… rules 2024 USA Boxing 176lbs youth category

Joseph Awinongya Jr. proved too powerful and splendid as he dished out  a 1:29 seconds round 1 stoppage when Gustavo Medina a compatriot from Illinois was counted three times en route to RSC (Referee Stop Contest).

Jojo now becomes 22 times USA Boxing National Champion and prepares to campaign in the elite category and to fight for a place in the elite national team.

According to his coach and dad, they will be in Germany for another important event. Watch Out.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

As Ghana prepares for a new government in January 2025, speculation about who will be appointed as the next Sports Minister is rife. Among the notable figures being considered are President Samson Deen, President Ben Nunoo Mensah, President Herbert Mensah, and Hon. Kobe Woyome, who are on the list of names going around within the media. The president of the African Paralympic Committee has emerged as a leading choice of the Ghanaian media and sports-loving fans based on his track record.

Samson Deen stands out among the potential candidates for the Sports Minister position, thanks to his extensive experience in sports management and administration. His impressive track record in promoting sports development and inclusivity in Africa uniquely qualifies him to revitalize Ghana's sports landscape.

Samson Deen's leadership as President of the African Paralympic Committee has been transformative. His tireless efforts to promote para sports and inclusivity in Africa have led to significant growth and development. Under his guidance, the first-ever African Para Games were organized in Accra, and he played a key role in the successful delivery of the 13th African Games as Head of Transport.

In addition to his sports management experience, Deen is a successful entrepreneur and founder of the African Origin Group of Companies. His outstanding performance as an officer of King Faisal SC, Kumasi Asante Kotoko SC, and Heart of Lions years ago shows a great understanding of sports. Deen's contribution to Ghana's football qualification to major competitions draws him to the hearts of many Ghanaian fans.

Presidents Samson Deen and Ben Nunoo Mensah are both officers on the board of the National Sports Authority and played key roles in the successful organisation of the 13th African Games.

While other notable figures, such as Ben Nunoo Mensah, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, and Herbert Amponsah Mensah, President of World Rugby's African association, Rugby Africa, are also being considered, it's Samson Deen's unique blend of sports management experience and leadership skills that truly make him the standout candidate in this debate.

Hon. Wisdom Kobena Woyome, MP for South Tongu Constituency, has served on various committees, including the Youth, Sports, and Culture Committee, and is also a notable figure in Ghanaian sports. However, Deen's experience and sports management and administration credentials make him a more suitable candidate for the position of Sports Minister.

Samson Deen's appointment as Sports Minister would be a significant step forward for Ghana's sports landscape. His leadership and vision are poised to promote sports development, inclusivity, and excellence in the country, making him the ideal candidate to catch the eye of President Elect John Dramani Mahama.

The Ghanaian sports fraternity is on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the new Sports Minister as the debate continues. The anticipation is palpable, and the outcome is sure to have a significant impact on the future of sports in Ghana.

Source Mike Wes Obeng

Coach Mike Darbah of DPS has commended and congratulated students of the DPS for excelling at recent competitions and putting the name of the school very high in terms of sports, especially Table Tennis and Badminton

He named Kim Yesung, the three times champion at the Ghana Inter Schools Festival and Yeji Kim as excellent stars who should be given some attention.

Mr. Mike Darbah, a coach / player and his team won four trophies, eight gold, eight silver and one bronze in the team and single events of the Ghana Inter Schools Festival to secure the enviable first position at the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra.

In the single event for both boys and girls, team DPS won two trophies and two gold medals in table tennis as well.

"This was my first time participating in the Ghana Interschool festival as well as being a captain for the girls table tennis team," said Yeji Kim, the team's captain. According to Coach Mike Darbah “It is been a tremendous honor to lead such a fantastic team, and as captain, I have been fortunate to watch them develop. We have entered the competition three times and won three times”.

“I would like to express my gratitude to my entire team for their hard work and cooperation in bringing the trophy home with pride for DPSI” he added.

Yesung Kim, the boys' captain, stated, "It was really great because we had a slow start but we managed to come back stronger with my players and we finally won." DPSI won medals and glitzy trophies for winning both categories.

18 IB and Cambridge International Schools in Ghana are some of the schools participating in this Ghana interschool festival program.

Coach Mike Darbah who is very much interested in Table Tennis and  TT /Badminton said there are potentials in the schools and called for more schools sports involving both public and private institutions to get the best sports people for the nation.

One of the winning students praised Coach Michael, “You have my sincere gratitude! I sincerely appreciate everything. I could never ask for a better coach than you. From the start to the finish, you were always there for me. You are a fantastic coach, and we at DPS are very fortunate to have you. We all adore and value you! Thank you very much at all times”.

The Badminton Team For Ghana Festival Games were Shraddha, Falak, Aarna, Emily A.A, Emma A.A, Anukriti andVanshika for the Girls Team, while the boys were Rohit, Prasanna, Arnav, Mantram, Daniel and Aryan A.G.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Bukom Boxing Arena was the action spot last Sunday as Sharaf Mahama and his Foundation staged the Legacy Rise Boxing event to thank fans who voted for the NDC to return to power.

Present at the well-attended programme was President elect HE John Dramani Mahama, who was the special guest.

The boxers who stole the show with impressive wins include Musah Lawson aka Awoodade, Cann Neequaye, Samuel Takyi the Ring Warrior, Kevin Carter, Ashanti Warrior Stanley Nyantekyi and Abu Kamoko aka Bukom Tilapia.

In the surprise bout of the night Ahmed Abdullah (8-0, 7KOs) dropped  Armed Forces Sergeant Bawa three times before stopping him in the seventh round.

Many fans expected David Bawa Akankolin (4-1, 3KOs) to put up a better performance, but he disappointed his fans.

CEO of Legacy Rise Sports, Sharaf Mahama thanked all the guests who attended the free show, including former WBC champion Prof. Azumah Nelson, former IBF champion Joshua Clottey, Hon Kotey Ashie MP elect of Odododiodoo and others.

Legacy Rise Sports presented ‘A Night of Ultimate Legacy’ – an unforgettable evening where Ghana’s top boxing talent took center stage at the iconic Bukom Arena.

After the interesting competition, electrifying moments, there was a huge celebration with fireworks and music.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Mr. Alex Ntiamoah Boakye CEO of Box Office Promotions believes Joseph Commey is slightly ahead of his main opponent in the contest for the Sports Writers Association of Ghana SWAG Boxer of the Year 2024 Award.

He said Commey who came close two seasons ago has gone ahead to add the UBO African Lightweight belt in his first professional bout.

Commey who is known as Jaguar is contesting Black Bombers colleague Amadu Mohammed for the SWAG Award and it has been a dicey situation as to who is the best.

However the Sports journalists body will vote for a winner before January 24th 2025 when the Awards ceremony will be held at the Accra International Conference Centre.

According to Alex Ntiamoah Boakye, manager of Commey, his ward won an IBA organised bout in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia after the 13th African Games gold medal.

Commey represented Ghana at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and reached the final,  but he got sick and could not fight so he settled for silver.

His first professional bout against Richmond Ashelley on November 24 has also been labelled as one of the most exciting fights of the year.

By Sammy Heywood Okine    

Amazing amateur, boxer Amadu Mohammed who has been nominated by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) for Boxer of the year 2024 has disclosed that he wants to win gold at the next 2025 World Boxing Championship and the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive interview on The Big Fight Night on Omashi TV last Friday, he expressed his joy over the nomination he received from the SWAG and thanked the august body of professional and dedicated sports journalists.

"The announcement didn't shock or surprise me  and I am excited because I know I am the excellent boxer in Ghana and Africa, I thank SWAG because they have given me more confidence and inspiration that people are watching my exploits.

"I want to win the next World Boxing Championship gold as well as the 2006 Commonwealth Games gold" he expressed

The 19 year old who trains under Coach Gabriel Allotey aka Zico is the gold medal winner in the Bantamweight division at the 13th African Games held in Ghana where he stopped three opponents.

Hitherto he has placed 5th at the 2023 World Youth Championship in Uzbekistan, the only African to reach the Quarter Finals stage.

According to Coach Zico who was on the show, “Amadu is number five in the world, number one in Africa and Ghana”.

He noted that the story of Amadu.an orphan is divine, hoping that goodness and mercy will follow him all the days of his life.

On his chances to win the 2024 SWAG Best Boxer Award he said everything is clear because Amadu Mohammed is the most exciting among the four gold medalists in boxing at the 13th African Games and also very disciplined and respectful.

Amadu who loves music is a fan of Shatta Wale and his best dish is Jollof rice and Tilapia.

He comes up against Lightweight Joseph Jaguar Commey, also a gold medalist at Accra 2023 for the prestigious SWAG award which comes up at the Accra International Conference Centre on Friday January 24, 2025.

By Sammy Heywood Okine                   

Young Ghanaian boxing matchmaker, Daniel Donkor has disclosed that since he decided to shift from coaching at the Fit Square Gym under Coach Lartekwei Lartey to matchmaking, he has become popular and feels his positive contribution to Ghana Boxing.

Speaking in an interview on Omashi TV, The Big Fight Night hosted by Yours Truly, he said there many boxing talents in the country, but they lack exposure and experience because there are not much organized tournaments for the juvenile and youth.

He commended the organisers of the Memphis Depay Fight Day held at the Old Kingsway which attracted the Dutch super star and guests including presidential hopeful, Nana Yaw Bediako.

Donkor called for more programmes for the juvenile and youth boxers.

“If we can have one amateur tournament every month, it will keep boxers in shape and conditioned and we can see the best of the best” he stressed.

He was also surprised to be nominated as Matchmaker of the year 2024 in the Boxing Ghana selection of distinguished performers in the past year, as his third show for Cabic Promotions comes up on December 27, 2024 at the Idrowhyt Events Center at Dansoman.

“I was really surprised at my nomination and I thank God, the organisers, Boxing Ghana and the one who saw what I was doing good to earn nomination, I have realized matchmaking has made me popular than coaching and am learning a lot” he expressed.

According to him, there are many challenges in the game, and the GBA has to put its feet down to correct many things like impersonation and security at some shows. He noted that some boxers are ungrateful, which does not encourage support for them.

He feels Ghana Boxing is down as many people think or see as there is no current world champion; however there is hope in the youth who are rising.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ayawaso CP football team beat the Emirates Club 4-3 in a friendly match at Kotobabi Wembly Park in Accra. The Man of the match was Emmanuel Baidoo who scored 4 goals for the Ayawaso team.

Wendy Naa Deide Sampah of Wendy Foundation was there to support the players. She said as Christmas approaches the disabled and venerable should be remembered.

Mr. Emmanuel Akpabli, CEO and Coach of the Ayawaso CP football team said they will be busy in the coming year and hope to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

He appealed to corporate bodies and philanthropists to support the disabled sports federations in Ghana.

Akpabli who is the welfare officer of the Black Challenge, the national amputee team, congratulated HE John Dramani Mahama for winning the elections and prayed that he will look at the welfare of disabled sportsmen and women.

By Sammy Heywood Okine                  

Ghana Karate Association took part in the just ended African Karate Championship West Region Zone 2 tournament was held at Treichille Palais Des Sports – Abidjan (Cote D’Ivoire).

According to ace karateka Edmud Amoako Asante, Ghana won five medals made up of one Silver and four Bronzes. The medal winners were  Edmund Asante Amoako, Gideon Ashiley, Edward Amartey, Abdul Jelil Larbie, Gabriel Commodore.

He said it was a good tournament as they need more of such programs to be in shape.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has released names of nominees for the 49th Awards ceremony.

The names include Carl Lokko of the Bronx Boxing Club, experienced match maker Rashid Williams aka Believer and Dr. Ofori Asare Asare of the Wisdom Boxing Club.

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) secretariat announced the 49th Awards ceremony will be held on January 24, 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Among the nominees for boxing are coaches Carl Lokko and Rashid Williams for the Dedication and Valor Award and Dr. Ofori Asare who led the Black Bombers at the 13th African Games for Coach of the Year.

Two boxers Amadu Mohammed of Sea View and Joseph Commey will compete for the Boxer of the Year slot.

Mr. Bernard Quartey. Present of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) is in the nominations for Sports Administrator of the Year.

The topmost SWAG Award for Personality of the year is between High Jumper, Rose Amoanimaa Yeboah and Arm wrestler Grace Mintah.

Three corporate awards went to Access Bank, KGL and AFE Lotto

Other sporting disciplines covered by the Awards are football, arm wrestling, hockey, golf, handball, taekwondo, swimming, cricket, athletics and table tennis.

The SWAG Awards is the longest running prestigious ceremony in Ghana since 1975.

By Sammy Heywood Okine