by Kelly Eric Ehor | Jan 19, 2025 | Athletics, Ghana
Ghanaian sprinter and national 100m record holder, Benjamin Azamati, has donated GH¢10,000 to traders affected by the devastating Kantamanto Market fire. The January 1st blaze destroyed over 60% of the market, displacing numerous traders and resulting in millions of cedis in losses.
In a heartfelt statement, Azamati emphasized the importance of giving back to the community, expressing solidarity with the victims and pledging his commitment to supporting recovery efforts. His donation aims to help traders rebuild their businesses and restore their livelihoods.
The Kantamanto Market, a vital hub for Ghana’s secondhand clothing trade and sustainable fashion, continues to receive support from individuals and organizations working toward recovery.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Jan 19, 2025 | Athletics, Ghana
Ghana’s 100m national record holder and double Olympian, Benjamin Azamati, has called on Ghanaians to sustain and expand the Junior Olympics initiative following the successful conclusion of the third edition at the University of Ghana Stadium. The event provided a platform for young athletes, from Under-4 to Under-17, to showcase their talents.
Azamati emphasized the importance of introducing children to sports at an early age, drawing parallels with countries like the United States, where young athletes compete at a professional level due to early exposure. He believes the Junior Olympics is a critical step toward bridging the gap between Ghana and the global stage in athletics.
“This is absolutely the right path. In the U.S., kids are introduced to sports very young, and that’s why their talents excel on the world stage at 17 or 18. If Ghana’s current athletes had similar opportunities, we’d be at an entirely different level. There’s a future in this initiative,” Azamati stated.
He also advocated for a decentralized approach, urging organizers to extend the program to all regions to ensure inclusivity and nationwide talent development.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Jan 19, 2025 | Ghana, Other Sports
Ghana successfully defended their title by defeating Kenya 2-0 in the final of the Youth Baseball5 African Championship, solidifying their position as the top team on the continent. Tunisia claimed the bronze medal after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa.
In the thrilling final, world No. 13 Ghana showcased exceptional skill and determination to beat world No. 15 Kenya in straight sets (8-5, 5-2). The electrifying atmosphere created by passionate fans added to the excitement, as Ghana once again proved their dominance in African Baseball5.
The bronze-medal match was a nail-biter, with Tunisia overcoming South Africa in a closely contested 2-1 victory (3-2, 8-7, 2-7). Despite South Africa’s spirited performance and home support, Tunisia’s resilience under pressure secured them a podium finish.
Zimbabwe claimed fifth place after an impressive 2-0 win over Lesotho (11-7, 17-2).
Final Standings:
1. Ghana
2. Kenya
3. Tunisia
4. South Africa
5. Zimbabwe
6. Lesotho
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Jan 19, 2025 | Ghana, Other Sports
Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), has praised Ghana’s national Baseball5 team for winning the 2025 African Championship.
He assured the team that their efforts would be rewarded, expressing gratitude to the management for their vision and commitment. Nunoo Mensah, who also serves as Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira I, Development Chief of the Ga State, emphasized the exceptional talent of Ghanaian youth in various sports disciplines, including Baseball5.
“When you represent Ghana and give your all, there’s always a reward for you,” Nunoo Mensah remarked. “For the rest of the team, I will consult the GOC board to ensure you receive something meaningful because your achievement signifies the start of great things for Ghana in 2025.”
Despite financial challenges leading up to the tournament, the team demonstrated resilience and unity under the leadership of Head Coach Daniel Yaw Atiemo and Assistant Coach Daniel Obeng Asiamah.
Ernest Danso, President of Ghana Baseball, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to excel in future competitions. “After conquering Africa, we are ready for the world. With the necessary support, we can achieve even greater success,” he assured.
Ghana, ranked 13th in the world, defeated 15th-ranked Kenya in the final by 2-0 (8-5, 5-2) to secure their championship title. Tunisia claimed bronze after overcoming South Africa in the third-place match.
The WBSC Africa Youth Baseball5 Championships, hosted by South Africa Baseball, took place from January 8 to 12, 2025, at the Western Cape Sports School in Cape Town.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Jan 17, 2025 | Boxing, Nigeria
Nigerian heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba has been listed as one of Top Rank’s six fighters to watch in 2025. The promotional company highlighted Ajagba alongside other rising stars, including Christian Mbilli from France and Puerto Rican prospect Xander Zayas, in a video shared on their social media platforms.
The 30-year-old Ajagba, with an impressive record of 20 wins (14 KOs) and one loss, is preparing for a pivotal International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight title eliminator against Martin Bakole. The winner of the clash will earn a mandatory title shot against current champion Daniel Dubois.
Initially slated for the Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol rematch card on February 22 in Riyadh, the Ajagba-Bakole bout has been rescheduled to a later date, according to Top Rank Vice President Carl Moretti.
“It’s agreed to,” Moretti confirmed. “It was supposed to be on the February show, but they moved it off. I anticipate it will be on the next show after February.”
Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom expressed excitement about the matchup, stating, “That’s a fight we’d like to put on. Martin is one fight away from challenging for a world title, and I’m sure Riyadh would be interested in hosting it again.”
Bakole, currently ranked third by the IBF, gained significant momentum after defeating previously unbeaten Jared Anderson in August. Ajagba, ranked fifth, is eyeing his chance to climb the ranks and secure his first shot at a world title.
Other fighters featured in Top Rank’s “2025 Fighters to Watch” list include Americans Bruce Carrington (14-0, 8 KOs), Keyshawn Davis (12-0, 8 KOs), and Raymond Muratalla (22-0, 17 KOs).
The winner of the Ajagba-Bakole showdown will position themselves for a future IBF title fight, with Dubois scheduled to defend his title against Joseph Parker. A potential unification bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury could further shake up the heavyweight division.
