The Acheampong siblings, Dave and Jeddy, emerged victorious at the 2024 African Individual Schools Chess Championship held in Accra, Ghana. Their impressive performances not only earned them gold medals in their respective categories but also showcased the potential of young chess talents on the continental stage.

Dave Acheampong, competing in the Under-13 section, demonstrated exceptional prowess by accumulating an impressive 8½ points to secure the gold medal.

Meanwhile, his younger brother Jeddy followed suit, clinching gold in the Under-11 category.

The championship was a 9-round Swiss tournament that brought together players from six African countries.

10-year-old Jedidiah, the younger of the two, showcased remarkable strategy and composure to clinch the Under-11 title, earning the conditional Candidate Master (CM) title—a significant milestone for his age. 12-year-old Dave, meanwhile, delivered a masterful performance in the Under-13 category, securing his third consecutive gold medal in this continental event. His victory earned him the conditional title of FIDE Master (FM), solidifying his reputation as one of Africa’s brightest young chess talents.

This achievement adds to their growing list of accolades, as the siblings previously garnered gold and silver at the same championship in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2021, establishing themselves as formidable competitors in the chess community.

The preparation leading up to the tournament was rigorous, as the siblings shared insights into their training regimen. In an interview with the African Chess Confederation media team, they revealed that their daily routine was meticulously structured to balance academic responsibilities with chess development.

“Our AISCC 2024 preparations were integrated into our daily routine, striking a balance between academic responsibilities and chess development. We engaged in focused practice sessions after school, addressed tasks assigned by our coach, and participated in online games,” the Acheampong siblings mentioned.

After clinching his third continental gold medal, Dave expressed his joy over the victory, as he emphasized the importance of diligence and persistence in achieving one’s goals. His desire to inspire the next generation of chess players reflects a broader commitment to promoting the sport within Ghana and beyond, as he aims to continue refining his skills and sharing his knowledge with others. 12-year-old Dave Chief Quansah Acheampong and 10-year-old Jedidiah Nana Osei Acheampong

“I am overjoyed to have won my third continental gold medal. And I am satisfied that my diligence, persistence, and passion have generated the desired results. This victory has motivated me to continue refining my game and inspire the next generation of players,” said Dave.

Despite their success, the Acheampong family faces challenges in securing sponsorship and funding to support their chess journey. Mr. David Acheampong, the boys’ father, expressed pride in their achievements while acknowledging the financial hurdles that accompany high-level competition.

As the siblings prepare for the upcoming World Championship in Serbia, their focus remains on representing Ghana proudly on the global stage, determined to overcome obstacles and continue their ascent in the world of chess.

Source Edna Quansah

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has been recognizing and rewarding outstanding sports men and women since 1974.

These are all the best sports men and women over the years compiled by Sammy Heywood Okine aka General One, former Deputy General Secretary of the Association.

Professor Azumah Nelson, former WBC champion is on record to have won most of the best sports personality as he held the world title for a long time. Ike Bazooka Quartey former WBA welterweight champion and long jumper Ignatius Gaisah have also won three times respectively.

1974 - D.K. Poison

1975 - D.K. Poison

1976 - Nil

1977 - Richard 'Scorpion' Ofosu

1978 - Azumah Nelson

1979 - Nil

1980 - Azumah Nelson

1981 - Azumah Nelson

1982 - Nil

1983 - Nil

1984 - Azumah Nelson

1985 - Azumah Nelson

1986 - Azumah Nelson

1987 - Azumah Nelson

1988 - Azumah Nelson

1989 - Nana Yaw Konadu

1990 - Abedi Pele Ayew.

1991 - The Black Starlets

1992 - Anthony Yeboah

1993 - Abedi Pele and Anthony Yeboah

1994 - Ike Quartey'

1995 - Azumah Nelson

1996 - Ike Quartey

1997 - Ike Quartey

1998 - Raymond Narh

1999 - Leo Myles Mills

2001 - Samuel Osei Kuffour

2002 - Margaret Simpson

2003 - Ignatius Gaisah

2004 - Ignatius Gaisah

2005 - Ignatius Gaisah

2006 - Stephen Appiah

2007 - Joseph Agbeko

2008 - Joshua Clottey

2009 - Dominic Adiyiah

2010 - Asamoah Gyan

2011 - Ajara Mohammed

2012 - Kwadwo Asamoah

2013 - James Kwesi Appiah

2014 - Juliana Arkoh

2015 - Andre Ayew

2016 - Anthony Baffoe

2017 - Isaac Dogboe

2018 - Thomas Partey

2019 - Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe

2020 - Nil

2021 - Samuel Takyi

2022 - Mohammed Kudus

2023 - Mohammed Kudus

2024 –

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana President John Dramani Mahama will attend the 49th SWAG Awards

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) is honored to announce that H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, will be the Special Guest of Honor at the 49th SWAG Awards

President John Mahama has confirmed to make a special appearance at the prestigious SWAG Awards as the guest of honor endorsing his interest, focus and his willingness to support sports development and promotion in Ghana.

The President has shown his commitment to promoting sports in Ghana and his attendance at the SWAG Awards, despite his tight schedule, will be a testament to his dedication to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Ghana's sports heroes.

President Mahama is expected to deliver a keynote address on the theme: “Gold and Glory, a call for change in national orientation and investment in sports” where he will share his vision for sports development in Ghana and honor the achievements of the award winners.

The awards ceremony, scheduled to take place on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Center, will recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Ghanaian sports personalities and teams in the 2024 year under review.

As the longest-running award scheme in Ghana, the SWAG Awards have consistently recognized and rewarded top-performing sportsmen and women since 1975 and President Mahama's presence at the event will undoubtedly add to the excitement and prestige of the occasion.

The SWAG Awards have a history of attracting high-profile guests, and President  Mahama's presence will only add to the event's glamour and appeal. As Ghana's president, Mahama has demonstrated his support for sports, and his attendance at the SWAG Awards will be a fitting tribute to his commitment to promoting sports excellence in Ghana.

The 49th SWAG Awards is expected to attract a large audience of sports enthusiasts, stakeholders, and media personnel. The event will be broadcast live on television and streamed online, allowing millions of Ghanaians to join in the celebration.

Highlife sensation, Peter Fameye Gozah aka Fameye, will entertain patrons at the event.

The 49th SWAG Awards promises to be an unforgettable and exciting evening, with over 50 top-performing athletes and officials being honored for their contributions to Ghanaian sports.

Source SWAG                                                      

Hon Alfred Kotey Ashie, Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo Constituency who is a keen boxing lover says Ghana Boxing is moving forward and hopes young boxers, coaches, matchmakers and promoters would be inspired to work harder.

"For coming out with the third edition of Boxing Ghana Awards, I want to hail and congratulate the CEO Sammy Ofosuhene and all those who have contributed to the dream like my own coach Carl Lokko who won the Best Coach as well as  senior sports journalist Sammy Heywood Okine aka General 1.

He commended the selection committee headed by a female Ms. Sarah Lotus Asare of WBC Cares for playing her role as the first female matchmaker and boxing administrator, GBA Alhaji Dauda Fuseni and Mr. Michael Tetteh aka Golden Mike for the fair and transparent awards process which saw an improvement of over 300% from the 2023 edition which there was no ceremony.

He was glad to have other amazing stakeholders in the game supporting the 2024 edition.

He thanked Mr. Ivan Bruce Cudjoe of Cabic Promotions for providing the beautiful venue and Box Office for providing all the framed certificates and trophy for the winner and Osibor Promotions as well as Omashi Media for their live coverage.

He urged the winners not to be complacent but train harder to achieve bigger titles and bigger purses.

"For those who were nominated but could not win, I say better luck next time and I would like to take this opportunity to advise the youth to use their phones wisely on social media platforms like WhatsApp Facebook, Telegram, Tik Tok etc.

It is through social media that has brought all of us together here and it is a good positive thing" he stated.

He prayed that the awards will be sustained and maintained as a support to the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards, in terms of specialisation.

Present at the impressive ceremony were Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah President of the GOC, Nii Dr. Adotey Dzata1 aka Joe Mingle former President of Ghana Kickboxing Association, Francis Okyere Chairman of Greater Accra Kickboxing, Coach Dr. Ofori Asare, Technical Director of the GBF, Roger Barnor, Vice President of the GBA and other boxing enthusiasts.

By Sammy Heywood Okine                  

President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah has commented organisers of the third Boxing Ghana Awards which was held at the Idrowhyt Events Centre at Dansoman last Saturday.

He said such initiatives are very laudable and go a long way to motivate boxers to perform better.

Also known as Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira 1, the development chief of the Ga State, he congratulated all the nominee and winners.

According to the GOC President, the nominations were done online through social media platforms like Facebook, X and Instagram and hoped people are using the Internet positively.

He commended Joseph Commey for winning the ultimate Boxing Personality of the year.

Commey represented Ghana at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and qualified to the final, but got sick and could not fight for the gold so he settled for silver, however he got gold at the 2023 African Games and recently won the UBO Africa Lightweight Championship title.

Commey has been nominated for the Sports Writers Association of Ghana SWAG Awards which comes of on Saturday at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Sakaman Mankralo and Shipi of Sempe, Nii Dr. Adotey Dzata1, a former President of Ghana Kickboxing who graced the occasion urged the boxers no the relax in their training, but train hard to get to the world titles.

By Sammy Heywood Okine    

Joseph Commey was the big winner at the 3rd Boxing Ghana Awards at Idrowhyt Events Centre.

The UBO Africa Lightweight Champion and African Games Gold Medalist Joseph Commey aka Jaguar received his award as the Boxing Personality of the year 2024, Best Elite Amateur Boxer and Most Promising Boxer  at a grand event held at the Idrowhyt Events Centre last Saturday.

The event which was organised by Boxing Ghana saw other distinguished personalities who have contributed to Ghana Boxing getting recognition and rewards.

Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) commended the organisers and prayed that it would be sustained

He said such initiatives are positive and encourage the boxers to perform better.

He said boxing is the nation's number one sport that has given more medals and laurels at the international level.

He prayed that the Boxing Ghana awards would be maintained and improved with more support from corporate bosses.

Special Guest of Honour, Nii Dr. Adotey Dzata 1, former President of Ghana Kickboxing advised the boxers to intensify their training as they are now stars and superstars.

Hon Alfred Kotey Ashie MP for Odododiodoo who graced the event also hailed the organisers and congratulated the winners.

He advised them to work harder to get Ghana Boxing to the highest level by winning world titles.

Below is the list of awardees.

1 Boxing Personality of the Year - Joseph Commey aka Jaguar

2 Elite Amateur Boxer of the Year -Joseph Commey aka Jaguar

3 Fight of the Year - Joseph Commey vrs Richmond Ashelley by Box Office Promotions

4 Juvenile Amateur Boxer of the Year - Mathias Ashitey

5 Best Junior /Juvenile Boxer - Prince 'The Buzz' Larbie

6 Professional Boxer of the Year - Stanley Nyantekyi aka Ashanti Warrior

7 Best Female Boxer - Abigail Quartey 

8 Best Juvenile Female Boxer - Blessing Larteley Lartey

9 Best Dressed Boxer - Theophilus Allotey

9 Boxing For Good - Theophilus Allotey

10 Best Boxing Gym - Bronx Boxing Club

11 Coach of the Year - Lawrence Carl Lokko

12 Best Ring Card Girl - Jacqueline Onasis Manteaw

13 Best Ring Announcer - Sam Nana Gold Amoah

14 Best Boxing Writer - Sammy Heywood Okine

15 Boxing Media Personality - Mohammed Agyeman Jr. of IboxTV 360

16 Photographer of the Year.- Mohammed Agyeman Jr.

17 Legacy Lifetime Achiever - David Kotey Poison,

18 Legacy Lifetime Achiever - Lawyer Peter Zwennes,

19 Legacy Lifetime Achiever - Alex Ntiamoah Boakye

20 Legacy Lifetime Achiever - Dr. Ofori Asare.

21 Best Boxing Fan - Alhaji Dauda Fuseni,

22 Best Boxing Fan - Sammy Anim Addo,

23 Best Boxing Fan - Gordon Frimpong aka Osibor

24 Manager of the Year.- Gordon Frimpong

25 Best Boxing Television Station -Max TV

26 Best Amateur Referee - Bernard Tetteh Nartey

27 Professional Boxing Referee of the Year - Nathaniel Neequaye Kotey

28 Best Matchmaker - Yussif Mubarak Nanor

29 Best Promotions of the Year - Box Office Promotions

30 Best Region - Greater Accra

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The 3td edition of the prestigious Boxing Ghana Awards takes place at the Idrowhyt Events Centre on Saturday January 18, 2025 at 3pm.

Over 30 personalities who have distinguished themselves in the last season will be honoured.

They include the Best Boxing Personality of the Year, Best Professional Boxer,  Best Elite Boxer, Juvenile Boxer of the Year, Best Referee in both amateur and professional and Best Promotions outfit.

Also to be honoured are Best Matchmaker,  Best Ring Card Girl, Best Manager,  Best Ring Announcer, Best Boxing Photographer, Media Personality and Best Female Boxer.

Lifetime Achievers will also be recognised and duly rewarded.

Over 700 members of the general public took part in the voting process, with over 500 people not getting the opportunity to vote because of lateness to beat the deadline.

CEO of Boxing Ghana, Sammy  Ofosuhene who is based in USA has congratulated all nominees and winners.

He noted that with the super interest shown in the Awards programme,  it would be sustained and improved annually.

He commended the Awards Committee led by Ms. Sarah Lotus Asare of WBC Cares.

Other members are Mr. Michael Tetteh aka Golden Mike of the GBA, Alhaji Dauda Fuseni of the GBF, Winfred Yaw Worlanyo Siegu, Secretary of Boxing Ghana and Sammy Heywood Okine aka Yours Truly representing the Boxing Writers Association of Ghana (BWAG) and Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC)..

Ms. Rejoice Awurabena Adzi of Metro TV will be the MC of the event.

The 2024 Boxing Ghana Awards is sponsored by Idrowhyt Events Centre, Box Office Promotions, Osibor Management and Promotions and Omashi Media.

Dress code is traditional or formal and the gate is free.

By Wendy Naa Deide Sampah

Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has commended the national baseball 5 team who won the 2025 African championship.

He promised that the GOC and government will reward them for their effort.

He congratulated the management of the team for their vision and foresight.

According to the GOC President who is also known as Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira 1, Development Chef of the Ga state, Ghanaian youth are blessed with talent and they do well in various sports disciplines like baseball5.

“When you go out there to represent Ghana, and you kill yourself and give us your best to Mother Ghana, there’s always a reward for you.” Nun0o Mensah told the team.

“For the rest of the team, I’m going to discuss by GOC board, and I’m sure we’ll also find something very good for you because what you have done, means a lot to Mother Ghana. It is the beginning of good things to happen to Ghana in 2025.”

The team displayed exceptional resilience and unity despite their financial troubles prior to the tournament under the astute leadership of Head Coach Daniel Yaw Atiemo and Assistant Coach Daniel Obeng  Asiamah.

Mr. Ernest Danso President of Ghana Baseball said the team is prepared to do better at other upcoming championships.

“We are ready for the world, after beating Africa, we hope to get the needed support and move on we can do it” he assured.

Ghana the defending champions beat Kenya in the final 2-0 to confirm their place at the top of the continent. Tunisia won the bronze-medal game against South Africa.

World No. 13 Ghana defeated No. 15 Kenya in the final 2-0 (8-5, 5-2) to claim the second Youth Baseball5 African Championship. The much-anticipated final brought the crowd to its feet, with fans from both sides creating a festive and competitive atmosphere. Ghana displayed skill, determination, and a winning spirit, overcoming Kenya in straight sets. The final scores of 8-5 and 5-2 showcased their dominance, crowning them champions of Africa

The WBSC Africa Youth Baseball5 African Championships, hosted by South Africa Baseball, took place at the Western Cape Sports School in Cape Town, South Africa from 8 to 12 January 2025.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana the defending champions beat Kenya in the final 2-0 to confirm their place at the top of the continent. Tunisia won the bronze-medal game against South Africa.

World No. 13 Ghana defeated No. 15 Kenya in the final 2-0 (8-5, 5-2) to claim the second Youth Baseball5 African Championship. The much-anticipated final brought the crowd to its feet, with fans from both sides creating a festive and competitive atmosphere. Ghana displayed skill, determination, and a winning spirit, overcoming Kenya in straight sets. The final scores of 8-5 and 5-2 showcased their dominance, crowning them champions of Africa

The battle for bronze saw Tunisia and South Africa fight tooth and nail for the podium finish. Tunisia won 2-1 (3-2, 8-7, 2-7).

South Africa's fans cheered relentlessly, inspiring their team to stay competitive. However, Tunisia's composure under pressure saw them edge out the hosts in a tightly contested match to claim the third spot.

Zimbabwe beat Lesotho 2-0 (11-7, 17-2) in the fifth place game.       

Final Standings

1 Ghana

2 Kenya

3 Tunisia

4 South Africa

5 Zimbabwe

6 Lesotho

Source WBSC.ORG

2025 is an election year for many sports federations including the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) and the big question is who takes over from Mr. Abraham Kotei Neequaye or is the incumbent going for another term?

Observers of Ghana Boxing in the past four years have realised conflicts and misunderstanding between the GBA hierarchy and stakeholders.

There have been misinterpretations and lawlessness on the part of some boxers, coaches, managers and promoters, and even spectators, but all want the betterment of the sport.

So positive leadership is essential and very important in a chaotic area like boxing to calm the stakeholders to plan for positive change and positive direction to set the industry to be productive and profitable.

Ghanaians love boxing and can even stay awake to watch world championships, but it has been long since Ghana got a world title.

Though Abigail Quartey made history by winning the WIBF on November24, 2024,, expectations are high for the male boxers like John Laryea, Daniel Gorsh,  Holy Dorgbetor,  Sheriff Quaye, Jacob Tetteh Laryea and Faisal Abubakar who are continental WBO Africa Champions to move a step to clinch the ultimate world titles.

Box Office Promotions lead by Alex Ntiamoah Boakye has been able to organise and stage bouts that have propelled these boxers. Connoisseurs feel he can let our local champs become world champions.

He has also been able to convince international boxing organisers to make Accra a possible venue for big bouts because the people love the game and ready to watch big fights, like Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.

Alex Ntiamoah Boakye entered into boxing at a young age and has been involved solidly in the business for over 25 years inspiring and promoting young boxers. Even some unknown local boxers can earn big names and become great brands through the efforts of Box Office Promotions.

Alex Ntiamoah Boakye was one of the scribes who took pains to document the constitution of the Ghana Boxing Authority alongside the late doyen of Ghana Boxing,  J. A. Annan.

He has served other GBA Presidents with tolerance and humility like the late Nii Quaye Mensah, Moses Foh Amoaning and Peter Zwennes.

He has made boxing fans happy by staging most talked about bouts like Bukom Banku versus Ayitey Powers, Bukom Banku versus Bastie Samir and Michael Ansah aka One Bullet versus Derrick Quaye aka Show Love which took place last year.

It is not surprising that Box Office Promotions were named Best Promotions outfit at the last Boxing Ghana Awards for staging Joseph Commey aka Jaguar versus Richmond Ashelley which has been described as both of the year 2024. When it come to boxing organisation no one comes near Alexander Ntiamoah Boakye.

Now he wants to move a step higher to become the President of the Ghana Boxing Authority due to his experience and knowledge acquired.

Alex Ntiamoah Boakye is the people's man and he will certainly bring new plans, ideas and relationships that can boast Ghana Boxing into the future.

At the time of scribbling this script only Alex Ntiamoah Boakye has come out boldly to announce his intention to lead Ghana Boxing.

He has promised to create working Committees to involve fresh ideas and strategies for Ghanaian boxers to be rated by the popular world bodies like World Boxing Council (WBC)  World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Organization (WBO)  International Boxing Federation (IBF) and United Boxing Association (UBO).

One of the problems of Ghana Boxing is security and he has made that area a priority to solve and make boxing fans come and watch boxing in peace and harmony.

He also wants Ghana Boxing to be attractive and work with corporate Ghana to get involved fully.

One of the plans of Alex Ntiamoah Boakye is to make sure the Sports Minister gives much attention to boxing because it is the sport that has given the nation much achievement at international tournaments and gives hope to the ghetto boys and girls.

He knows the worth and contribution of the media and will place boxing journalists on his priority list, for more and better coverage of boxing programmes.

Alex Ntiamoah Boakye has been supporting the Greater Accra Amateur Boxing Association in various forms. He is one of the sponsors of the upcoming Boxing Ghana Awards 2024.

Other persons who have indicated their desire to become President of the GBA are Roger Barnor, Second Vice President and Emmanuel Addo aka Mosquito, a former boxer based in the USA.

By Sammy Heywood Okine