Bronx Boxing Club Coach Carl Lokko believes John Abaja Laryea has what it takes to become a world champion because he is very disciplined and does not joke with his training.

Speaking ahead of Friday's bout in Orlando, USA, he expressed that the bout is a new chapter in the boxing career of John Laryea who has been one of the dedicated boxers at the Bronx Gym.

According to Coach Lokko, Team Laryea which has able people like Sammy Anim Addo, Emmanuel Quaye and Yours Truly is capable of landing a world title for Ghana.

"Our mission and ambition is to land a world title chance and we will not disappoint" he said.

For now the focus is on Alexander Mejia of Nicaragua who has 19 wins and 9 loses.

John Laryea 22, the WBO Africa Featherweight Champion is undefeated in 14 bouts with one draw.

Laryea was born and bred at Bukom, the cradle of Boxing in Ghana.

He was nominated for Boxer of the year by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana some few years back, and he has been inspired by the media.

He knows victory against Mejia will be great and he is not letting any opportunity slip.

Laryea and Mejia weighed successfully on Thursday. We have a bout on Friday night, November 1, 2024 at Caribe Royale, Orlando in Florida, USA.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The ANOC Awards winners for 2024 (Photo by ANOC) ANOC

CASCAIS, October 31, 2024 - The best athletes and NOCs from the Olympic Games Paris 2024 were celebrated tonight in Portugal at a spectacular and memorable ANOC Awards 2024 ceremony at the Estoril Congress Center.

The best female and male athletes, as well as the best female and male teams and the best female, male and mixed teams in individual sports were all honoured in front of a packed auditorium in Cascais.

Finally, the best National Olympic Committee (NOC) and breakthrough NOCs of Paris 2024 were recognised, while there were two awards for outstanding sporting careers and one for individual contribution to the Olympic Movement.

The ANOC Awards winners for 2024 are:

Best Female Team of Paris 2024: Italy Volleyball (represented by Carlotta Cambi)

Best Male Team of Paris 2024: Denmark Handball (represented by Hans Lindberg)

Best Female Team in Individual Sport of Paris 2024: Great Britain Cycling – Team Sprint (Katy Marchant, Sophie Capewell and Emma Finucane)

Best Male Team in Individual Sport of Paris 2024: Japan Artistic Gymnastics (represented by Kazuma Kaya)

Best Mixed Team in Individual Sport of Paris 2024: Austria Sailing – Mixed Dinghy (Lara Vadlau and Lukas Mähr)

Best Female Athlete of Paris 2024: Julien Alfred (St Lucia)

Best Male Athlete of Paris 2024: Letsile Tebogo (Botswana)

Outstanding Sporting Career – Female: Lisa Carrington (New Zealand)

Outstanding Sporting Career – Male: Ma Long (China)

Outstanding NOC of Paris 2024: France

Breakthrough NOCs of Paris 2024: St Lucia, Dominica, Guatemala, Botswana

Contribution to the Olympic Movement: Anita DeFrantz

In addition to the 400 NOC, International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Federation (IF) and Olympic Games Organising Committee (OCOG) representatives in the auditorium, the ANOC Awards were broadcast live on ANOC.tv and on Portuguese national broadcaster RTP. Sixteen different NOCs and IFs, three Continental Associations and the Olympic Channel also took the opportunity to broadcast the ceremony on their online platforms, further increasing the global reach.

The winners of each award were selected by the ANOC Jury, comprised of representatives from each of the Continental Associations, the ANOC Athletes’ Commission Chair, ASOIF President and ANOC Secretary General.

Source AIPS

Accra, October 31, 2024 - Scancom PLC (MTN Ghana) has been recognized as one of the top companies in Ghana, securing 3rd place at the 21st Ghana Club 100 Awards organized by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.

This award celebrates MTN Ghana's impressive revenue growth over the past year, its market leadership, and the innovative digital services it has introduced. It also acknowledges the significant investments made in network expansion and improvement, as well as the extensive corporate social responsibility initiatives undertaken by the company.

The award certificate presented to MTN states, “The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre proudly presents this certificate to MTN Ghana for being the top-ranked company in the telecommunications sector for the 21st Edition of the Ghana Club 100 Awards.”

Receiving the award, Mr. Stephen Blewett, CEO of MTN Ghana, expressed his gratitude and said, ”We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition. It reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional services, driving digital transformation, and contributing to Ghana's socio-economic development. MTN Ghana will continue to implement best practices and strategies to delight our customers and contribute to Ghana’s growth.”

Mr. Blewett dedicated the award to MTN staff, customers, and all stakeholders for their unwavering support and commitment over the years.

The Ghana Club 100 is an annual ranking of the top 100 companies in Ghana, based on criteria such as revenue, profitability, and corporate social responsibility. Established to celebrate excellence in Ghana’s private sector, the award honors companies recognized for their strong corporate governance, financial stability, and economic contributions under the theme “Fostering Domestic Champions: Building Local Capacity”.

The 2024 Ghana Club 100 Awards emphasized the importance of businesses that not only excel in their fields but also significantly contribute to Ghana’s economic development and capacity building. These annual awards have become a benchmark for corporate excellence.

About Scancom PLC                                                             

MTN Ghana leads the mobile telecommunications industry in Ghana, offering subscribers a range of options under Pay As You Go, Pay Monthly, and Mobile Financial Services. As part of the MTN Group, a major emerging market leader, MTN Ghana aims to deliver a bold new digital world to its customers. The company believes that everyone should benefit from a modern connected life.

Scancom PLC is listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Its strategy, Ambition 2025, focuses on leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.

Source MTN

Mr. Sammy Anim Addo CEO of the Bronx Boxing Promotions and Manage of WBO Africa Featherweight Champion believes his ward John Laryea will shine in his first fight in the USA.

John Laryea aka Expensive Boxer faces Nicaraguan Alexander Mejia in an international featherweight contest.

Mejia (19-9-0) has lost his last five bouts and Laryea must increase his loses.

According to Anim Addo, the two times WBO Africa champion knows where he is coming from and where he is going.

He described Laryea as an unsung hero that people did not expect to reach his current status.

He stressed that if Laryea wins his first bout, it will open the flood gates for all boxers training at the Bronx Boxing Club at James Town in Accra.

Bronx Boxing Club members and Yours Truly wished John Abaja Laryea success as he left Accra, Ghana for the USA together with Coach Carl Lokko to make his American debut at Caribe Royale, Orlando, Florida.

 By Sammy Heywood Okine

The ongoing Tour Du Faso entered its seventh Stage with yet another blistering criterium  showcasing Skills and strength inside the economic capital of Bobo -Dioulasso

The Atlas Lions of Morroco  headed by Yellow jersey holder and Sprinter Mochine El Kouraji showed pure power in the 107 km circuit assignment encompassing 10 laps inside Bobo-Dioulasso.

Burkina Faso Sports Minister Roland Somda flagged the race into action and quickly initiated the circuit into active business in attacks.

The 59 riders who signed up for the race had clear intentions for mounting podium and by the first lap the road had began boiling with series of breakaways especially from the BurkinaFaso and Cameroun riders.

With 7laps to go, all attention was centered on the first breakaway group comprising one Burkinabe and a Cameroon.The quartet breakaway group controlled affairs until the 3rd lap where matters changed.

The main bunch was even busier with series of echelionic attacks on the left side of the Road in an effort to catch up with Bouda Wahabou and the second breakaway group comprising two BurkinaFaso attackers,a Camerounian, Malian and one Beninios.

With 3 laps to go, the signals were crystal clear the winner would emerge from the host nation.Bouda Wahabou still maintained focus and singlehandedly dictated the bunch behind him with an approximate time difference of 2mins.

With 4 laps to finish, the peloton was chasing breakaway rider Bouda Wahabou of BurkinaFaso but could not catch up with him till the he came to finish in a destined job with a classical finish.

The Criterium rounded up a distance of 107km over 10 laps and recorded an average speed of 39.455/hr.

In the Under 23 category, Adil El Arbaoui of Morrocco still maintained his position and grip on the Green Jersey holder.

The intermediate sprints jersey went to Mamyr Stash from Russia with the Combativity jersey going to Steve Auriol from Cameroon .

Ghana’s Emmanuell Sesi and Francis Owusu gave a good account of themselves in this particular stage.

Elizabeth Alhassan

Ouagadougou

Ghana's budding youth. Edem Azumah representing the Wisdom Boxing Club gave a good account and earned a draw with tough Nigerian boxer Seun Arowolo aka ‘Ugly Wolf’ in an international duel last Saturday.

The show which is a periodic programme by the Wisdom Gym involved rising stars, juvenile and amateur prospects like Junior star Adjei Lopez, Caleb Mensah and others.

Ms. Sarah Lotus Asare, Administrative Manager of Wisdom Gym described the programme as very successful and commended the boxers from Nigeria and Togo for adding an international flavour to the event.

Meanwhile, head trainer of the National Boxing Team Dr. Ofori Asare who is CEO of Wisdom Boxing Club has appealed for more investment into juvenile, youth and female boxers saying that is the foundation where the boxers will feel motivated and appreciated.

He said the Wisdom Boxing Club is ready to produce more champions for the nation.

Seun Arowolo (NGR) also called the Ugly Wolf and Ghana’s Middle weight champion at amateur Leonard Azumah Edem fought to a drawn game at the Widom Boxing Gym Special Series.

Juvenile boxers, Wesley Ayi Bonte (WBC) and Mohammed Ablorh (RBC) did what they love doing, James Okoe (GHA) displayed good boxing with Fatiou Laurent Sarouna (TGO) at 57Kg.

Stephen Armah (Akotoku Academy) and Henry Owusu (WBC) gave a good account at 57Kg, Bright Okoe (BESESAKA/ WBC) and Richmond Commey (BPB)  were good to watch in the 48KG fray. Philimon Lomotey (WBC) and Gabriel Tetteh (Seconds Out) also performed well in their Juvenile contest.

Adelaide Gabatey and Sunday thrilled the fans in a female exhibition bout.

Caleb Mensah (BESESAKA/ GHA fought well against Mouftao Léonard Sarouna (TGO) in their international bout.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Accra, Ghana – October 30, 2024 – The Ghana Cycling Federation (GCF) is excited to announce the upcoming National Cycling Championship, set to take place on November 30, 2024. This year’s championship promises to be an exhilarating event, bringing together the country’s top cyclists with the twenty-six (26) cycling clubs affiliate to the federation to compete for the national title and the chance to represent Ghana in future international competitions.

The championship event, which will be held in Accra, Olebu – Vicolis, aims to highlight the talents and hard work of Ghanaian cyclists, showcasing the strength and potential of Ghana’s cycling community on a national platform. Open to both male and female competitors, the National Championship will include multiple race categories, from junior to elite levels, with an expected turnout of over 100 cyclists and over 50 delegates from various affiliate clubs to the federation across the country.

Highlights of the 2024 National Cycling Championship include:

Race Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024

Location: Olebu – Vicolis, Ablekuma - Pokuasi Route

Race Categories: Junior, Under 23 and Elite

Registration: Open 22 nd October 2024 to all eligible Ghanaian affiliate clubs’ cyclists via the Ghana Cycling Federation’s email address, Facebook, with registration closing on November 26, 2024

Prizes: Winners in each category will receive medals, cash prizes, and a spot on the

Ghanaian national team, among other incentives GCF President, Mohammed B. Sahnoon Esq., shared his excitement for this year’s event, stating, “The National Cycling Championship is a significant event for us, as it embodies our mission to promote cycling and support the growth of our athletes. We are committed to nurturing top talent and elevating Ghana’s presence in the Africa and World of competitive cycling.”

The National Cycling Championship is made possible with the generous support of our sponsors, partners, Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, Promasidor Ghana ltd, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ghana Olympic Committee, National Sports Authority, Executives board members of the federation, affiliated clubs, Riyahd Construction, IQRA ltd, and volunteers.

We invite media, fans of all ages to join us on race day to cheer on Ghana’s best

cyclists as they compete for national honors and glory.

For more information on sponsorship/enquiries, registration, event details, and volunteer opportunities, please visit the Ghana Cycling Facebook or contact us at email:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

and Phone Number/Whatsapp: +233 244 104 977 /+233 (0) 243 734 077 /+233 (0) 245436 996

About the Ghana Cycling Federation

The Ghana Cycling Federation (GCF) is the governing body for competitive cycling in Ghana, dedicated to the promotion and development of cycling in the country. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, the GCF seeks to inspire the next generation of Ghanaian cyclists and create pathways for international representation especially in the Kigali2025, Rwanda becoming the first ever African country to host the World Road Cycling Championships since its inception in 1921 and the GCF aim to participate for the first time in the Olympic games at LA2028 Olympic/Paralympic game in Los Angles USA.

Shaaban Mohammed, Secretary General

The Northern Development Forum (NDF) is deeply troubled by the resurgence and intensifications of mindless violence and the resultant needless deaths of innocent citizens in Bawku.

The peoples of Bawku and its environs have witnessed untold suffering in the last four (4) years. There are no signs that this carnage will end anytime soon because the acts of provocation and impunity appear to be intensifying by the day.

We are much appalled that scarce resources have to be diverted from promoting livelihoods and development to the endless security and so-called mediation efforts. Citizens of Northern Ghana are completely dismayed and traumatised by the intensity of the recent clashes and call upon the government to exercise its authority to sanitise the Bawku area for peace to prevail.

We are greatly concerned by the seeming absence of discernible government strategy and programme aimed at removing the agent provocateurs in the Bawku area.

The NDF once again wishes to admonish our Northern compatriots to reflect deeply on the consequences of the resort to violence to resolve matters arising from minor ethnic, traditional and Cultural differences.

Unless we the people of Northern Ghana unite in one accord in the pursuit of peace and development, we will dissipate our energies and resources in never-ending conflicts founded upon dubious historical narratives that have no relevance for the accelerated development of our communities as we so much desire.

Once again, Northern Ghanaians without exception, are confronted by poverty, illiteracy and ignorance. These intolerable ethnic clashes will not contribute to the success or development of any community.

We should continue to cherish the richness and diversity of our cultures and history. We believe that our cultural and historical diversities are an invitation for mutual respect, cooperation, learning and sharing of our unique identities. These differences should never provide any grounds for power struggles and domineering.

Brothers and sisters, put the guns and swords aside and let us join hands to make our communities better places for our future generations.

Signed: Major Albert Don-Chebe (Rtd.Chairman, NDF

The NDF is a non-partisan organisation that brings together people from the five Northern Regions of -Ghana to promote peace and development of the northern part of Ghana and ultimately equitable and peaceful development of our country, Ghana.

Member of Parliament for Teshie, Hon. Ben Ayiku has congratulated Skillsman Tornado for organising an exciting under 12 to under 16 football tournament to scout players for Right to Dream Academy.

He hailed the superb organisation last Sunday and exciting display of football by the young rising stars saying "Ghana will never lack skilful players" and appealed to coaches to select the very best players at any level when it comes to the national teams.

According to Skillsman Tonardo, the event was a huge success and he thanked everyone who supported and came to Teshie Camp 2 Park to watch.

He promised to organise the justification exercise frequently inspire young players.

Six teams took part in the under 12 and under 16 years tournament, namely Abamat Football Academy who won the U12, Unique Stars and Young Stars from Sowutuom as well as Muanmar El Gaddafi FC.

The Honourable MP, Mr Benjamin Ayiku donated balls for the competition.

Hon Ayiku endorsed the tournament tee shirt and praised the splendid initiative

The MP promised to support the tournament to unearth talented and skilful youth in Teshie.

Another gala match to be organised by Skillsman has been scheduled for a peaceful election at Teshie.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Stage 6 has produced an afternoon full of Attacks and endurance amongst the riders.

Fantastic cycling skills and skilful control characterized this particular stage culminating into an unforgettable heat from start to finish.

The speed on the road was "fire" and could be visibly seen on the legs of the riders. The weather was friendly and it gave two riders some respite midway the race.

Moroccan attacker Elkouraji Mohcine demonstrated pure power,pace and precision to protect his yellow Jersey .His team mates would have to be applauded for protecting their idol into maintaining that jersey.

Yet another Moroccan Adil El Arbaoui  provided the beauty on the day by securing second spot  with Russian pride Mamyr Stash placing third to finish, sweeping off the  intermediate sprints jersey.

The Burkinabes were also working hard to defend the *Green Jersey* but the North Africans were simply stubborn,giving the host nation tougher times in this stage.

Today's race covered a distance of 85.77km with 59 riders in attendance recording an average speed of 43.155kmh.

The crowd was simply amazing, supporting all riders by clapping,singing and taking snap shots amidst smiles.

Infact Burkina Faso is undoubtedly a cycling loving nation and I wouldn't be surprised it takes precedence over football.

In the under 23 category, Driss El Alouani from Morocco  took the Young Jersey with the combativity Jersey going to Soumaila llboudo from BurkinaFaso.

Ghana’s Emmanuel Sesi, continued with his sterling performance  getting him the 19th position .He was part of the first bunch that came to the finishing line.

The action continues on Thursday  with another hectic criterium  in 107km inside BOBO DIOULASSO.

Elizabeth Alhassan

Bobo Dioulasso