Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra

Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, is on a mission to reshape the country’s sports narrative. Known for its passion for football, Ghana has long been celebrated for the exploits of the Black Stars. However, at a vibrant boxing event hosted by his son, Sharaf Mahama, over the weekend, Mahama shared a vision for a broader, more inclusive sports culture.

Addressing a packed Bukom Boxing Arena, Mahama acknowledged Ghana’s football legacy but called for a revival of other disciplines. He lamented the country’s struggles in football, including a 42-year drought without an Africa Cup of Nations trophy and a recent failure to qualify for the tournament after 21 consecutive appearances.

“It’s time for us to broaden our horizons,” Mahama declared. “We all love football, but it is not the only game. When we were young, we stayed up till dawn to watch Azuma Nelson fight in Australia. Those were golden moments, and we need to recreate that spirit here in Ghana—not just in boxing, but in all sports.”

Mahama pledged to transform the Bukom Boxing Arena into a world-class facility with fully equipped gyms to support athletes. He also emphasized the need to invest in multiple sports disciplines, drawing inspiration from nations that excel in the Olympics by diversifying their focus beyond football.

“We can achieve greatness in sports if we invest in the potential of all our athletes. This is about national pride, not just for football but for every sport,” he said.

As Mahama sets his sights on a sports revolution, his message is clear: Ghana’s future lies in nurturing all its talents, not just on the football pitch but across the entire sporting spectrum.