Ghanaian boxer Theophilus Allotey has won four titles in 16 months. He was the least expected to become a global champion, but currently he is the eye of Ghana Boxing and ready for a real world title shot.

Allotey dished out a classic calculated performance on Saturday, December 20, 2025 to defeat Phillippino Jayr Raquinel for the WBO Global Super Flyweight title at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium at Legon in Accra. The judges’ scores were 119-109, 118-111, and 116-112.

It was the main undercard of The Showdown that featured Craig Richards knocking out Azeez in a all British Light Heavyweight bout.

Also on the bill was John Laryea beating Holy Dorgbetor for the IBF Africa Continental Featherweight title, while Ashanti Seth Gyimah aka Freezy Macbones lost to Accra boy, Jonathan Tetteh aka Worldwide.

In other bouts with mixed feelings, Sampson Segbedzi lost while Jerry Lartey aka Sugar Ray won.

For Theo Allotey, he sends a signal and message that all can never be lost once you are alive and keep on fighting.

He has developed and matured from the amateur grades to the professional ranks and he is now going to be rated in the top 10 of the WBO.

Under the technical guidance of Coach Dr. Ofori Asare who has seen it all and management led by Sarah Lotus Asare, they are putting up the message that it can be done.

According to Allotey, it was his coach who worked out the plan and trick to win the rounds.

“We decided to finish it all by round four, but Raquinel is a good boxer and I respected him because he has deadly punches that can also end the bout, so I was very careful and fighting according to plan” he expressed.

Team Allotey would now need support, financial, protocol, media, logistics and that of the fans to gain sympathy and become Ghana’s next world champion.

Coach Asare will not get tired seeking for sponsorship for his ward to become the next king.

Allotey who loves to be called Lopez due to his love and admiration of some Mexican and American boxers is very eager to realise his dream very fast and retire early to enjoy his fortunes and fame.

He is undefeated in 13 bouts and hopes to remain same and go on to beat the best opponents with respect and discipline.

Yours Truly wishes Team Allotey more successes.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The science 1 class of LOSA 2000 popularly known as PAAPANOM has presented a total of 50 mono desks to Labone Senior High school in response to a call for support of students desks in the school. This request coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the class decided to do this needful gesture to alleviate the challenging shortage of desk in the school.

Receiving the items of behalf of Labone Senior High School, the Senior House Mistress Ms Otabil was full of praise for the science 1 class and promised the desk will be put to good use. She further encouraged all LOSA members to continue to support the school to give out their best in quality education.

Rev Eric Totimeh also shared a prayer to the old students for God's continuous blessing on them.

The Leader of the Science 1 class of LOSA 2000, Mr Sampson Gyasi also took the opportunity to thank all his mates for their massive support and generous giving to make the donation a success. He further called on the LOSA national , other year groups, classes and individuals to remember Labone Senior High School and help support the diverse challenges in the school such us Kitchen Renovation and Poor drainage system,  Reservoir Tanks, Dustbins and a modernised ICT center.

Ms Wendy Naa Deide Sampah immediate past President of LOSA 2000 congratulated the Science 1 class for this great initiative.

Story by Wendy Naa Deide Sampah LOSA 2000

Veteran boxing coach Kwatelai Quartey has been recognised and penciled to receive a Special Award for his contribution to Bukom and Ghana Boxing over the years.

The history of Ghana Boxing can not be written without mentioning Coach Kwatelai Quartey aka ’Wutor’, head coach of the Bukom Boxing Club.

He is very instrumental in the reconstruction of the Bukom Boxing Club in1976 with support from Hon. Amarkai Amarteifio, then Secretary for Youth and Sports.

The gym has been in existence since the 1950s managed by Nii Nai Sackeyfio and has produced great champions, including first Olympic medalist Clement Ike Quartey Senior and amazing Floyd Quartey.

The gym still needs support because the new crop of boxers need better facilities and equipment, even roofing so they can train 24 hours on raining days.

He is a senior brother of Ike Bazooka Quartey who together with the late Alfred Cobra Kotey were some of the poineers of the Bukom Boxing Club, training at tender ages.

Coach Kwatelai Quartey is a naturally gifted trainer and our generation saw him grooming Ike Bazooka Quartey since he was six years old Alfred Cobra Kotey, Joshua Clottey and Emmanuel Clottey, Steve Dotse, James Bukom Fire Armah and Abraham Osei Bonsu to the international limelight.

His biggest achievement is guiding them to join the national team, the Black Bombers to take part in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games and helping them to turn professional boxers.

Coach Quartey led Alfred Kotey to become the WBO Bantamweight Champion in 1994. Though Oko Odamten is credited as coach of Ike Quartey, the foundation is Wutor and he still trains many youth and juvenile boxers.

Also passing through the hands of the legendary coach were the cream of Bukom boxers, Bukom Banku, Braimah Kamoko, Bukom Tsatsu Joshua Okine, Bukom Jah Lartei Lartey, Alfred Tetteh the Stinging Bee,, Bukom Onufu Malik Jabir, Micheal Pappoe and many others.

Though he is aging, he takes delight in teaching young boxers with or without equipment, like punching bags.

"I can even use a football to train boxers how to punch" he expressed in the exclusive interview.

To him there is no excuse for not turning up for training because as a boxer, the gym is your classroom to learn about life.

Aside boxers, young trainers have also passed through his hands and it is very laudable and befitting that he has been recognised for the 2025 Boxing Ghana Awards.

Coach Quartey aka 'The Father of Bukom Boxers' thinks Ghana Boxing has sank low because there is no leading contender in world ratings and advised the government to invest in amateur boxing by taking boxers out for training tours in Eastern Europe and Asia.

He however believes that raw talent abound but talent needs management and exposure as well as opportunity.

The boxing family and BoxinGhana congratulate him for his dedicated and committed service to Ghana Boxing, especially the Bukom youth.

He has been named for a Special package in this year's Boxing Ghana Awards which takes place on January 3rd at the Idrowhyt Events Centre at Dansoman.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Pride of Bronx Boxing Gym, John Abaja Laryea aka ‘Expensive Boxer’ showed the stuff he is made of and the men backing him with a tantalizing performance against rival Holy Dorgbetor on The Showdown bill brought by Legacy Rise Sports and Matchroom Boxing at the Legon Sports Stadium last Saturday.

After an early announcement that their bout had been called off, many fans did not understand, until it was explained that it was due to miscommunication.

The clash for the IBF Africa Continental Featherweight Championship became the best bout of the night as boxing fans had so much to cheer about.

Both boxers gave their all and they really made fans love the night.

Laryea produced a blend of burliness and ultimate mechanical aptitude to post Dorgbetor in the 7th round to take the IBF Continental Africa featherweight title.

Sammy Anim Addo, manager of John Laryea was very confident of success and he really motivated his boxer not to be overwhelmed by the crowd as they have seen bigger crowds in the USA. The manager of Baby Jet Promotions really played his role to perfection and glory came as the end.

They both displayed accurate power punches, dynamic dodging and resistance.

Laryea started the bout on a very serious note, and gave Dorgbetor who held the IBF Africa title some hefty blows, before the man from the Volta region came in fiercely to reply.

In the middle rounds both boxers were caught with blows which sent them to the canvas and fans could not help but cheer with wild applause.

As the fight drew to the closing stages, the acts of trainers and corner men had to come in and it seemed Coach Carl Lokko was on top of his game. Dorgbetor scored four knockdowns against Laryea, and Laryea was also successful in securing a knockdown.

As a result of the injury sustained by Dorgbetor, the ringside doctor called an end to the fight in the seventh round.

The champion trainer from Accra gave his boxer some instructions which worked perfectly to see their opponent down in the seventh round for the referee to call off the match.

Abaja Laryea, the two time WBO Africa Champion who is looking for an opportunity to become a world champion added the IBF Africa Continental belt to his collection.

Indeed it was a super night for Accra boxers as Jonathan Tetteh aka ‘Worldwide’ defeated Seth Gyimah aka Freezy Macbones to grab the WBA Africa Light Heavyweight title, while Theophilus Allotey won the WBO Global Super Flyweight title.

Much appreciation and gratitude continue to pour in for Sharaf Mahama’s Legacy Rise Sports Promotions, 258 Boxing and Matchroom Boxing for the marvelous organization.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The winners of this year's Iron Forge functional fitness national competition which ended last Sunday at the astro turf field opposite Dr. Karikari Brobbey Hospital at Dansoman in Accra were very happy with their prizes as they went home smiling with attractive prizes that would make their families happy this Christmas season.

After tough rounds of various endurance exercises, Awal Mohammed representing the Greater Accra Region emerged winner with 580 points and was presented with a 43 inch Nasco TV, gas cooker, box of Sorry Mosquito spray two trophies (one for keeps), medal and certificate.

Isaac Awusei from the Central Region who placed second with 460 points got a 40 inch Nasco TV, microwave, standing fan, half box of Sorry Mosquito spray, Trophy, medal and certificate.

Third placed Isaac Asante from Ashanti Region with 450 points went home with a 32 inch Nasco TV, steam iron, Sorry Mosquito spray, trophy, medal and certificate.

Awal Mohammed said, “Fitness has always been my lifestyle, I came in well prepared and I thank God for my success”.

All the products were produced by Electroland Ghana, dealers in TCL, Nasco, Medea and Samsung appliances.

Mr. Charles Owusu Ansah, President of Functional Sports League Ghana congratulated the winners and thanked the sponsors of the event. He urged other companies to join the sport which is growing fast among the youth.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana’s Conquerors place third as ASFA from Senegal lifts TIREC International Rugby 7s Tournament Cup

International Rugby Sevens returned to the Legon Rugby Stadium in Accra where the elite players and clubs in the sub continental region experienced the eighth edition of the TIREC International Rugby 7s Tournament which was hosted by Ghana.

Top clubs from across West Africa on Saturday and Sunday displayed their speed, stamina, skill in high-impact rugby.

The 3rd Place Playoff saw Conquerors of Ghana winning 29 points against 5 by TRUC.

At the end of the two day all play all competition, ASFA from Senegal stood tall and lifted the trophy after beating LDB (Lions) 19-0 in an exciting encounter which was thrilling and full of lessons and tactics in Rugby.

The clubs that featured were the Conquerors SC (Ghana) • ASFA (Senegal) • Alligator RC (Benin) • Élite RC (Togo) • Conakryka RC (Guinea) • TRUCK (Cote d’Ivoire)  • Les Lions (Burkina Faso).

The second day delivered high-intensity Rugby 7s and decisive results such as Conquerors SC 05 – 12 ASFA, TRUC 07 – 12 Les Lions, Élite RC 19 – 07 Alligator RC.

Indeed it was a fast, fierce international Rugby action in which the players who watched as fans entertained themselves with melodious jama songs to keep the stadium alive.

Team representing Ghana, The Conquerors lost some and won some.

After the well organized competitions the winners and all clubs, match officials, media, LOC and medics were honoured with medals and certificates.

Present at the tournament was Mr. Herbert Mensah, President of the African Rugby Union and Ms Rafatu Inusah, President of Ghana Rugby Football Union.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Awal Mihammed representing the Greater Accra Region once again emerged champion of the 2025 Iron Forge functional fitness competition held at the Astro Turf field opposite the Dr. Karikari Brobby Hospital at Dansoman in Accra. He got 580 points.

Nine contestants representing other regions took part in the endurance energy sappy and stamina testing competition which was organized by the Functional Sports League Ghana.

Isaac Awusei from the Central Region got 460 points to place second while Isaac Asante from the Ashanti Region got 450 points to place third. All the winners got trophies, while the participants got products from sponsors.

The tests include Sled Push, Sandbag Squats 20, Sandbag Carry In & Out, Run 50m to finish line, 20 Alternating Pistols, 20 Box Step-Up with Kettlebells, 10 Burpees Jump Box Over and 50 Single Unders.

Other tests were 5 Strict Press, 10 Deadlifts, 5 Thrusters, 15 Kettlebell Overhead Swings, 7 Devil Press, 15 Kettlebell Overhead Swings, 5 Devil Press, 15 Kettlebell Overhead Swings, 3 Devil Press, Run 50m to finish line, 15 Jump Boards, 20 Mountain Climbers and 20 Reverse Lounges.

President of the federation, Mr. Charles Owusu Ansah, popularly known as ‘Commander in Chief of the Fitness Revolution’ said it has been an exciting event, which produced a deserving winner who has gained experience, learnt a lot and has more to deliver.

He thanked the sponsors of the event and appealed for more companies to join and support the sport and the youth who have to use their talent, skills, endurance and strength responsibly.

Awal Mohammed who attended KNUST expressed his gratitude to everyone who has supported his journey and hoped to take Ghana to bigger places through functional fitness.

He also appealed to fitness gyms to acquire the right equipment for functional fitness.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana’s emerging canoeing programme announced its arrival on the continental stage with a historic bronze-medal performance at the ongoing Africa Youth Games, Angola 2025.

Making their maiden appearance in the history of the Games, the Ghanaian duo of Maxwell Ofoi and Okronipa Ohene Emmanuel powered through the waters with courage, discipline and determination to clinch third place in the highly competitive 12-nation 1000 metres Canoe Double (C2) event, securing a podium finish for Team Ghana.

Against more established canoeing nations, the young paddlers refused to be intimidated. Stroke after stroke, they matched strength with strategy, holding their nerve in a demanding race that tested endurance and mental toughness. Their bronze medal not only marked a personal triumph but also signalled a major milestone for a growing sport in Ghana.

President of the Ghana Rowing and Canoeing Federation, Mr Kamal Sulley, who also served as an officiating official at the event, described the achievement as a significant leap forward.

> “This is a major improvement on our performance at the recent ANOCA Schools Games in Algiers. The progress shown by these young athletes is remarkable and a clear indication that Ghana is moving in the right direction in rowing and canoeing,” he noted.

The duo’s impressive showing has not gone unnoticed beyond Africa. International observers at the Games have selected Maxwell Ofoi and Okronipa Ohene Emmanuel for a high-performance training camp in South Africa in January 2026, a crucial preparation phase toward the Junior World Cup Championship in Poznań, Poland.

For a sport still finding its footing in Ghana, this bronze medal represents more than just hardware. It is a story of belief, sacrifice and steady growth—proof that with commitment and opportunity, Ghanaian athletes can compete and excel on the global stage.

As Ghana continues to invest in lesser-known sports, the success of the canoeing team at Angola 2025 stands as an inspiration to young athletes across the country: that even on a first appearance, greatness is possible.

Source Theo Sampah GOC Media

FIFA has announced a new and more affordable ticket category for fans of qualified teams ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, introducing the Supporter Entry Tier priced at $60 per match.

The world football governing body said on Tuesday that the new pricing tier will be available for all 104 matches, including the final, and is designed to support travelling fans who wish to follow their national teams across the tournament, which will be staged in Canada, Mexico and the United States from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

According to FIFA, the Supporter Entry Tier tickets will be exclusively allocated to supporters of teams that have qualified for the World Cup. The allocation and distribution will be handled by each Participating Member Association (PMA), which will also set its own eligibility criteria and application process.

FIFA has urged member associations to ensure the tickets go to loyal fans with strong ties to their national teams.

Under the new structure, 50 per cent of each PMA’s ticket allocation will fall within the most affordable categories. This includes 40 per cent for the Supporter Value Tier and 10 per cent for the newly introduced Supporter Entry Tier.

The remaining tickets will be evenly split between the Supporter Standard Tier and Supporter Premier Tier.

FIFA also announced an added benefit for fans whose teams fail to progress beyond the group stage. Applicants who apply through their PMA allocation will have the administrative fee waived when refunds are processed for unsuccessful ticket applications.

The decision comes amid exceptionally high global demand, with FIFA confirming that 20 million ticket requests have already been submitted during the current Random Selection Draw sales phase, which opened on 11 December 2025. Interest has continued to rise following the release of the match schedule, venues and kick-off times.

The Random Selection Draw ticketing phase remains open until Tuesday, 13 January 2026, at 11:00 ET (17:00 CET). FIFA has emphasised that the timing of ticket requests within this window does not influence the chances of success.

Fans can apply for tickets and access full details via FIFA.com/tickets.

FIFA reiterated that, as a not-for-profit organisation, it reinvests revenue generated from the World Cup back into football development.

The world governing body expects to reinvest over 90 per cent of its budgeted investments for the 2023–2026 cycle into the game across its 211 member associations.

Source myjoysports

Accra, Dec. 16, GNA-Ghanaians living in the Netherlands have been encouraged to channel skills and capital into Ghana’s agricultural sector, citing the industry’s central role in the government’s 24-hour economy plan.

Speaking at the opening of GhanaFest Europe, a three-day trade and cultural expo in The Hague, Mr Francis D. Kotia, Acting Coordinating Director for Multilateral and International Organisations at Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, said agriculture and agribusiness are “pivotal growth pillars” for economic transformation.

“The 24-hour economy policy is designed to stimulate round-the-clock activity, expand employment and boost competitiveness. We urge the diaspora to leverage their expertise and resources to strengthen Ghana’s agricultural value chains,” Mr Kotia said.

The event, held at the Amare Convention Centre, showcased Ghanaian products and services and promoted partnerships between Ghanaian and Dutch businesses.

Mr Kotia said Ghanaians in Europe had acquired technological insights that could drive change at home. He encouraged businesses to use platforms like GhanaFest to expand market access and attract investment.

Organised by RAM Media Concepts with support from Ghana’s Chamber of Commerce and diaspora groups, the expo featured networking sessions, trade exhibitions and cultural displays.

Mr Augustine Mark, RAM Media Concepts CEO, described the expo as a “strategic crusade” to project Ghanaian products and culture globally, aiming to boost tourism and deepen economic cooperation with Europe.

He stressed that the expo aims to attract foreign direct investment, boost tourism and create new market access for Ghanaian businesses in Europe.

Mr Augustine added that the initiative is part of a broader push to deepen economic cooperation between Ghana and the European Union, positioning Ghanaian enterprises to tap into advanced technologies, financing opportunities and trade networks.

GNA