… Jonathan Tetteh: The Bukom Boxing Arena will speak on March 8

Box Office Promotions on Tuesday January 28 organised a signing and 'meet the fans' ceremony at the Bukom Astro Turf between Ernest Akushey aka Baubali and Jonathan Tetteh popularly known as Worldwide. He was a member of the Black Bombers that represented Ghana at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. No member of the team qualified as he lost the opportunity to fight in Italy when he missed the bus.

With his amateur experience and backed by nine wins in professional fights, he hopes to give boxing fans a good run for their money.

Baubali is also undefeated with six wins, no draw, no lose. He said beating Worldwide will only brighten his records but if he loses it is no record for Worldwide.

Baubali's last bout was against Elvis Ahorgah also called Soldier Boxer which was declared no contest following his gloves damage.

The rematch could not take place on the Ayitey Powers Promotions bill on November 23, 2024

Soldier Boxer has moved on to London and he is scheduled to fight for the Commonwealth Super Middleweight title on February 1, 2025 against Simpson Callum at Wembley.

The winner of the Akushey version Tetteh fight gets opportunity to fight for the National Super Middleweight title.

Baubali who is a crowd puller from Chorkor has urged boxing fans to come and watch his new style of explosive boxing.

He tasked his fans at Chorkor. Mamprobi. Jamestown, Korle Gonno, Bukom. La and Osu to come early and support him because the bout will not go beyond round three..

"Some of my fans are coming from Europe and USA to watch me, i will not disappoint" he stressed.

The successful signing ceremony which was moderated by Alex Ntiamoah Boakye the CEO of Box Office Sports Ltd, promotions outfit attracted boxing fans and media on the refurbishment Bukom Astro Turf.

The bout is scheduled for March 8, 2025 as part of Independence Day Rumble at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The GoGetDem team is set to depart from Ghana on March 11, 2025, to participate in the OCC Marathon in South Africa, scheduled to take place from March 12 to 15, 2025. This marks the team's eighth consecutive participation in the event.

The Ghanaian team comprises accomplished athletes, including three-time Paralympian Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe, who will be defending his 42-kilometer gold medal. Maclean Atsu Dzidzienyo, last year's winner, aims to secure another gold medal in the 42-kilometer category. Emmanuel Kwaku Gyasi, the 21-kilometer gold medalist, will also be defending his title. New team member Sulley Seidu Sagbarigu will participate in the 21-kilometer event, while Fatimatu Moro, the team's sole female representative, will compete in the 10-kilometer wheelchair race.

During a media interaction at the Accra Sports Stadium, where the team is currently training, three-time Paralympian Raphael Botse Nkegbe stated, 'We are not participating merely to make up numbers, but to win medals, just as we did last year.'

Background of GoGetDem Foundation

The GoGetDem Wheelchair Racing Club is a charitable organization dedicated to empowering young and physically challenged individuals interested in Para-Sports. The club's mission is to identify and nurture the hidden talents of individuals with disabilities, providing them with opportunities to develop their skills and proudly represent Ghana in international competitions. The primary objective is to create a platform for these individuals to showcase their abilities, raise the flag of Ghana high, and take pride in their accomplishments through Para-Sports. As a three-time Paralympian, Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe established the club to give back to the younger generation and be recognized for the positive impact he has on the lives of others.

Story: Gabriel Amoakoh

The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) invested nearly $800,000 in financial support to federations and athletes for the development of sports in Ghana over the past four years, per its official documents available to JoySports.

Since 2021, $799,913 has been invested to bolster preparations for major competitions, enhance training programmes, and support athlete development at all levels.

In 2021, the GOC disbursed over $54,000 in grants to support federations. Athletics received the highest share, with $14,000 allocated to the federation through the ANOC Special Grant and additional financial aid.

Boxing followed closely with $12,760, while swimming and volleyball each received over $5,000. Federations such as badminton, judo, and karate-do also benefited from these grants.

Additionally, Olympic Solidarity (OS) Scholarships provided direct financial support to individual athletes. Notable beneficiaries included Carlos Maedar (Alpine Skiing) with $12,000 and Frimpong Akwasi (Skeleton) with $30,000. Ghanaian track and field stars like Joseph Amoah and Janet Amponsah each received $5,000 to aid their preparations.

About 15 athletes were beneficiaries, totaling $104,500. In 2021 alone, GOC disbursed $159,170 to athletes and federations.

The following year, there was an increase in the disbursement to federations as the GOC allocated $131,360, while the grants for continental athlete support and youth athlete development dropped significantly.

Athletics and boxing received $8,000 and $6,000, respectively, while swimming topped the list with $17,250, driven by an $8,250 grant for youth development.

Table tennis, judo, and tennis also saw significant investments, with $12,250, $11,830, and $16,000 respectively.

Individual OS Scholarship beneficiaries included Carlos Maedar, who received an additional $17,000, and Christian Amoah (Weightlifting) with $5,000. Only $27,884 was used to support individual athletes.

In 2023, financial support targeted team sports, technical coaching, and individual athlete scholarships. Boxing emerged as the top beneficiary among federations with $13,000, while football received $31,300 in team grants. Volleyball ($18,342) and fencing ($10,000) also saw major investments, totaling $139,937.

Individual athletes continued to receive substantial support through OS Scholarships.

About $96,000 was used to support athletes and the beneficiaries included Deborah Acquah (Athletics), Benjamin Azamati (Athletics), and Kaya Forson (Swimming), each receiving $9,000.

The GOC’s targeted scholarships aided athletes in their preparations for international competitions.

Last year had the highest amount invested in athletes and federations.

About $173,962 was handed to federations as grants for Africa Games preparations and technical coaching.

Disciplines like athletics, badminton, and swimming each received $14,640, while table tennis secured $17,000. The rowing and canoeing federation benefited from a combined $22,000 grant to support development and competition.

Scholarships support for individual athletes amounted to $72,000, with recipients such as Joseph Commey (Boxing) and Winifred Ntumi (Weightlifting) receiving $6,000 each.

The GOC’s consistent financial backing has helped Ghanaian athletes and federations prepare for global competitions, ensuring that Ghana remains competitive on the international stage. From athletics to weightlifting, the support has enabled athletes to access better facilities, enhance training, and compete with confidence.

Source myjoyonline

German ???????? manager and former Africa Cup of Nations winner with Cameroon in 2002, Winfried Anton Schafer, has been named the Technical Advisor for the Black Stars.

 According to the GFA, he will collaborate with Head Coach Otto Addo to build a competitive team and also serve as the Football Association's Director of Football.

Meanwhile, other personalities have been added to the technical staff of the Black Stars including Desmond Ofei.

Kurt E. S. Okraku, the Ghana Football Association President said the following -

Special Appeal!!!!               

Let’s give our team our support.!!!

With the announcement of both the management committee of the black stars and a revamped technical team, it’s now our time to be truly Ghanaian and to get behind our team once again with that singular ambition of bringing OUR team back to winning ways. Ghana ???????? our beloved country has gone through this challenging period before but Ghana having stuck together always came out stronger.   In humility, determination and oneness, we have and we will bring smiles back to our people with your support.  Let’s support our black stars with all our might. Our players need you!! Our players need us ..it is time!!!!!!!!

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Elvis Ahorgah (13-2, 11 KOs) also called the ‘Soldier Boxer’ is confident of pulling a surprise when his takes on undefeated Callum Smith (16-0, 11 KOs) for the Commonwealth super middleweight title on Saturday , 1 February at Wembley Arena, Wembley, London, England.

Now training at the Black Panthers Gym at Jamestown in Accra, Ahorgah said it is a great opportunity to fight for the Commonwealth title,

He told Yours Truly that he is going to surprise his opponent and British boxing fans.

According to Soldier Boxer it is his first bout in the UK, but he not afraid, because he is a tough man who wants to face adventure and see the toughest and best side of boxing all over the world.

His trainer, Ebenezer Adjei, aka Coach Killer noted that they are going into the fight with the aim of winning and nothing else.

“I am sure we can win because Elvis is a tough boxer and he wants to make name for himself and the nation, I am very optimistic of a surprise” he said.

Adjei is one of the best boxing trainers in Ghana.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

SP Sports Management is in partnership with Spartan Management, based in Ireland to push young boxers to the world championship level.

According to Mr. Samuel Darkwa Agyei of SP Sports, one of Ghana’s best potentials, George Faho Mensah will benefit from the services of Spartan Management to get him closer to the world titles.

Spartan Management is dedicated to discovering and nurturing exceptional talent in the boxing industry. Their mission is to provide clients with unparalleled representation and opportunities to shine in their respective fields.

The Spartan Management team consists of industry professionals with years of experience in boxing and development. We pride ourselves on our ability to connect the athletes with the right opportunities and help them thrive.

They offer a wide range of services including talent representation, career management, and marketing strategies tailored to each athletes unique needs. Their goal is to ensure that our clients achieve their full potential in a competitive landscape.

By Sammy Heywood Okine    

Ghana’s WBO Africa Heavyweight Champion, Osumanu Haruna aka ‘Saabo’ has been given an ultimatum to defend his title or he would be stripped off.

According to a representative of the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa, Haruna (15-3-0) is due to defend against experienced Nigerian Idris Afinni (15-7-2) on the Cabic Fight Night Bill happening at the Idrowhyt Events Center on Friday January 31, 2025.

The Fight Night will feature some classic boxers like Olympian Samuel Takyi, Theo ‘Lopez’ Allotey and Emmanuel Quaye from the Wisdom Boxing Gym, Daniel Sellasi Gorsh aka ‘Emperor’ and Abubakar ‘Tilapia’ Kamoko from the Bronx Gym, Kevin Abraham, Africanus Neequaye, Michael Dark, Delali Miledzi. Emmanuel Mankattah and others.

Gates open at 6pm and the fees are pegged at 200ghc for Ring Side, 100ghc for Regular Stand and 50ghc for Popular Stand.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The inaugural Urban Sports Festival took place on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at the Ghud Park in Accra, captivating attendees with a vibrant fusion of sports and lifestyle. The event, which lived up to its hype, featured a variety of sporting disciplines, with a particular spotlight on break dancing. The electrifying performances saw Blessing Kweku Ameyontor clinch the title of Break Boy Champion in the male category, while Tris Naomi Amorkor Tagoe triumphed in the girls’ category. Their impressive victories have earned them a chance to represent Ghana at the upcoming Afro Break Dancing International Championship.

Break dancing, which made its debut as an official sport at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has rapidly gained popularity among sports and entertainment enthusiasts. The unique blend of energy, dance, skill and creativity showcased during the festival brought an exciting dynamic to the event. Spectators were treated to breathtaking performances that highlighted the athleticism and artistry involved in this captivating discipline.

In addition to the break dancing competition, the festival featured an array of other urban sports, including a thrilling 3×3 basketball tournament, freestyle skateboarding, and cycling freestyle. These events contributed to an exhilarating atmosphere that resonated with the urban culture, drawing in a diverse crowd eager to experience the excitement of contemporary sports.

As attendees enjoyed the action-packed competitions, they were also treated to a variety of food and drinks at the vintage vending point. The culinary offerings added to the festive atmosphere, allowing fans to indulge in delicious treats while soaking in the vibrant energy of the festival. This blend of sports and lifestyle created a unique experience that appealed to both athletes and spectators.

The Urban Sports Festival not only showcased the talents of emerging athletes but also celebrated the cultural significance of urban sports. With its successful debut, the festival promises to become an annual highlight, fostering a community of sports enthusiasts and promoting the growth of urban sports in Ghana and beyond.

Source GBCNews

President of African Women In Sports Association (AWISA), Mrs. Joyce Mahama has congratulated all female winners at the 49^th Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards which was held last Friday at the AICC.

She expressed joy that the Flagship Award, Sports Personality of the Year was between two females, Rose Amoanimaa Yeboah, the ace record breaking high jumper who won against Police Woman, Grace Mintah, a world champion in Armwrestling.

Some ladies who won were Female Footballer of the Year - Mukarama Abdulai, Hockey Player of the Year - Elizabeth Opoku of GRA Ladies, Weightlifter of the Year- Winifred Ntumi, Female Athlete Of The Year - Rose Yeboah Amoanimaa.

She urged them to raise their training and be more committed and dedicated if they want to reach the World and Olympic levels.

Madam Mahama who is a member of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) by being President of Women Sports Associations of Ghana (WOSPAG) also commended all female nominees who could not win and advised them to train and pray to become winners next time.

She called for motivation for females in sports to attract more of them.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Champion boxing trainer Carl Lokko has dedicated his recent award from the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) to his mentor, the veteran boxing consultant, Mr. Yoofi Boham for his support and motivation that has affected many lives in the Ghana Boxing fraternity.

Mr. Yoofi Boham is father in law of Prof. Azumah Nelson and managed the Boxing Whiz Kids, former world champions, Ike ‘Bazooka’ Quartey and Alfred ‘Cobra’ Kotey (deceased)

Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive interview, Coach Lokko who is founder of the Bronx Boxing Club at Jamestown said this is the beginning of great things to happen as in a week he was given three awards, two from Boxing Ghana; the Best Coach And Best Gym at the Idrowhyt Events Center, before it was topped up with the prestigious SWAG award for Dedicated And Valour last Saturday at the Accra International Conference Center.

"I knew I will win because I really work hard with my boxers and team, I see these awards as a motivation to work harder because it tells me that I am doing something good and people are watching. My dream is to spread the sport throughout the nation for us to have regional development to boast our amateur boxing which will give us good professional boxers" he expressed.

According to Coach Lokko he met the Sports Minister designate Hon. Kofi Adams at the 49th SWAG Awards and they discussed some few important points to push Ghana Boxing Agenda forward.

He said talent abound but there is the need for good administration, management and scientific technical support as well as positive publicity and adequate funding.

He commended the SWAG for keeping the awards running for all these years and hoped that more companies will come on board for the winners to have additional gifts and prizes.

He said Ghana Boxing is at the Cross road as some see things positive, while other see things negatively.  He was however optimistic that the future is bright and thanked all who have contributed to his success and that of the gym.

"I want to take this opportunity to commend the MP for Odododiodoo Hon. Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie, CEO of Bronx Promotions, Mr. Sammy Anim Addo and all the boxers’ managers, assistant trainers and everyone connected to the famous Bronx Boxing Gym, especially our sponsors and partners" he said.

Carl Lokko who took Richard Commey to win the IBF world lightweight championship title believes there are more young boxers who can become world champions if they are given the right appropriate modern scientific training.

He named boxers like John Abaja Laryea, Daniel Gorsh, Sheriff Quaye, Joshua Tetteh Laryea and Stanley Nyantekyi aka Ashanti Warrior who are all continental champions in the Bronx Gym.

Carl Lokko's three children Najat Naa Norley Lokko, Hakeem Nii Nortey Lokko and Rahman Nii Nortei Lokko also love boxing and combining education and the sport.

He served as Technical Director of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) during the reign of Lawyer Peter Zwennes and is a member of the current board.

By Sammy Heywood Okine