by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 9, 2024 | Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports
President of the United Coaches Association of Ghana, Mr. Charles Quartey, has urged the government to invest in young boxers representing the nation, emphasizing their potential to become world champions.
In an exclusive interview on Omashi TV’s flagship program The Big Fight Night, Coach Quartey highlighted the abundance of talent in Ghana but lamented the lack of exposure and experience for young fighters.
As the founder and head trainer of the Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation, he recently led Ghana’s national youth team to the 2024 IBA Youth World International competition in Montenegro and Serbia. While the tournament provided invaluable experience, he noted that challenges such as late arrival, weather conditions, and biased officiating hindered the team’s success, leaving no Ghanaian boxer in the medal zone to secure cash rewards.
Coach Quartey called for more focus on training Ghanaian international technical officers, referees, and judges. He emphasized the importance of informed decision-making regarding affiliations with organizations like IBA and World Boxing.
While praising the increasing number of star-rated coaches in Ghana, he advised trainers to maintain a clear distinction between training amateurs and professionals. He also appealed to the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) to operate with fairness and professionalism, preserving the legacy of pioneers such as Samir Captan, Moses Foh Amoaning, and Peter Zwennes.
Quartey expressed concern over the high costs of renting the Bukom Boxing Arena and urged Ga chiefs to intervene if boxers are being exploited. He also urged fans to behave responsibly at events to maintain the sport’s reputation.
Additionally, he called for better remuneration for boxing coaches and appealed to the government to establish a national boxing training center, given the promising future of juvenile boxing in Ghana.
Coach Quartey concluded by commending the efforts of his executives at the United Coaches Association and the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF).
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 9, 2024 | Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports
Bernie Johnson, popularly known as ‘BJ Wise,’ a prominent boxing manager in Ghana, has highlighted that managing boxers requires immense passion and a deep understanding of the sport. Speaking on Omashi TV’s The Big Fight Night, Johnson emphasized that financial rewards in Ghanaian boxing are minimal unless a boxer achieves a world title.
As the manager of notable boxers such as former WBO Africa Super Bantamweight champion Isaac Sackey, Isaac Commey, and Mawuli Adjei, Johnson shared the challenges he faces. He expressed frustration over incidents like the altercation between Commey and Sampson Segbedzi during the Box Office event, criticizing the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) for failing to enforce the sport’s rules effectively.
Johnson urged boxers to maintain discipline to attract credible managers and called for fair officiating and responsible behavior from boxing fans. He also emphasized the need for corporate and government support, pointing out that the financial struggles of amateur boxing significantly affect the professional scene.
“A fraction of the funds allocated to football, especially the Black Stars, could transform the fortunes of Ghanaian boxing,” Johnson remarked.
As chairman of the Greater Accra Amateur Boxing Association, he stressed the importance of strong leadership within the GBA to make the sport more appealing and sustainable. Johnson believes that if managed well, boxing has the potential to bring immense rewards and impact the entire nation positively.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 6, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Other Sports
On World Disability Day, the Wendy Foundation has called on individuals with disabilities to stay committed and focused on their sporting endeavors.
The Foundation is dedicated to bringing joy to the lives of people with disabilities as the year draws to a close.
Ms. Wendy Naa Deide Sampah, CEO of the Wendy Foundation, also emphasized the need for free and fair elections. She encouraged people with disabilities to avoid any form of trouble and prayed for peace and the triumph of democracy.
World Disability Day aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities across all spheres of society and development. It also seeks to raise awareness of the challenges they face in political, social, economic, and cultural life.
This year’s theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Disabled People for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” highlights the importance of disability inclusion. It emphasizes that such inclusion is not only a matter of social justice but also a benefit to society as a whole.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 6, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports
Sampson Segbedzi, the reigning Undisputed National and UBO Africa Welterweight Champion, has filed a formal petition with the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) through his management team, urging disciplinary action against Isaac Commey for unprofessional and dangerous conduct during their bout on November 24, 2024, at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
The much-anticipated fight turned controversial as Commey repeatedly violated boxing regulations, including delivering low blows despite warnings from the referee. The situation reached a breaking point in the fifth round when Commey intentionally headbutted Segbedzi, causing the match to end prematurely and leaving the champion with injuries requiring medical treatment.
Segbedzi’s management has demanded that the GBA suspend Commey and compel his team to reimburse GHC 10,025.00 for the medical expenses incurred due to the incident.
“This type of behavior endangers athletes and undermines the principles of boxing. We call on the GBA to act decisively to uphold the integrity of the sport,” the management team emphasized in their petition.
While the GBA has not yet issued a response, the incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of boxing rules to prioritize athlete safety and ensure fairness in the sport.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 6, 2024 | Ghana, International, Other Sports
The 3rd edition of the GoGetDem Wheelchair Racing Event concluded successfully at the Accra Sports Stadium, celebrating World Disability Day.
The event featured over 50 children with disabilities who participated in various races and activities. Speaking to the media, Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe, the three-time Paralympian and President of GoGetDem, expressed his gratitude for the event’s success. “My goal is to give back to society and inspire hope in children with disabilities. I’m thankful for this opportunity and plan to engage further with kids who joined us from across the regions,” he said.
Nkegbe also shared his team’s efforts to nurture talent discovered during past events. “We’ve identified promising athletes from our previous editions and are training them in wheelchair racing. Today, we’ve spotted even more potential, and we’ll begin their development immediately,” he added.
The one-day event was attended by Hon. Zenator Rawlings, MP for Osu-Klottey Korle, who emphasized her commitment to inclusivity. “Persons living with disabilities deserve equity, fairness, and justice,” she stated. Addressing the systemic challenges faced by families caring for children with disabilities, she pledged continued advocacy for better support systems.
The event was made possible through sponsorship from the Simon Agbotsu Foundation, Special Games Masters (SGM), and the National Sports Authority.
