by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 8, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana
Ghana’s top kickboxer, Gerald Dah, is set to compete in the Malaysia Super-Am Pro Muay Thai tournament on November 9. Dah, who is based in Malaysia, will face Mahamed Bin Mahmoud, also known as “Jordan Boy,” in the 70kg division.
As one of the most consistent Ghanaian kickboxers on the international stage, Dah is optimistic about his performance and is calling on Ghanaians to support him. Having proudly represented Ghana across various platforms in Asia, Dah remains committed to making his country proud.
“I love my country, I am proud to come from Ghana,” Dah stated, ahead of what promises to be a fierce battle against one of the top fighters in the division.
The upcoming fight is expected to be a thrilling contest between two of the best in the sport, with both fighters known for their strength and skill.
by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 8, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana
Ghana’s WBO Africa featherweight champion, John Abaja Laryea, also known as the “Expensive Boxer,” is set for his first overseas fight in the USA next month. The unbeaten Laryea (13-0-1, 11 KOs) will face Nicaragua’s Alexander Mejia (19-9, 8 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight bout on November 1 at the Caribe Royale Orlando, Florida.
Laryea is eager to showcase his skills on the global stage and is confident in his abilities. “I’m ready for all boxers in my division. After this fight, the whole world will see the real me. I’m going there to prove myself,” Laryea told Graphic Sports. Speaking on his opponent, Laryea boldly promised, “If you are a good boxer, stay in your lane. Don’t come near me because I will switch you off. I promise to punish him.”
Trained by renowned coach Lawrence Carl Lokko and managed by Sammy Anim Addo, the 24-year-old fighter has expressed gratitude to his team for their unwavering support. He also thanked Peter Khan for the opportunity to fight in the USA and vowed to make Ghana proud.
Laryea aims to secure a world title by the end of next year and is determined to make his fans in Bukom proud with a strong performance in his US debut.
by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 8, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Other Sports
Kipyegon Bett, a former world under-20 800m champion, has passed away at the age of 26 in Bomet, Kenya, following a short illness. Bett won the junior world title in 2016 and secured a bronze medal at the senior World Championships in London the following year. However, his career faced a major setback in 2018 when he was handed a four-year doping ban, from which he struggled to recover.
Bett’s sister, Purity Kirui, revealed that he had been suffering from stomach pains and liver problems for about a month. His condition worsened last week when he began vomiting blood and was admitted to the hospital. Despite medical efforts, Bett passed away on Sunday after telling his family he didn’t feel he would survive.
Athletics Kenya official Barnaba Korir described Bett as “one of the most talented half-milers” in the world, remembering him as a polite and amiable athlete.
Doping Ban and Struggles with Depression
Bett’s promising career was derailed in 2018 when he was suspended for refusing to submit a sample for testing and later tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO). His sister, also a professional athlete, said the ban had a detrimental impact on Bett, leading to depression and alcohol abuse. Despite attempts to get him back into athletics after his ban ended in 2022, Bett struggled to return to the sport.
His coach, Japheth Kemei, shared that Bett had once defeated 800m world record holder David Rudisha, showcasing his immense potential. However, Kemei expressed that the mental and emotional toll of the doping ban made it difficult for Bett to regain his footing in athletics.
Broader Implications of Doping in Kenya
Bett’s death highlights the devastating impact of doping on young athletes. Kenya has been grappling with doping violations, with over 70 athletes sanctioned in recent years. Despite the country’s investment in anti-doping efforts, concerns have arisen following significant cuts to the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya’s (ADAK) budget. The World Anti-Doping Agency has raised alarms about how the reduced funding could affect Kenya’s fight against doping.
Korir emphasized the far-reaching consequences of doping, especially for young athletes, urging those who introduce such harmful practices to understand their lasting mental and physical damage.
by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 8, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
The National Sports Authority (NSA), in collaboration with Africa Rugby, has formed a five-member Normalisation Committee to manage the affairs of the Ghana Rugby Association (GRA) and oversee the election of new national officers by the end of 2024.
The committee is led by Mohammed Sahnoon, representing the Ghana Olympic Committee, and includes Dave Gilbert from World Rugby and Africa Rugby, Abdul-Majeed Bawa, the NSA’s Deputy Director General, Bawa Fuseini from Ghana Athletics, and Erica Amoako from Ghana Rugby.
Following the resignation of Herbert Mensah as GRA President in August 2023 after his election as President of Rugby Africa, the committee aims to restore stability to Ghana Rugby, which has faced legal challenges since 2021. Its mandate includes overseeing daily operations, ensuring compliance with World Rugby and Africa Rugby standards, and organizing a transparent election of new leadership by the close of 2024.
This Normalisation Committee will also strengthen ties between Ghana Rugby and international bodies, addressing non-compliance issues to avoid suspension from international competitions. The committee members will not be eligible to run in the upcoming elections, ensuring fairness in the transition process.
NSA Board Chairman Seth Panwum expressed gratitude to Africa Rugby for its support in resolving Ghana Rugby’s challenges.
by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 7, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has announced a temporary resignation from his role as a member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council. This decision comes following a directive from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which urged Appiah to step down from one of his positions ahead of the crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers between Ghana and Sudan.
Appiah currently serves as the head coach of Sudan’s national team while holding a seat on the GFA Executive Council. CAF’s request is aimed at preventing any potential conflict of interest, as the two nations prepare to face each other in the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
In response, Appiah has temporarily withdrawn from his Executive Council duties until November 2024. His spokesperson, Asante Forkuo, confirmed, “Coach Kwesi Appiah has temporarily stepped aside as an Executive Council member of the GFA until the end of November. This decision follows CAF’s communication, and it was taken to avoid any conflict of interest. Since the qualifiers started, Appiah has refrained from participating in any EXCO activities.”
Appiah, who represents Asante Kotoko on the council, made this move in light of the AFCON qualifiers’ importance.
Ghana will host Sudan in the first match of the doubleheader on Thursday, October 10, at the Accra Sports Stadium. The second leg is set for October 14 at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Libya.
