The Golden Arms of Ghana on Saturday beat Nigeria, Benin and Togo to win the much publicised 2025 Armwrestling Challenge in Accra to commemorate Ghana's Independence and the celebration of Ghana month.

Ghana’s Grace Mintah delivered a masterclass in strength and technique at the Central Point Mall, outmuscling rivals from Nigeria, Benin and Togo to clinch the gold medal in plus 80kg.

Florence Boakye and Afia Kumah also, secured silver and bronze, respectively, sealing an all-Ghana podium sweep.

African Games medallist Wisdom Abromekeyi reign supreme, overpowering Daniel Acquah and Benin’s Amoono Stephen to grab gold in plus 65kg.

The standout moment of the event went to heavyweight Joshua Yeboah, the emerging force in Ghanaian armwrestling.

Present were Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, Vice President of GAF, Dr. Kofi Addo Agyekum, Hon Joseph Cudjoe, former Minister for State Enterprises, and Hon. Dickson Kyere Duah, MP for Berekum West.

Others present were Chief Director of the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Mr Willaim Katey, GAF Board members includng Mr Godfrey Amarteifio, and Mr Robeter Appiah Ameyaw, together with Armwrestling Presidents of Benin, Togo, and Nigeria.

Also in attendance were Dr. Bitigu Bello representing the Center Point Mall, Greater Accra Regional Minister's Representative, Richard Akpokavie Esq of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Mr. Kwabena Adisi aka Bola Ray of EIB Network, Mr. Santok of GHOne TV.

2025 Independence Armwrestling Challenge

*RESULTS*

*65kg (Women)*

1st. Marie Rose (Benin)  

2nd. Adefunke Adeniforo  (Nigeria)  

3rd. Mabel Yeboah (Ghana)

*65kg (Men)*

1st. Wisdom Abromakyi(Ghana)  

2nd. Daniel Acquah (Ghana)  

3rd. Benin Amoono Stephen  (Ghana)

*80+kg (Women)*

1st. Grace Mintah (Ghana)  

2nd. Florence Boakye Mensah  

3rd. Efia Kumah (Ghana)

*90kg (Men)*

1st. Joshua Yeboah (Ghana)  

2nd. Abdul Razak (Togo)  

3rd. Emmanuel Tuesday (Nigeria)

*90+kg (Men)*

1st. Mohammed Ismael (Togo)  

2nd. Obilom Chikueze Steven (Nigeria)

3rd. Atindana Adams (Ghana)

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The national President of Labone Old Students Association (LOSA), Mr. Listowel Agbeli has urgently appealed to old students and Ghanaians to support the Labone SHS students following a devastating fire outbreak that engulfed their girls’ dormitory over the weekend.

However, no lives were lost, but the damage is extensive.

He said the Ghana National Fire Service has advised that no student can sleep in the affected building, whether their room was impacted or not. As a result, about 600 students must be relocated to the remaining two dormitory blocks.

"While we await support from NADMO and other state agencies, we are calling on all LOSA members to come together and assist in any way possible" he said.

The affected students have lost all their belongings, and urgent supplies are needed, including: student mattresses (150 pieces needed), checked uniforms (blue and green – House 3 & 4 impacted), student beds, exercise books, textbooks (specifics to be advised soon), personal effects for girls (toiletries, sanitary items, etc.), suitcases and other items that students might need.

Story by Wendy Naa Deide Sampah, LOSA 2000        

 The 2025 IBA Women's World Boxing Championship  has come to a successful end. Nis, the Serbian city hosted the event that started on 8 March and closed on 16 March, 2025. The competition was held in the Cair Sports Hall.

The championships gathered boxing countries  from all over the world, competing in twelve different weight categories. Semi-finals were boxed yesterday, on one ring in two sessions, so all the finalists are now known.

Twelve European boxers are in the finals of the World championships.

Boxers from Europe won twelve bouts to advanced to the finals.

Team Russia was the most successful at the final stage with five boxers in the finals. Russia is the most successful speaking of European countries, but in general team Kazakhstan has the same result. Besides Russia, strong team Turkey had four finalists, Ireland had two, and Serbia had one boxer.

Boxers from ten countries had representatives in the finals of the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, which were Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Morocco, China, Russia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey and Uzbekistan.

There were amazing cash rewards, gold winners got $100,000, $50,000 for silver, $25,000 for bronze and $10, 00 0 for quarter finalists.

Ghana could not take part after the team of young female boxers, the Black Hitters have trained for several weeks.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

George Faho Mensah (9-1-0) aka Stopper is poised to stop his next opponent Patrice SouToke aka le Bombardier in an international 10 rounder at Central Olympafrica, Kegue, Lome Togo on March 22, 2025.

According to his manager, Mr. Samuel Darkwa Agyei, the bout is to warm him up for bigger challenges coming up as he focuses on winning a continental tile.

The amazing Welterweight boxer who has suffered only one defeat is optimistic of winning.

"It will be another good fight and expect Faho to stop again" he said.

Meanwhile the potential world champion has thanked his management for his impressive signing and opportunities that are coming his way.

42 year old Patrice SouToke is an experienced boxer with a record of 23 - 12 -1. He has promised to give Faho a good fight.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Rafatu Inusah has been elected as President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union for the next four years.

The former Board Member, who contested unopposed, replaces Herbert Mensah, now President of Africa Rugby.

Rafatu had been an athlete before becoming a coach and subsequently occupying administrative roles.

She is a member of the Women's Advisory Committee of Rugby Africa.

"We are going to tirelessly work together to make sure that Ghana Rugby is well represented," Rafatu said.

"I am happy and proud of all of us, not myself and very humbled."

She will be supported by Vice-President Emmanuel Bamfi.

Meanwhile, Prince Kwaku, Emmanuel Kalos, Abdul Saeed Samed, and SaCut Amenga-Etego were also elected unopposed as board members, with Anita Atieku taking up the role of Women’s Representative.

The elections drew the presence of key stakeholders, including World Rugby's Dave Gilbert and the acting Director General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.

With their mandate now official, Rafatu and her team carry the hopes of further revitalizing Ghana Rugby, and ensuring a stronger representation on the continental stage.

Source myjoyonline

Karate Kids from various schools and clubs stole the show at the impressive 10th (2025) Japanese Ambassador's Championships in Accra, Ghana.

The children were the majority of participants at this year's 10th Japanese Ambassador's Championships which was categorised by age and weight over the weekend at the Aviation Social Centre.

Kendo and Judo were other Japanese arts that took place on Saturday March 15th while Karate Do was held on Sunday March 16th with about 150 participants displaying their skills in Kata and Kumeti.

The exciting Karate Do competition featured many kids between the ages of 6 and 14 years who performed with passion to the admiration of guests.

Mr. Nathaniel Johnson, President of Ghana Karate expressed his satisfaction and joy in seeing so many children and was convinced that there is a great future for the sport in Ghana.

"I am very happy to see more children, I think there is an improvement in participated and I thank the Japan Embassy and all the sponsors as well as the officials and media who sacrifice a lot to be withus" he said

According to Mr. Johnson the Ghana Karate Do Federation is keen on improving officiating and prayed that some athletes would be granted scholarships to go and live and study in Japan to know the culture and sport very well.

He also commended parents who were at the Aviation Centre to motivate their children.

The children made evidence their joy and appreciation of the event.

Boris Yarikov a nine year old Russian born and female athlete Zahra Addy said the champion was exciting and wanted more competitions.

As expected, Edmund Amoako Asante won the men’s kata competition.

Present were Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) presidential aspirant Mr. Richard Akpokavie, Nana Adu Mankatah president of Sports For All (Keep Fit) and Mr. Shabaan Mohammed Secretary of Ghana Cycling Association.

HE.Yoshimoto Hiroshi, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana was also impressed with the performances and number of participants. He promised that the Japanese Embassy will continue to support Karate in Ghana.

Mr. Nathaniel Johnson told journalists, the Ghana Karate is preparing for some international championships in Burkina Faso and Nigeria in the West African sub region and pleaded with the new Sports and Recreation Minister Hon. Kofi Adams and corporate Ghana for support.

The sponsors of the event were Cofie - Gold, Top Bite and Experts Consult.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana's Super Lightweight boxer Bernard Abbey aka Kenya went the full eight rounds distance with home boy Lasha Guruli in their international bout held at the Rustavi Sport Palace in Tbilisi, Georgia last Saturday.

News reaching Yours Truly said Abbey was able to put Guruli down in round two and he also survived round 4 to go the whole distance to lose on points to the Paris 2024 Bronze medalist.

According to Augustus Dodoo, a coach and director of Shiatse Management and Promotions who was at ringside of Abbey,  it was a good experience and exposure because it was the first time Abbey was fighting outside Ghana and his opponent has a rich amateur record aside claiming bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Hon. Emmanuel Nii Okai Laryea, CEO of Shiatse Promotions said he was glad with the performance of Abbey and advised him to sharpen his reflexes and movement as well as punching power.

He commended the efforts of the corner of Abbey and promised to get him more fight as he plans to move on the a world title opportunity.

Abbey who trains at the Discipline Boxing Gym in Accra has now lost one in seven fights. He won the others mostly by knock out.

Meanwhile, boxing experts have described Abbey as a good boxer who can do very well in future.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah has hailed the appointment of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah as the new Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA).

According to the GOC President also known as HRH Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira 1, (Development Chief of the Ga State), he has worked with Mr. Ampofo Ankrah at the GOC as Director of Communications and he delivered fully.

He described Yaw Ampofo Ankrah as passionate for success and has the desire to work hard for mother Ghana.

“With his youthful exuberance and dedication for the ruling government to succeed, he will do his best to reset as well as build upon the exciting achievements and structures, he is a sports person and knows everything because he has learnt a lot”.

Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah is head of sports at Imax Media, operators of Max TV. He has worked with various media organisations including BBC, SuperSport and Metro TV.

He is credited with the foundation of beach soccer in Ghana.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

… for the vacant WBO youth championship

A new date, 29th of March 2025 has been scheduled for Enoch Tetteh versus South African Siyabulela Hem fight for the vacant WBO youth championship in South Africa.

Bukom boy, 23 years old Enock Tettey Tetteh will mount the ring in South Africa to fight for the vacant WBO Youth Super Bantamweight Title against country boy Siyabulela Hem (8-1-1), March 29th at the Orient Theater.

Tetteh (12-1-1) is one boxer the community of Bukom is looking up to for glory and honour, and also an inspiration and motivation to the so many juvenile and youth boxers in Ga Mashie.

He is one of the quite boxers who do not talk plenty, then work in the ring. He is stylish, durable, strong and determined for honour.

Although fighting away from home is not easy, Tetteh has his weapons referees and judges with him. He has to knock out his opponent to revenge recent spate of loses by Ghanaian boxers abroad.

Coach Sam Quaye of the Bukom boxing gym believes he will be successful.

Mr. Patrick Otoo, manager of Tetteh believes his ward is ready to become a champion and the Youth Super Bantamweight title is the stepping stone to the main world title, which is the ultimate target.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

 Many boxing fans have expressed their sadness, anger and lose of trust in the Ghana Boxing Authority and some promotions outfits over recent occurrences at the Bukon Boxing Arena where bouts do not start on time and mostly end abruptly.

Some fans decide to throw objects into the ring, while others destroy seats, chairs and tables.

Mr. Nii Armah Attoh, a medical professional and sports enthusiast said he feels sad and ashamed because the same impatience and indiscipline problem has been occurring and it is getting worse.

He said boxing is a sport and entertainment but now it is getting to become something else that would discourage fans from going to watch boxing at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

He observed that security and safety is a problem while the time for closing is not good.

He questioned why there are so many bouts on a bill and advised promoters and the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBS) to sit down and find solutions to the petty problems.

He suggested that whenever the Arena is full, there should be stoppage of ticket sales than packing over 9,000 people in a venue that is supposed to take a capacity of 4,000.

"We love the sport, but if the GBA cannot control or be firm in getting the right things done, we will advise ourselves and stop coming because we have families at home" he said.

Mr. Israel Atsu Kove, an engineer plus boxing fan said 'Atsiagbeshie' or arranged bouts are spoiling the image of Ghana Boxing. He expressed that some journeymen who are not prepared come and waste the time and eyes of fans, so they should be identified and banned.

He also appealed to the leadership of the GBA to maintain discipline and order at the Arena.

"We love boxing that is why we can discuss, debate and determine what is good for Ghana Boxing, I think the leadership is loose" he said.

Naa Aku Allotey, a trader / female fan said she loves boxing but she never feels safe at the Arena and prefer quality than quantity, so the fees at the gate can be increased to allow only a category of people with class who can afford to attend. "We come to the Arena to have fun and we need adequate security and protection else we shall stop watching boxing to save our lives" she said.

Another fan, Mr. Leslie Addo said the referees must be allowed to work and take their decisions than other officers interfering in their results. He said it can create chaos because people will certainly not understand.

He said boxers fight in the ring so results must be declared in the ring for everyone to see and not the boardroom.

Mr.Saban Sabato, another keen boxing fan said Ghana has very good boxers but it is a long time the nation got a world champion because the boxers are not supported, he called on the GBA to do the right things if they want a world champion.

He stated that the new promoters must be educated in areas where they lack knowledge and experience, especially security.

Apart from the Boxing League spearheaded by Imax and other sponsors, other promotions like Box Office, Cabic, Shiatse and Wisdom are doing well and should not be discouraged.

By Sammy Heywood Okine