Gideon Hammond has been appointed as the new Deputy Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), a key role that positions him at the heart of Ghana’s mission to transform its sports sector.

His appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the country focuses on enhancing sports infrastructure, securing sustainable funding, and elevating lesser-known sports to competitive levels.

A seasoned sports management expert, Hammond has been a strong advocate for underrepresented sporting disciplines, pushing for policy reforms and equitable resource allocation beyond football. His passion for sports development, coupled with his leadership experience, makes him an ideal candidate to drive positive change within the NSA.

In his new role, Hammond will lead grassroots sports development, enhance administrative efficiency, and foster partnerships to attract investments into Ghana’s sports industry. He will also work closely with sports federations, athletes, and stakeholders to create an environment that propels Ghanaian sports onto the global stage.

Beyond the world of sports, Hammond is a young politician and a dedicated youth development advocate. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from Central University College and a master’s degree from Accra Business School. With a diverse background spanning banking, corporate brand management, and sports administration, he brings a wealth of expertise to the NSA.

His appointment has been met with enthusiasm and optimism, with many stakeholders confident that his leadership will mark a new era of growth, inclusivity, and excellence in Ghana’s sports landscape.

By Tony Bebli / max.com.gh

HE John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday paid a surprise visit to the Black Stars as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Chad on Friday.

He urged the players and technical team to forget about the past and focus on the present and future.

According to the President, he knows Ghanaians are not happy with the Black Stars following their poor performances in recent times which resulted in not making it to the next African Cup in Morocco.

“Ghanaians have had their hearts broken, but not given up, it depends on you and we know how you play for your teams, patriotism, and qualifying to the World Cup should motivate you to qualify” he said.

The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddi Adams has been at the training throughout the week and he is also optimistic of a good win. He extended an invitation to all Members of Parliament to join in the stands to support the Black Stars to qualify.

President of the GFA was also at the office of the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) to meet some old stars like Sammy Osei Kufuor, Anthony Baffoe, Stephen Appiah and others.

Before the delegation from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) went to Parliament to congratulate the Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, on his re-election as Speaker of the 9th Parliament.

The GFA President presented a document titled “State of Ghana Football,” which outlines the current status of football in Ghana, its challenges, and proposed solutions to the Speaker of Parliament.

The Rt. Hon. Speaker pledged his full support for football, affirming it as a promising venture deserving of investment and urging public backing. He also encouraged the delegation to undertake regional tours to identify and nurture young talent.

Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga; the Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin; the Chairman of the Sports Committee of Parliament, Hon. Ernest Norgbey; the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror; and other officials of the Parliamentary Service were present.

President of GFA, Kurt Okraku and his team also paid an important call on the Sports Writers Association of Ghana SWAG to seek for support of the media towards qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Tug of War team representing, executives of the federation and some officials have paid a curtesy call on the chief Imam ahead of 11th Africa Tug of War championship in Kembeley, South Africa from 12th June to 17th June.

President of the Ghana Tug of War Association (GHATOWA), Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams aka ‘The Gasman’ said the team has been preparing feverishly under their able skillful technical staff and they hope to improve upon their performance in the last edition.

He said Tug of War is a recreational sport that is why people compete during picnics and fanfares as well as other social and entertainment gathering.

He said sports is about branding, attraction, media and publicity to attract patronage and if the athletes are conditioned and ready to perform, it brings about a perfect event or programme.

He appealed to the media to promote the lesser known sports like Tug of War because it is a great entertaining sport that brings about love unity and teamwork.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

 Nana's Promotions return with Redemption Fight Night featuring Abdul Rashid Tagoe against Ernest Ampah in a welterweight 8-rounder at the Bukom Boxing Arena on 19 April, 2025.

Hard hitting Gideon Nortey faces experienced former national star Jessie Lartey (Commonwealth Games 2018 Bronze Medalist) for a Super lightweight contest

Other amazing boxers from various gyms in Accra will fight on the bill. As usual there will be some entertainment by popular and underground musicians.

According to coach cum match maker Augustus Dodoo aka One Life, Nana’s Promotion is coming out with an innovation of  E Ticketing and have targeted 2,000 regular seats at the 4,000 capacity seater Bukom Boxing Arena.

He expressed that Nana’s Promotion takes particular interest in safety and security of guests and boxing fans and wants everyone who attends the event to be comfortable.

Seats will be labelled in platinum, gold, silver, bronze VIP and VVIP.

Fans have been assured also that bouts will start on time, and they will enjoy the night.

Michael Adom Adomako is partnering Nana Acheampong to come out with one of the best Nana's Promotions’ events. He said they have plans to promote in other countries like France and UAE

‘We are making our brand worldwide and it is all about boxing and business” they assured.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Moroccan Widad Bertal made Africa proud as she won the title of World Champion in the 52-54 kg weight category at the Women’s World Boxing Championships, held in Nis, Serbia, from March 9 to 16, 2025. Already a gold medalist at the African Championships in Yaoundé in 2023 and Kinshasa in 2024,

Widad Bertal has confirmed her status as a benchmark on the world stage.

Moroccan success did not stop there. Hasnae Larti also won a bronze medal in the 75-81 kg weight category. Moroccan Hasnae Larti won against Serbian Elma Hajrovic.

Here is the list of the 35 bouts fought by the 23 boxers from the six African countries competing.

The African nations represented were Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya , Morocco, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Tanzania,

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu has made an emergency visit to Labone Senior High School to inspect the devastating fire that ravaged three girls' dormitories last night.

He assured the management of the school that the government is committed to tackling this emergency swiftly, ensuring that students can return to their normal academic activities.

Mrs. Rejoice Akua Acorlor the headmistress ,some national executive, Mrs Hannah Otabil (senior house mistress)and some few staff met and toured affected areas with the minister of education.

Meanwhile, some institutions has come to the aid and support of Labone SHS.

By Wendy Naa Deide Sampah LOSA 2000

Ghanaian Paralympian, Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe has successfully defended his OCC Marathon title in South Africa, repeating his supremacy in wheelchair racing.

Nkegbe finished the 42.2km race in an inspiring time of 1 hour and 52 minutes, improving his previous record by three minutes.

He raced against experienced athletes from Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and the host nation, South Africa as he showcased exceptional endurance and skill to claim victory.

The second and third positions were taken by Zimbabwean athletes, while Ghana’s Emmanuel Kwaku Gyasi secured fourth place, adding to Ghana's strong showing in the competition.

Nkegbe expressed his joy at retaining the title and attributed his success to hard work and rigorous training leading up to the marathon, stating that he was confident in his ability to defend his championship.

He intends to continue competing in several upcoming events throughout the year, aiming to put Ghana’s name on the global wheelchair racing map.

His latest victory adds to his impressive track record as one of Ghana’s most accomplished Paralympians.

"It has always been my dream to raise the flag of Ghana high whenever I represent the country in any competition," he said.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

… Champion Boxers Want More Support To Go Higher

Team Bronx made up of WBO Africa Champions Lightweight king Sheriff ‘One Time’ Quaye, two times Featherweight holder John Abaja Laryea aka ‘Expensive’ and sensational Super Bantamweight winner Daniel ‘Selassie’ Gorsh led by Hon. Alfred Kotey Ashie, MP for Odododiodoo, Head Coach Carl Lokko, Mr. Samuel Anim Addo the CEO, Mr. Emmanuel Quaye of Champion Dishes and some executive members of the Bronx Boxing Promotions on Monday paid a courtesy call on the Sports And Recreation Minister, Hon Kofi Adams at his office.

The meeting discussed the way forward for Ghanaian boxing champions to be able to break through the ranks to become world champions, other boxing business matters like quality promotions and development as well as security of boxers.

The boxers promised to go for the world titles when the opportunity comes.

Missing champion was Jacob Tetteh Laryea, the WBO Africa Welterweight whose child is indisposed so could not make it.

Meanwhile, the Bronx Boxing Club has been labelled as the leading gym by former Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) President / now WBO Africa representative Mr. Samir Captan.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

 Hon. Kofi Adams, the Minister of Sports And Recreation has called on Ghanaians to support the senior national football team, the Black Stars so that they qualify to the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

Speaking on TV3, Sports Station on Monday evening, he said the FIFA World Cup Tournament is a very big platform and Ghana must be there.

He expressed that everything is being done for the team to feel comfortable to win.

He hinted that the Accra Sports Stadium though not in splendid shape will host the match against Chad and later on be closed for refurbishment.

According to Hon. Kofi Adams, the Black Stars need to reset like all spheres of the nation and come out with a good convincing win, with many goals.

Meanwhile, the technical staff of the Black Stars has been beefed up with Winfried Anton Schafer as new Technical Director, Desmond Ofei, the new assistant coach, new video analyst and new skipper in Jordan Ayew.

The Minister charged the media to promote the black Stars as they go into battle to qualify for another World Cup.

He tip the Stars to qualify and improve upon their record at the world’s biggest event coming up in USA, Canada and Mexico.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

COSTA NAVARINO, March 17, 2025 - Boxing’s inclusion on the programme of the the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles is all but confirmed after the IOC Executive Board made the recommendation at its meeting in Costa Navarino, Greece on Monday.

The 144th IOC Session, which opens tomorrow, will now vote on the Executive Board’s proposal.

This comes a few weeks after the board provisionally recognised World Boxing (WB) as the International Federation (IF) within the Olympic Movement governing the sport of boxing at world level.

"After the provisional recognition of World Boxing in February we were in the position to take this decision so that this recommendation has to go to the session," IOC President Thomas Bach told a press conference.

"I am very confident that the session will approve it so that all the boxers of the world then have certainty that they can participate in the Olympic Games LA 2028 if their national federation is recognised by World Boxing."

Following the expulsion the International Boxing Association (IBA) from the Olympic Movement, the sport was originally left off the LA 2028 programme, with the IOC insisting that its return would be dependent on the recognition of a new global governing body.

The IBA was expelled in 2023 over its failure to implement reforms on governance and finance. World Boxing, which was launched in 2023, had only 37 members at the conclusion of the Paris Olympics but now boats 84 national federations.

The World Boxing website states: "It was established by a group of like-minded individuals from a number of National Federations across the world in response to the persistent issues surrounding Olympic-style boxing’s international governing body, whose failure to address the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) longstanding concerns over sporting integrity, governance, transparency and financial management placed boxing’s future as an Olympic sport in doubt.

"World Boxing offers an alternative to this and was founded on the principles of integrity, honesty and excellence." 

While at loggerheads with the IBA, the IOC organised the boxing competitions at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and in Paris.

Reacting to today's decision by the IOC EB, the president of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst, said: "This is a very significant and important decision for Olympic boxing and takes the sport one step closer to being restored to the Olympic programme.

"I have no doubt it will be very positively received by everyone connected with boxing, at every level throughout the world, who understands the critical importance to the future of the sport of boxing continuing to remain a part of the Olympic movement.

"On behalf of everyone at World Boxing I would like to thank the EB of the IOC for the trust they have placed in our organisation and we hope for a positive outcome when the IOC Session meets this week.

"World Boxing understands that being part of the Olympic Games is a privilege and not a right and I assure the IOC that if boxing is restored to the programme for LA28, that World Boxing is completely committed to being a trustworthy and reliable partner that will adhere to and uphold the values of the Olympic Charter."

Source Chibuogwu Nnadiegbulam - AIPS Media