 

5 time champion Aidos Yerbossynuly defeated Ghana's Issah Samir by a round 2 TKO, to retain his WBC Asian Boxing Council, WBO Global and WBA International super middleweight titles.

The tall undefeated boxer improved his unblemished career record to 15-0, 10 KOs whilst condemning the Ghanaian to a first career defeat  (19-1, 16 KOs) - Wednesday night - 16/12/2020 - Nursultan, Kazakhstan.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

20 year old boxer Eslih Owusu is in Ghana to build his fan base and also seek spiritual guidance and support as he enters another phase of his ambition to become a world champion.

Born and bred in Massachusetts in the United States to an Ashanti dad and Fanti mum, his bravery is compared to an Accra boy who loves to fight and win, barring all odds.

USA based Ghanaian boxing coach, Okoe Odamtten who has handled Eslih since he was 14 says he is happy to introduce his future champion to Ghanaians, and hopes boxing lovers will support him.

He described the young southpaw as very dangerous with his jabs and upper cuts and straight punches.

According to Okoe Odamtten who guided Ike Bazooka Quartey to win the World Boxing Association (WBA) Welterweight championship belt in 1994, he is glad to be in Ghana with a budding talent who must be watched. He informed that there are other rising boxers under his tutelage in the USA.

Eslih Owusu who has won all his two fights comes up against experienced Ben Ankrah aka ‘Congo Soldier’ in Accra on Thursday, December 17, 2020.

He said it would be a good moment as he is prepared and focused. He thanked his management, Errol Hawk Management & Promotions and promised to have more fights in Ghana.

“In Okoe Odamtten, I have a coach who has seen it all, from the grassroot of Bukom to the top of world boxing and I also believe in myself to make it to the top” he said.

He named his idols as Pernell Whitaker, Lennox Lewis and Ike Bazooka Quartey.

Team Owusu was accompanied by Leon Desy, an American boxing enthusiast.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

MTN MoMo Agent, Chafal Communications, has emerged as the Overall Best MTN Mobile Money Agent in South East Business District of MTN for the Year 2020. This was announced at the 2020 MTN Mobile Money Agents Awards ceremony held in Accra. Chafal Communications received a brand new 2020 Toyota Rush, a four-wheel drive sports utility vehicle (SUV), and a certificate of honor.

The Managing Director of Chafal Communications Limited, Kelvin Atsu Wilson, whose company won the overall award was very excited about the prize. He thanked MobileMoney Limited for the honor and promised to continue working hard.

The General Manager of Mobile Money, Eli Hini speaking at the awards expressed gratitude to the agents and merchants for their immense support to the brand in such a difficult year. He said, “This year has been a tough one any how you look at it, and you our partners have proven to be tougher in the midst of a pandemic.” In spite of all the challenges, you demonstrated your commitment to grow the business by working to exceed the targets set for the year. The significance of your contribution to curb the spread of COVID-19 cannot be overemphasized. The fact that people could easily locate you and send or receive money as and when they needed it most especially during the lockdown needs commendation”, he added.

Mr. Hini also took the opportunity to encourage stakeholders and customers to remain vigilant in the fight against fraud especially as we approach the festive season. He indicated that fraudsters keep revising their strategies as the business continues to intensify its fraud education. He reminded customers of the Three Golden Rules which serve as a weapon in the fight against fraud. He said,” Do Not disclose your pin; Do not let others transact on your behalf and Do Not discuss your wallet with any stranger”.

A total of 150 Agents and 100 Merchants from Accra, Eastern, Volta and Oti were awarded with amazing prizes. These included 49-inch flat screen Televisions, Motor Bikes, Phones and Tablets. Guests were also entertained with a live performance by Ghanaian highlife musician, Fameye.

The MTN Mobile Money Agents awards is a proprietary event of MTN Mobile Money to recognize and celebrate MoMo Agents and Merchants for the hard work and commitment in deepening the move towards a cash-lite economy. Since 2014, the company has recognized the hard work and significant contributions of over 5000 agents and merchants. Other initiatives introduced by MTN MoMo to support the wellbeing of the Agents is an Insurance scheme aimed insuring Agents against unforeseen events that can affect their lives and businesses adversely.  MoMo Agents will benefit from an insurance solution which includes a Life Cover, Death Benefit, Total Permanent Disability and Critical Illness.

MoMo customers should report fraud incidence by calling 100 while agents and merchants are to call 114. Alternatively, one can send a text to 1515 or 419 or send an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana midfielder Clifford Aboagye joins Mexican side Club Puebla

Ghana midfielder, Clifford Aboagye has completed a move to Mexican side Club Puebla until the end of the 2021 season.

The 25-year-old has joined the Estadio Cuauhtémoc outfit on a season-long loan deal from fellow Mexican Liga MX side Club Tijuana.

Aboagye made nine appearances for Club Tijuana in his debut season which ended few months ago.

The enterprising midfielder moved to the South American country from Spanish La Liga club Granada CF in 2017.

Club Puebla becomes the fourth club Mexico for the former Ghana youth star after having stints at Rojinegros del Atlas, Querétaro and Xolos de Tijuana.

Aboagye won the bronze ball at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup staged in Turkey.

He recently earned a call-up to the senior national team of Ghana by Coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor ahead of Ghana's 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers double-header against Sudan.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

USA based Ghanaian boxing coach, Okoe Odamtten is in Ghana with a Christmas present for boxing lovers and fans.

The trainer of former World Boxing Association (WBA) Welterweight champion says he has discovered another potential world champion for Ghana in the name of 20 year old Eslih Owusu, who fights for the first time in Ghana against the veteran experienced Ben Ankrah aka ‘Congo Soldier’.

The first post covid- 19 professional boxing comes up on Thursday December 17, 2020 at the renovated Seconds Out Gym in Accra.

According to Coach Carl Lokko, Technical Director of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), all the boxers on the Errol Hawk / Fight Ready Promotions Bill have been tested for covid -19 and they hope to put up a good show.

Featuring on the packed bill is Eslih Owusu versus Benjamin Ankrah in an international Superwelterweight contest over 10 rounds.

Jacob Dickson meets David Okai in a Cruiserweight contest as Faisal Abubakar also faces Francis Mensah in a Super Lightweight contest.

Richmond Ashlley will take on Enoch Lamptey in a Lightweight bout, while Eliasu Sulley squares up with Cudjoe Darah in a Super Middleweight contest.

Soloman Martey will fight Isaac Okine in a Super Bantamweight fray as Jacob Laryea meets Moses Laryea in a Welterweight bout.

Another international bout will see Hounpkevi Justin from Benin against Agbogblamenu Wisdom of Ghana.

Caradima Yacoubou Fataou from Benin will also challenge Cad Saviour in a Light Heavyweight contest, before Nikiema Hamed Abel clashes with Agini S. Nothingbad in a Super Welterweight fray.

Tadia Wali Imorou Hanri will face Ahmed Sulley in another Lightweight contest.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Issah Samir, brother of Samir Bastie is determined of holding multiple titles and faces Aidos Yerbossynuly for his WBC Asia, WBO Global and WBA International super middleweight belts on Wednesday, December 16, in the capital city of Nursultan, Kazakhstan.

Issah Samir weighed 166.7 lbs for the challenge against Aidos Yerbossynuly who came in slightly heavier at 168 lbs for the defence of all of his WBC Asia, WBO Global and WBA International super middleweight belts.

The fight is promoted by Suleimen Promotions, and will be live on Khabar TV in Kazakhstan.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Border town senior high schools in Ghana have called for their inclusion in the upcoming season 7 of the Vim SHS Sanitation Tour.

The educative, hygienic and recreational programme has been commended and hailed by many teachers and school heads, making other institutions who have not tasted the tour to call for their inclusion.

Some of the border town schools have specially appealed to be added to the programme which has over 100 schools all over the nation taking part.

The border town schools are Three Town SHS, Axim Girls SHS, Annor Adjaye SHS, Akatsi Tech Sec SHS, Paga SHS and Nkroful Agric SHS.

Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams, CEO of One-On-One Foundation, the organisers of the popular tour said the outbreak of the coronavirus has made people, especially students to know the benefits of living in clean environment and practicing health lifestyle.

He said the proposal for additional schools would be laid before the sponsors, Unilever Ghana, producers of Omo, Vim, Brillant Key soap and Rexona. He revealed that Teacher Training Colleges will be part of 2021, and it will be on TV.

According to him, many lessons have been learnt in the year 2020 and they hope to teach the students more ways and means of improving sanitation in schools and communities.

The Sanitation Tour involves cleaning and scrubbing, inspection of houses, dormitories, dining halls, gardens quiz contest etc and aerobics to test the fitness levels of the students.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Joseph Awinongya Jr. has been honored again in the USA by USA Boxing, Illinois Association for becoming the 2020 National Silver Gloves Champion – Out of Sam Colonna Boxing, Chicago, IL. 11/12 – 95 LBS.

The certificate of recognition was signed by Shaun Tallon, President and Jimmy Goodman, Vice President.

Mr. Joseph Awinongya Sr, father of the young budding 13 year old boxer said his son is cut for greatness and he will continue to support him fully.

The skillful and talented technical boxer has already won 13 titles, and he is eager and daring for more honours.

He has won the hearts of many people in Ghana and the USA where he was born.

Recently, the Asamoah Gyan Foundation donated to him and according to sources many individuals and corporate entities want to associate with him.

He is being groomed for the 2028 Olympic Games, and world titles.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Gerard Houllier, the English teacher turned football manager who helped to rebuild Liverpool as a force in Europe, died on Monday at the age of 73.

The former France national team manager and technical director also enjoyed spells at Lens, Paris Saint-Germain, Lyon and Aston Villa.

French sports paper L’Equipe said Houllier died just a few days after undergoing another heart operation.

In his early 20s, Houllier spent a year as a teacher in Liverpool and stood on the famous Anfield Kop as a fan.

The connection remained throughout his career and when he returned in 1998 as manager, he was an instant hero.

Houllier spent six years in charge at Liverpool between 1998 and 2004, leading them to the UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup treble in 2001.

After requiring life-saving heart surgery in the 2001-02 season, he returned to lead the team until 2004. He went on to manage Lyon and Aston Villa, resigning after suffering from heart trouble.

Liverpool said they were “deeply saddened” by the news and praised Houllier, saying in a statement on their website that he “successfully re-established the club as a modern force.”

The club said he left Liverpool in 2004 with “his legacy as a revolutionary and vital figure in Liverpool’s modern history enshrined and cherished.”

Tributes poured in from the world of football, with former Liverpool players Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen among those to offer their condolences.

“Devastated to hear the news my former manager Gerard Houllier has passed away,” Gerrard wrote on Instagram. “I will never forget what this man did for me and my career. Rest in peace Boss. YNWA x.”

“Absolutely devastated by the news about Gerard Houllier, I was in touch with him only last month to arrange him coming to Liverpool. Loved that man to bits, he changed me as a person & as a player & got @LFC back winning trophies. RIP Boss,” defender Carragher wrote on Twitter.

Owen said: “Absolutely heartbroken to hear that my old boss, Gerard Houllier, has sadly passed away. A great manager and a genuinely caring man.”

Former Liverpool manager Roy Evans, who shared the job with Houllier when the Frenchman first arrived at Anfield, sait it was “incredibly sad news”.

“A gentleman I have the greatest respect for and what he achieved at Liverpool football club. Condolences to his family. RIP”,” he said on Twitter.

PSG and Aston Villa were also quick to respond to the news.

“The whole of the Paris Saint-Germain family would like to present its condolences to his family and loved ones,” PSG said.

“All at Aston Villa are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gerard Houllier, our manager during the 2010/11 season,” Villa said on Twitter. “Our thoughts are with Gerard’s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

And Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola sent his best wishes on behalf of his club.

“He was an incredible, lovely person when I met him at UEFA meetings or when we played Lyon, or when I met him as a player and manager,” he said on Twitter. “It’s sad news for all world football.”

Houllier managed Le Touquet, Noeux-les-Mines, Lens and PSG before stepping up to the national team as an assistant to Michel Platini.

After becoming manager in 1992, when France failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup, he stepped down but remained as technical director and was widely praised for his role when the country won the World Cup on home soil in 1998.

Houllier remained popular with all his former clubs but it was at Liverpool where he was particularly loved, his connection dating back to when he first stood with the fans.

And as he said earlier this year, Houllier never forgot the bond. “They are really special,” he said. “I was one of theirs, don’t forget that.”

By xinhuanet.com