by Kelly Eric Ehor | Jan 3, 2025 | Ghana, Other Sports
Ghanaian youth arm wrestlers Blessed Naa Abeka Nunoo, Henry Otoo, and Daniel Acquah delivered stellar performances at the De Fin D’Annee Arm Wrestling Championship, held on Saturday at Stade Municipal de Lomé, Togo.
The event, organized by Togo’s Ministry of Sports to celebrate their success at the 2023 African Games, featured over 200 athletes from Togo, Nigeria, Ghana, and Benin competing in various categories.
Blessed Naa Abeka Nunoo, ranked World No. 5 and Africa’s No. 1 in the Youth 60kg Women’s category, stunned audiences by defeating heavier opponents Ako Assoli (86kg) and Charite Nukunu (94kg) to secure the Gold medal. Her victory showcased her unmatched strength, technique, and determination to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
In the Men’s 70kg category, Henry Otoo and Daniel Acquah dominated their competitors, culminating in a dramatic final match between the two Ghanaians. Otoo emerged victorious with Gold, while Acquah claimed the Silver, highlighting Ghana’s prowess in arm wrestling.
Their performances also secured automatic qualification for the 2025 edition of the championship, solidifying Ghana’s rising reputation in the sp
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Jan 3, 2025 | Ghana, Other Sports
Ghana Skate proudly announces the appointment of Mr. Johnson Kwaku Gameli Kportufe as the Director of Communications for World Skate Africa. This prestigious decision was confirmed by the President of World Skate Africa, following the Statutes of World Skate and the Ordinary and Elective Congress held on September 7, 2024, in Rome, Italy.
In his new role, Mr. Kportufe will lead efforts to promote the mission and values of World Skate Africa, enhancing collaboration and communication among member nations. His deep expertise and extensive experience are expected to significantly boost the visibility and influence of skateboarding and roller sports across the African continent.
Additionally, Mr. Kportufe has been appointed to the Executive Committee of World Skate Africa, with responsibilities aligned with the Statutes of World Skate. This dual role highlights his capability and dedication to advancing the growth and development of roller sports in Africa.
Fluent in both French and English, Mr. Kportufe is well-positioned to drive impactful initiatives within the communications department. The President of World Skate Africa expressed confidence in his appointment, calling it a significant milestone for the Federation in Africa.
Ghana Skate extends heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Kportufe and looks forward to collaborating with him to promote roller sports in Ghana and beyond.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Jan 3, 2025 | Ghana, Other Sports
The Ghana Cycling Federation proudly announces the successful conclusion of the 10th National Cycling Road Championships, held on November 30, 2024, along the scenic Olebu-Ablekuma-Pokuasi route. This milestone event showcased the nation’s top cycling talent, featuring impressive performances across Elite, Under-23, and Junior categories.
Event Overview:
Over 65 cyclists from five regions competed in the championship, which celebrated athleticism, endurance, and sportsmanship. The challenging course tested riders’ strength and strategy, set against breathtaking landscapes.
Notable Achievements:
Francis Amu (FCG Cycling Club) dominated the Elite Men’s category, completing the 100 km race in 2 hours, 37 minutes, 20 seconds at an average speed of 38.14 km/h.
Ellen Anim (Club Sky Team) excelled in the Elite Women’s races, clocking 1 hour, 46 minutes, 1 second for the 50 km road race and 47 minutes, 3 seconds for the 25 km time trial.
Emmanuel Sesi (Royal Stars Cycling Club, Volta Region) claimed first place in the Under-23 Men’s race and secured second in the Elite Men’s category with a time of 2 hours, 25 minutes, 10 seconds over 100 km.
Farrakhan Shaaban Mohammed (River Park, Eastern Region), a promising 17-year-old, won the Junior Men’s 62.5 km road race (1 hour, 47 minutes, 14 seconds) and the 25 km time trial (38 minutes, 10 seconds), showcasing his advanced training techniques.
Frank Love Quaye (The Boss Tribes Cycling Club) emerged victorious in the Elite and Under-23 25 km time trials with an impressive time of 36 minutes, 3 seconds at an average speed of 41.61 km/h.
Participation and Impact:
The event brought together 56 male and 5 female cyclists from 12 clubs, attracting over 2,000 enthusiastic spectators, including children from the Sena Foundation School cycling initiative.
Statement from GCF President:
“This 10th edition marks a significant milestone in the growth of cycling in Ghana. It inspires future generations to embrace this sport and promotes unity and healthy living,” stated Mohammed B. Sahnoon Esq., President of the Ghana Cycling Federation.
Gratitude and Future Plans:
The GCF expressed gratitude to sponsors, volunteers, and partners for their support. Preparations are already underway for the 11th edition in June 2025, with the Federation focusing on developing cycling in Ghana and preparing for LA 2028 through initiatives like the Bahati Foundation’s training program in Los Angeles.
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.
