by Kelly Eric Ehor | Jan 3, 2025 | Ghana, Other Sports
The Ghana Cycling Federation, in partnership with various stakeholders, hosted the 2nd Duku Festival Para Cycling Road Race Prelude at the Osu Castle Total Filling Station in Accra on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The event showcased six competitive categories: Male Tandem, Female Tandem, Hand Cycling (male and female), and Amputee (male and female).
Key Highlights:
Mr. Justice Awuku, Chairman of the Duku Festival Cycling Race, emphasized the importance of promoting inclusivity in sports:
> “We noticed that physically challenged individuals have been marginalized, so we decided to organize a special event for them.”
He praised the participants for their exceptional performance and urged corporate Ghana to support para-cycling to further empower individuals with disabilities.
Notable Competitors:
Frederick Assor, a renowned blind para-athlete who secured third place in the Male Tandem category, expressed his gratitude:
> “This event has taken a lot of stress off us. We come together, meet friends, have fun, and compete.”
Shaaban Mohammed, General Secretary of the Ghana Cycling Federation, commended the event as a success, with participants receiving impressive prizes and recognition.
Sponsors and Support:
The event was made possible by sponsors such as Dot Ateliers, Mr. D. J. Hyun of Derbywheel Incorporated, and the Association for Sports Federation On Disability (ASFOD).
Results:
Male Tandem (42.5 km):
1st Place: Peter Dery Danvoru / Benjamin Boahen Agyemang (2:02:39.89) – GH₵ 3,000, gold medals, and souvenirs.
2nd Place: Emmanuel / George (2:18:24.36) – GH₵ 2,000, silver medals, and souvenirs.
3rd Place: Frederick Assor / Philip Randolf (2:19:25.35) – GH₵ 1,000, bronze medals, and souvenirs.
Female Tandem (17 km):
1st Place: Favour Ayiglo / Abigail A. Tetteh (1:08:02.24) – GH₵ 3,000, gold medals, and souvenirs.
2nd Place: Beauty Fiator / Majorie Quaye (1:09:45.67) – GH₵ 2,000, silver medals, and souvenirs.
Male Amputee (42.5 km):
1st Place: Richard Yaw Atta (2:08:04.34) – GH₵ 3,000, gold medal, and souvenirs.
Male Hand Cycling (17 km):
1st Place: Frank Yaw Fuji (1:10:12.97) – GH₵ 3,000, gold medal, and souvenirs.
The annual event aims to grow in scale and recognition, providing an essential platform for para-athletes to thrive.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 29, 2024 | Ghana, Other Sports
Shaaban Mohammed, the Secretary-General of the Ghana Cycling Association, has expressed confidence in Ghana’s ability to secure representation in cycling at the 2028 Olympic Games in the USA.
In an exclusive interview with Sammy Heywood Okine at the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) secretariat, where he also serves as Operations Manager, Mr. Mohammed emphasized the importance of early planning and strategic organization to achieve this goal.
He revealed that advanced plans are underway, including support from an organization in the United States that is set to train Ghanaian cycling prospects. He also urged Ghana to bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, leveraging the infrastructure developed for the 2023 African Games.
Highlighting the benefits of hosting international sporting events, Mr. Mohammed noted that the Commonwealth Games would bring even greater opportunities and global exposure to Ghana if managed effectively.
He also shared his expectations for the new sports minister, expressing hope that the individual would have a background in sports, leadership, and management to effectively drive Ghana’s sporting agenda.
Reflecting on 2024, he praised the Cycling Association’s achievements, including staging significant events like the Tour du Ghana and competitions for youth and students. He announced that 2025 would be a busy year as preparations intensify for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Olympics.
Mr. Mohammed appealed to the incoming government to prioritize lesser-highlighted sports like cycling, which offer numerous benefits to athletes and the nation. He also extended his best wishes for a successful and eventful New Year to all cyclists, fans, executives, and officials.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 29, 2024 | Boxing, Ghana
African Games 2023 silver medalist, Abubakar Kamoko, popularly known as Ambitious Tilapia, has revealed that his father, Braimah Kamoko (also known as Bukom Banku), is his greatest idol, mentor, and source of inspiration.
In an exclusive interview on Omashi TV’s flagship program The Big Fight Night, Abu also named Tyson Fury as his favorite boxer outside Ghana, expressing deep disappointment at Fury’s second loss to Oleksandr Usyk.
The rising star in Ghanaian boxing declared himself the most talented and popular boxer in the country and believes he is destined for global success. He credited his manager, Sharaf Mahama of Ultimate Legacy Rise, for unwavering support and motivation.
Abu shared that his journey has been remarkable, having participated in just four amateur bouts before clinching a silver medal at the African Games in Accra, his first-ever international competition. Interestingly, he views this as a family milestone, as his father, Bukom Banku, had previously won a bronze medal in the same tournament.
“I endured a lot of body pains during the Games, and my toughest opponent was the Congolese fighter who defeated me,” he recounted.
Discussing his transition from amateur to professional boxing, Abu emphasized the challenges involved, particularly the need for greater stamina and training to endure the leap from three-round to twelve-round fights. He expressed gratitude to his coach, Carl Lokko of Bronx Gym, and his training mates for their encouragement and support.
Abu also extended thanks to his fans and the community of Bukom, advising them to maintain discipline and show respect during matches at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
The ambitious young boxer, a graduate of Afadzato Senior Technical School in the Volta Region, revealed plans to achieve international fame in the sport. He listed five local boxers he aspires to fight: Akoto, Clinton, Haruna, Kamaradeen, and Bazooka, all of whom are in his weight division.
Award-winning matchmaker Yussif Mubarak Nii Armah Nanor, who was also present in the studio, pledged to arrange bouts with any of the listed opponents.
Abu disclosed his love for simple foods, naming rice and pepper as his favorite meal at home, while banku and tilapia top his list when dining out. He also revealed his admiration for Ghanaian musician Shatta Wale.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 27, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Joseph Awinongya Jr. showcased his exceptional skill and power with a commanding performance, achieving a Round 1 stoppage in just 1:29 against fellow Illinois competitor Gustavo Medina. The bout was decisively halted after Medina was counted three times, resulting in a Referee Stopped Contest (RSC).
This victory marks Awinongya Jr.’s 22nd USA Boxing National Championship title. Now, he sets his sights on competing in the elite category and vying for a spot on the elite national team.
His coach and father revealed plans to head to Germany for a major upcoming event. Stay tuned for more updates on this rising star.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 27, 2024 | Boxing, Ghana
The CEO of Wendy Foundation, Ms. Wendy Naa Deide Sampah, has praised Mr. Sharaf Mahama for his remarkable contributions to sports, particularly boxing.
Speaking at the Ultimate Legacy Rise Fight Night, Ms. Sampah described the event as outstanding and commended all the boxers for their impressive performances. She highlighted promising fighters such as Bukom Tilapia Abu Kamoko, Ashanti Warrior Stanley Nyantekyi, and Ring Warrior Samuel Takyi, emphasizing the importance of nurturing future world champions.
Ms. Sampah, whose foundation supports the underprivileged with donations of food, clothing, and essentials, urged Ghanaians to embrace the spirit of giving, emphasizing that it brings divine rewards.
“As part of our humanitarian responsibility, we believe the government cannot do it alone. It’s important for individuals and organizations to lend a helping hand. I thank God for allowing me to be a blessing to others,” she said.
A dedicated member of the NDC, Ms. Sampah called on Ghanaians to unite in supporting the government’s efforts to build a better nation. She is also a renowned sports producer with HSTV and AndygloTV and was honored with a WISA Award in 2024.
