by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 3, 2024 | Ghana, Other Sports
Former Youth and Sports Minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah has called for a comprehensive overhaul of sports in Ghana following the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
This marks the first time in 20 years that Ghana will not compete in the tournament, after finishing at the bottom of Group F with just three points and no wins in six games.
Speaking to Channel One TV, Afriyie Ankrah expressed deep concern about the state of sports, particularly football, in Ghana. He highlighted a critical moment during Ghana’s campaign when Mohammed Kudus faced jeers from the crowd while taking a penalty.
“It was very, very sad, particularly when Kudus was going to take the penalty, and the crowd was jeering at him. I was so shocked,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything like that. It’s time for the whole country to take a closer look at the Black Stars, soccer, and sports as a whole. We need a reset.”
In the wake of Ghana’s disappointing performance, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has dissolved the Black Stars Management Committee, with the Executive Council set to decide on coach Otto Addo’s future soon.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 3, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, International, Other Sports
Olympic champions Letsile Tebogo of Botswana and Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands have been crowned as the 2024 World Athletes of the Year at the World Athletics Awards held in Monaco. The prestigious honors followed a fan vote and celebrated exceptional performances in track, field, and out-of-stadium events.
Tebogo, who won multiple medals, including gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, was named the Men’s Track Athlete of the Year, while Hassan, a standout in both track and road racing, received the Women’s Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year title and the overall women’s accolade.
Category Winners
Women’s World Athlete of the Year: Sifan Hassan (NED)
Men’s World Athlete of the Year: Letsile Tebogo (BOT)
Women’s Track Athlete of the Year: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA)
Men’s Track Athlete of the Year: Letsile Tebogo (BOT)
Women’s Field Athlete of the Year: Yaroslava Mahuchikh (UKR)
Men’s Field Athlete of the Year: Mondo Duplantis (SWE)
Women’s Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year: Sifan Hassan (NED)
Men’s Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year: Tamirat Tola (ETH)
Women’s Rising Star: Sembo Almayew (ETH)
Men’s Rising Star: Mattia Furlani (ITA)
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised the winners, stating, “These athletes have set new standards in their disciplines, showcasing the very best of our sport.”
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 3, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports
The boxing world is buzzing as Derrick Quaye, known as “Show Love,” challenges Ghana’s featherweight champion, Stanley Nyantekyi, also called the “Ashanti Warrior,” for a thrilling clash in the Super Featherweight division.
Dubbed the “Accra vs. Kumasi Boxing War,” this potential fight has fans and analysts excited. While Quaye, an undefeated super lightweight with a record of 6-0-1, is eager to prove his mettle, Nyantekyi, boasting a 10-1-0 record, sees this as an opportunity to solidify his reign.
Although both fighters have agreed verbally, the bout is awaiting a promoter to set the stage. Renowned sportswriters Prince Dornu-Leiku and Nii Otoe Von Cofie have labeled it a “must-see fight” that promises to be a crowd-puller.
Fans are particularly intrigued by this matchup as it presents a true test for Nyantekyi, who has yet to face a formidable opponent like Quaye. With Derrick Quaye’s impressive victory over veteran Michael Ansah, boxing enthusiasts believe this encounter will sell out and deliver fireworks in the ring.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 3, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Ghanaian boxer Isaac Sackey, a two-time WBO Africa Super Bantamweight Champion, is set to challenge Mexico’s Alan Picasso Romero in a Super Bantamweight bout scheduled for December 14, 2024, in Mexico.
Sackey’s manager, Bernie Johnson, confirmed the fight and expressed confidence in Sackey’s preparation and ability to secure victory. “We are taking this December clash very seriously. We’re going to shock Mexico and make Ghana proud. This is not just another fight – we are ready to deliver in the ring,” he stated.
Isaac Sackey, 29, who trains at the Attoh Quarshie Gym in Jamestown, boasts an impressive record of 26 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, underscoring his experience and determination. His opponent, 24-year-old Alan Picasso Romero, holds an undefeated record of 30-0-1, making him one of Mexico’s top contenders.
Bernie Johnson described the upcoming fight as an exciting and challenging encounter, urging Sackey’s fans to rally behind him and pray for his victory as he aims to raise the Ghanaian flag high.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 3, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Other Sports
The Reformers Judo Club organized a highly successful mini-tournament for its members on Saturday, November 30, at the Ghana Prisons Training School, Roman Ridge, Accra.
The event, which ran from 10 AM to 4 PM, showcased competitive judo matches across multiple weight classes in the senior men, women, and junior boys and girls divisions.
In the senior men’s category, competitions were held in the below 60kg, 66kg, 73kg, 81kg, 90kg, and 100kg weight classes. For women, contests took place in the below 57kg, 70kg, and 73kg classes.
Thomas Kobina secured gold in the senior men’s below 60kg category, with Clinton Teye Gadugah taking silver and James Opoku winning bronze. In the below 66kg category, Frank Tekpor emerged as the gold medalist, Eugene Boateng Mensah earned silver, and Benjamin Agudoo took bronze.
The women’s open weight categories saw Evelyn Enyonam Dzato clinch gold in the below 57kg, 70kg, and 73kg classes, while Grace Antonia and Emmanuella Tindan Wuni won silver and bronze, respectively.
Junior participants also delivered thrilling performances, displaying significant talent and promise for the sport’s future in Ghana.
Guest Remarks
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Hon. Freda Akosua Prempeh, Member of Parliament for Tano North, commended the organizers for their efforts, particularly in promoting women’s participation. She stated, “It’s a laudable initiative. Watching these young people, especially the women, has been inspiring. This is my first close encounter with judo, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I encourage parents to nurture their wards’ talents, and the media should help raise awareness to grow the sport.”
Ken Arthur, President of the Ghana Judo Association, praised the athletes for their discipline and effort, congratulating them on their achievements.
Medal Winners
Gold: Thomas Kobina, Frank Tekpor, Evelyn Enyonam Dzato, Masawudu Muktar, Godwin Dadi, Baba Zakaria, Bernice Williams, Henry Kwesi Kodzi
Silver: Clinton Teye Gadugah, Eugene Boateng Mensah, Grace Antonia, Labib Mohammed, Zulriel Foli, Maxwell Ametepe, Maxwell Amekudzi, George Makafui Ayivor, Mavis Danso
Bronze: James Opoku, Benjamin Agudoo, Kaybee, Emmanuella Tindan Wuni, Yaya Hack, Malwin Adjoa Tetteh
The tournament was a resounding success and a significant step forward in promoting judo in Ghana, fostering youth engagement, and encouraging gender inclusivity in sports.
