National juvenile football trainer, Coach John Oppong Welbeck believes some local players can excel if they are given the opportunity to play in  competitions.

In an interview with Yours Truly on The Punchline on Omashi TV. the assistant to Nii Odartey Lamptey at the current national under 16 team said there are many good players but they lack confidence, motivation and management.

He commended Black Stars Coach Otto Addo for calling and fielding Accra Hearts of Oak goalie Benjamin Asare in the Black Stars.

He explained that Asare has what it takes to keep the posts for Ghana even at the FIFA World Cup because of his experience, confidence, self motivation despite all odds, sacrifice, respect and humility.

"The fans love him, hee also has luck which is very important in football, and he inspires his colleagues to score more while he kept clean sheet" he said.

Oppong Welbeck also hailed Razak Simpson as another player who must be watched because the best of him has not been seen.

"He is very disciplined and can do things you cannot imagine. I think he is blessed and a good leader" he said.

He described Razak Simpson as a total footballer with excellent physique and tremendous stamina and team player. holding the defence and pushing the forwards.

According to him, there are more good and better players, but one must to exceptional and different to become a national star.

"You must be the best to represent the nation, and confidence is key, as well as attitude and mentality plus the will to sacrifice and perform to the best of ability" he expressed.

Razak Simpson recently scored a wonderful goal for Nations FC against Accra Hearts of Oak at Tuba Astro Turf Park in a Premier League encounter.

Earlier he had been to his Montessori to inspire, motivate and donate, the pupils shouted "Razak. Razak, Razak as he entered the school compound.

Benjamin Asare did not keep the post for the Phobians as he was on a mission to thank the Ga Mantse, Nii Teiko Tsuru II and support others especially his colleagues in a philanthropic move with part of his Black Stars winning bonus.

The two local players have proved that local players can make it, but it will not be long for the locals to become foreign based soon as there are clubs outside around the world who need their services.

So according to John Oppong Welbeck, it is up to the coaches to keep on working and producing more players.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana took part in the 2025 Seven Star Championships, an international adaptive boxing event put together by the Seven Star Promotions at the M7 Club in Poland on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

Ghana’s Rasheed Mohammed was not fast enough and lost to Kamil Sawicki of Poland.

However, Abang Emmanuel Alabi another Ghanaian was too much for Prezenyslaw Sutkowski of Poland

Other European countries like France also competed.

Mr. Robert Amegavi, an official / member of the Para boxing federation in Ghana said they need financial support to keep their hopes and dreams alive and media promotion for people to know what they are capable of doing.

He congratulated the team that represented Ghana and laid diplomatic links with other countries.

He thanked the executives of the Ghana Para Boxing Federation, Ghana Boxing Association, Hubert Kozub, CEO of Seven Stars Promotion in Poland, and Ken Kalai, CEO of Special Game Masters in Ghana.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) presidential aspirant Rabbon Dodoo on Saturday met a section of members of the Voice of Professional Boxers Association; Ghana’s flagship body for professional boxers led by Ayittey Powers.

The first vice president who resigned espoused his objectives and aspirations of becoming the new leader at the meeting.

His slogan is ‘FOLLOW WHO KNOW ROAD’

The Ghana Boxing Authority is supposed to hold elections in June.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana’s U15 national team has been crowned champion of the 2025 Mondialito Promise tournament after beating Maccabi Tel Aviv 4-1 in the final match.  

Ghana’s U15 national team statistics at the tournament.

4-1 win vs Maccabi Tel Aviv

8-0 win vs Maccabi Bnei Eilat

2-0 win vs Maccabi Petah Tikva

4-0 win vs Hapoel Tel Aviv

4-1 win vs Maccabi Tel Aviv – final

On April 21, 2025, the Offinso North Nkenkaasu Methodist Park will host an Easter Football Gala, a vibrant tournament aimed at bringing communities together through the joy of football.

The Easter Football Gala will feature teams representing various neighborhoods and local organizations, engaging in friendly competition to claim the title of champions.

In addition to football matches, the event will include various activities designed to keep families entertained, including games for children, food stalls featuring local delicacies, and live music performances.

The Easter Football Gala is more than just a sports event; it is an initiative to foster unity and collaboration among the diverse groups within the Offinso North region. By encouraging participation from various local teams and families, the organizers hope to strengthen community bonds, promote healthy lifestyles, and create lasting friendships.

Also, this event provides a platform for local talent to shine, from aspiring football players to musicians and vendors, thereby supporting the local economy and fostering community pride.

The event is free to attend, ensuring everyone has access to the festivities and can partake in the Easter spirit.

As the event approaches, excitement is building for the Easter Football Gala at the Offinso North Nkenkaasu Methodist Park.

The CEO of DM Energy, Nana Kojo Boateng, also known as Dada Joe is the patron and organizer of the event.

The event promises to be a day filled with sportsmanship, and community spirit.

Source Mike Obeng

Former Black Bomber and Commonwealth Games 2018 bronze medalist, Jessie Lartey and rising star, Gideon Nortey have promised to dish out real exciting quality boxing on April 25, 2025 when they clash on the Nana's Promotions bill.

The two talented super lightweight boxers were on The Big Fight Night Show on Omashi TV hosted by Yours Truly last Friday together with matchmaker cum coach Augustus Dodoo aka Onelife.

According to Gideon, he was the one who requested for the challenge because he wants to face the best to propel him to his dream of becoming a world beater.

The product of Christian Methodist SHS said boxing chose him as he was born with the skill.

He thanked the Promoter for giving him the opportunity.

Jessie Lartey aka 'Water Boy' said this bout is a make or break to maintain his name and will thrill his fans.

The two boxers showed real respect, professionalism and love at the Omashi Media Studio.

Onelife urged fans to purchase early bird tickets at 25ghc before it is raised to 50ghc or more on match day.

He hinted that the bill has interesting foreign and Ghanaian boxers who are fighting for fame and redemption, like Michael ‘One Bullet’ Ansah, former national lightweight champion against Bekzod Kholdorov, Ernest Ampah versus Abdul Rasheed Tagoe and Godfred Brown versus Felix Mankattah.

Charles Zimaal, the Redeemer will also feature as well as Tamba Merlin, Michael Dadzie, Kevin Oduro and Rogerlandy Delis.

For reservations guests / patrons can call 233269562807 / 233502424430.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Referee Richard Amevi has added his voice in advising boxing fans to be calm and pray for the best for Ghana Boxing.

In an exclusive interview last Friday on The Big Fight Night on Omashi TV, he revealed his passion for officiating all combat sports including Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Judo and others.

According to Jamestown born, he loves all kinds of dishes though his mum sold beans and gari when he was a kid and living in Jamestown has made him tough.

"The people are very talented in sports but they choose football or boxing and you either get involved deeply as a practitioner or fan, I didn't want to be watching so I got involved and became a referee" he revealed.

Richard Amevi started officiating since 2011 and his best boxing match was between the Quaye brothers at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

His most memorable and very sad experience was recent when a Nigerian, the late Gabriel Segun Oluwasegun collapsed and passed after being rushed to the Korlebu Teaching Hospital.

He did not want to talk about the tragedy on the show but hoped that everyone at the Ghana Boxing Authority and the promoters as well as matchmaker will corporate for Ghana and Nigeria to maintain the peaceful and cordial relationship.

He cautioned boxing fans not to behave in a way to scare investors who want to support boxing in Ghana and commended efforts of new promotions like Legacy Rise and others

He recalled how he struggled after elementary school at Sempe Boys, New Dawn and Ebenezer SHS as a spare parts dealer, media practitioner (cameraman) doing videos for his church, Global Revival Ministry and later finding love in boxing, but currently a machine operator.

He noted that Ghana Boxing is doing very well because the talent abound, and hopes corporate Ghana will support to improve the sport.

"I want the best boxers to fight among themselves to bring out the very best who can go out to win world titles" he expressed.

Although he has not yet won an award, he is still practicing and knows the future is very bright.

"I don't know how the nominations are done, but I suggest experts should monitor and come out with those who deserve best" he said.

He supported the insurance of boxers and officials as well as strict adherence to health, medical and safety rules and regulations before and during bouts.

Referee Amevi's hobbies are watching boxing and officiating, which he thinks remuneration awarded is not impressive hence the need for more investment and sponsorship.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana moves to 76th in latest FIFA ranking after brilliant start in 2025

Ghana has moved up in the latest FIFA rankings, marking their first upward movement since July 2024, when they jumped from 64th to 60th place.

The Black Stars now occupy the 76th position globally, improving from their previous 77th spot, which they had held since November 2024.

This positive shift comes on the back of Ghana’s winning start to the 2025 calendar during the last international break.

The Black Stars secured crucial victories over Chad and Madagascar in the Matchday 5 and 6 games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Ghana’s recent success has seen them move above Israel, who have dropped two places in the latest rankings.

Despite this improvement on the global stage, Ghana's position in the African rankings remains unchanged, as they continue to sit 14th on the continent.

Head coach Otto Addo will be aiming to further boost the team's ranking when they return to action later in the year.

Ghana is set to participate in a four-nation tournament in June before facing Chad and Mali in Matchday 7 and 8 of the World Cup Qualifiers in September.         

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Kusaas, an indigenous perspective book has been launch at an impressive ceremony at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana on Wednesday April 3, 2025.

Hon. Cletus Apul Avoka who chaired and launched the book said its a unique occasion as for the first time a book is being launched for Kusaas.

The book entitled, The Kusaas- An indigenous perspective is the premier publication of the history and culture of the Kusaas presented and commissioned by individuals native to their land, who have lived, experienced, researched and recounted their own narrative.

Comprising 12 chapters, the book encompasses a broad array of topics that provide comprehensive understanding of what the Kusaas consider to be their perspective origin to the moment where their peace was threatened, and their identity nearly eroded.

Other chapters delve into aspects of the culture, language, traditions and education in Kusuag.

The launch brought together distinguished people from the land including professors and lecturers.

ACP (Rtd) James Azumah Abbas Abbah remarked on behalf of the authors saying their culture and songs were destroyed but their voices were not taken away.

Dr. Hasiyatu Abubakari on behalf the editors said she saw the book grew from an idea to a book which will inform on the culture of the people of Kusaas.

Prof. Samuel Atintono in his review said the book has come at the right time and will serve as a primary source of information for general readership and academic inquiry.

Hon. Cletus Avoka launching the book, recalled his days at Navrongo Secondary School where he was a good singer and dancer. He said the book will revive the culture of the Kusaas.

The publisher, Mr. Fred Labi CEO of Digibooks Ghana Ltd thanked the authors and editors for coming out with the book which took seven years due to massive research and professional perusal.

The first copy was auctioned and bought for 20,000ghc by an anonymous personality.

The editors of the book are Hasiyatu Abubakar, Agnes A. Apusigah and A. Agoswin Musah.

By Sammy Heywood Okine    

Boxing is often referred to as the sweet science; however, for Prof. Azumah Nelson, a former two-weight world champion, it represents the highest honor and a celebration of life.

Prof. Azumah Nelson has made significant strides in the boxing arena, triumphing in every match he faced and earning his place as one of Africa's most esteemed boxing legends.

Young individuals across Africa aspire to emulate Azumah Nelson, pursuing their dreams with determination and resilience.

The World Alliance Boxing Association (WABA) has chosen to honor him by establishing the championship title "Prof. Azumah Nelson Champion Emeritus," highlighting the true essence of how heroes should be recognized.

WABA, in collaboration with Mitch Gilbert Woollams, the CEO of Aborigine Promotion, is committed to organizing a memorable competition that pays tribute to Prof. Azumah Nelson Champion Emeritus, celebrating the beloved boxing icon of Africa.

Details regarding the announcement of the Prof. Azumah Nelson Champion Emeritus event will be revealed soon.

Stay informed by following us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, and to learn about our upcoming Supreme Championships worldwide.

Source World Alliance Boxing Association -WABA