by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 26, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Other Sports
The 2024 President’s Cup, Ghana’s flagship rugby league event, thrilled fans at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium on Sunday, November 24, 2024.
The tournament showcased exceptional talent from players representing the Greater Accra, Central, and Ashanti Regions, solidifying the sport’s growing presence in the country. This year’s edition honored Mrs. Juliana Storey, the first female president of the Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG), for her transformative leadership in the sport’s development.
A Growing Legacy of Competition
Since its inception in 2021, the President’s Cup has evolved into a vibrant competition featuring men’s, women’s, and boys’ divisions. The 2024 edition brought together over 100 players from schools, communities, and junior leagues, emphasizing the RLFG’s commitment to grassroots development.
U19 Boys: Dominance by the National Team
The U19 Boys’ National Team showcased their prowess with a commanding 26-6 win over the President’s Team, featuring players from Awutu Winton SHS, Pentecost SHS, Aduman SHS, St. Michael SHS, and Akrofrom JHS. The National Team surged ahead with a 16-0 halftime lead and maintained control despite the President’s Team’s spirited second-half efforts.
Women’s Division: National Team Extends Reign
The National Team in the women’s division secured a 22-12 victory over their counterparts. Despite a competitive second half that ended 12-12, the National Team’s early dominance ensured their continued winning streak.
Men’s Division: President’s Team Shocks National Team
The day’s most thrilling match saw the President’s Team hand the National Team their first loss in three years, edging them out 20-18. A late try by Jonathan Adotey and a clutch conversion by Darryl Amoatey sealed the dramatic win.
Celebrating Progress and Innovation
The 2024 President’s Cup underscored the RLFG’s dedication to innovation and inclusivity, introducing fans to the esports version of rugby league. Keith McMahon, Deputy UK High Commissioner, commended the Federation’s efforts to nurture talent and expand the sport’s reach.
As the tournament concluded, the President’s Cup 2024 stood as a beacon of rugby league’s growth in Ghana. Under Mrs. Juliana Storey’s visionary leadership, the sport continues to inspire players and fans, setting a bright course for the future.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 26, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey has made history as Ghana’s first-ever female world boxing champion after defeating the UK’s Sangeeta Birdie at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on Sunday, November 24, 2024.
Quartey displayed remarkable skill and resilience throughout the bout, securing a unanimous decision victory to claim the IBF Super Bantamweight title. Judges scored the fight 98-91 in her favor, showcasing her dominance over her opponent.
This historic win boosts Abigail’s professional record to 9 victories in 10 fights, with 6 wins by knockout and a single loss. She is currently ranked number one in Ghana and 50th globally out of 170 competitors in her division
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 26, 2024 | Ghana, Other Sports
Dr. Austin Luguterah, Head of the University of Ghana Sports Directorate, has expressed optimism about the potential of sports and education in Ghana, particularly among the youth. Speaking at the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Right To Dream Academy, he commended the institution for its exceptional work in developing talent, producing international stars like Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United), Ernest Nuamah (Olympique Lyon), and Ibrahim Osman (Feyenoord).
Dr. Luguterah urged stakeholders to adopt similar models to empower young talents, emphasizing the transformative power of sports in society. “Modern sports has evolved beyond the pitches; it is now a tool to influence society positively,” he stated.
The event also featured Alex Asiedu, CEO of Right To Dream Academy Ghana, as a keynote speaker.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 26, 2024 | Ghana, Other Sports
Awal Mohammed, a student of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), emerged victorious in the inaugural 2024 Iron Forge Functional Fitness National Competition. Held last Sunday at the Idrowhyt Events Centre in Dansoman, Awal accumulated 68 points to claim the top prize, including GHS 1,500 cash, two trophies (one to keep and one for next year’s defense), a medal, a certificate, and various sponsor products.
The two-day event saw 12 athletes from five regions competing in strength, speed, power, endurance, and bodyweight categories, much to the delight of an energetic crowd.
Charles Adamah, a former University of Education, Winneba student and fitness instructor, secured second place with 59 points. His efforts earned him GHS 1,000, a trophy, a medal, a certificate, and sponsor rewards. Determined Isaac Amoako of the Ashanti Region claimed third with 53 points, winning GHS 700, a medal, a certificate, and other prizes.
Isaac Ewusi (Central Region) and Isaac Owusu (Kumasi) rounded out the top five in fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
Awal Mohammed, a bodybuilder and sports enthusiast, expressed gratitude to Functional Fitness League Ghana for the platform, emphasizing the importance of regular competitions to keep athletes active and motivated.
Nana Adu Mankatta, President of Sports For All Federation, commended the athletes for their performance, urging them to train harder for future opportunities, including international representation.
Ms. Wendy Naa Deidei Sampah, a technical officer, highlighted the growing appeal of functional fitness and encouraged more youth participation. Meanwhile, Mr. Charles Owusu Ansah, President of Functional Fitness League Ghana, thanked sponsors and the media for their contributions to the event’s success.
Final Rankings:
12th: Frank Mensah (16 points)
11th: Cletus Bannerman (18 points)
10th: Shadrach Yeboah (20 points)
9th: Philip Bandele (23 points)
8th: Shaibu Tijani (Northern Region, 28 points)
7th: Francis Addo (41 points)
6th: Abdulai Adams (45 points)
5th: Isaac Owusu (Ashanti Region, 51 points)
4th: Isaac Ewusi (Central Region, 51 points)
3rd: Isaac Amoako (Ashanti Region, 53 points)
2nd: Charles Adamah (Accra, 59 points)
1st: Awal Mohammed (KNUST, 68 points)
Sponsors: Denzgate, Greystone Gym, Afrofit Global Foundation, Forte Commodities Ltd, Kofas Enterprise, SKOF, Fit Trip, Health & Fitness Matters, Ice Drop, Neurkies Hub, and Sunda International.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 25, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Nigeria, Other Sports
More than 1,000 athletes are set to participate in the inaugural Ajegunle Youth Marathon on Saturday, November 30, according to the event organizers.
The marathon’s activities commenced with a VIP race held the previous Saturday, featuring notable personalities, political leaders, and celebrities. The 2.5-kilometer VIP race started at the Ifelodun Local Council Development Area and concluded at the Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government Secretariat.
The event was officially flagged off by Oba Moroof Amodu-Tijani (Amore III), the Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom, along with representatives of the local councils. Oba Amodu-Tijani highlighted the marathon’s role in promoting peace, unity, and harmony across Ajegunle’s diverse ethnic and religious communities.
“This marathon will help unify our diverse groups and promote a spirit of togetherness. We appreciate the National Youth Council of Nigeria for this brilliant initiative,” he remarked.
Isaac Moses, the project leader for the Ajegunle City Youth Marathon, shared key details about the main event. He confirmed the participation of over 1,000 runners and assured attendees of robust security arrangements involving the Nigerian Police, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the Federal Road Safety Commission. He also mentioned that the Lagos State Ministry of Health would provide two ambulances for medical emergencies, while free health checks would be available for attendees.
Isaac Omoleye, the Coordinator of the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Ajeromi/Ifelodun, emphasized the marathon’s goal of promoting fitness, fostering unity, and showcasing the hidden talents within the Ajegunle community.
The main race will start at Maracana Stadium and finish at the Nigerian Army Signals Barracks Sports Ground, Mile 2, Lagos.
