by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 25, 2024 | Ghana, Other Sports
The Northern Regional Pickleball Association has successfully hosted the 2024 Regional Pickleball Tournament in Tamale, attracting players and sports enthusiasts from across the region.
Led by the Association’s Northern Regional Chairman, Dr. John Stephen Agbenyo, the event aimed to boost awareness of pickleball and foster greater participation among residents.
During the tournament, Dr. Agbenyo highlighted the sport’s rapid global growth and its potential as both a recreational and competitive activity in the region. He urged Tamale residents to embrace pickleball, emphasizing its inclusivity for all age groups and skill levels.
Dr. Agbenyo also announced plans to introduce pickleball into senior high schools in the region, aiming to inspire and nurture young talent. “The future of pickleball in our region looks promising,” he said. “By introducing the game into schools, we are building a strong foundation for youth engagement and creating a pipeline of skilled players for the sport.”
The tournament featured electrifying matches, showcasing remarkable skill, teamwork, and strategy. Spectators applauded the initiative and expressed optimism about the sport’s growth in the region.
Notable results included Reggie defeating Robert in the men’s singles finals and Cynthia triumphing over Posh in the women’s singles finals. Steve secured gold in the junior veterans finals by beating Roy, while Robert and Mark teamed up to win the men’s doubles finals against Harry and Steve.
The Northern Regional Pickleball Association has pledged to continue promoting the sport through tournaments, training programs, and outreach activities, encouraging residents to join the movement and make pickleball a household name in the Northern Region.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 25, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports
Theophilus Nii Kpakpo Allotey, popularly known as “Theo Lopez,” delivered a stellar performance to defeat Isaac Aryeetey and claim the National Super Flyweight title on Saturday at the Bukom Boxing Arena. Representing the Pride of Wisdom Boxing Gym, Allotey showcased exceptional skill and determination under the guidance of his coach, Dr. Ofori Asare, fresh from a training camp in the British Cayman Islands.
The victory is historic, as Allotey, a former Ghanaian representative at the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers, has become one of the few boxers to win a national title shortly after turning professional. The win extends his undefeated professional record to six bouts, setting the stage for future continental success.
Miss Sarah Lotus Asare, Administrator of Wisdom Boxing Gym, hailed the achievement as a source of inspiration and motivation for the gym’s boxers. She announced plans to celebrate the victory by distributing educational materials to schools and communities.
Allotey secured his triumph with a seventh-round knockout and described it as the start of greater things. While his Olympic journey fell short, he remains optimistic about establishing himself in the professional ranks and aims to become a world champion, crediting his coach as a critical factor in his progress.
Unfortunately, the night’s other headline bouts, including Haruna Mohammed (“Thunder”) versus Jacob Dickson for the national cruiserweight title, and Baubali versus Soldier Boxer for the super middleweight title, were canceled due to the promoter’s inability to meet the Ghana Boxing Authority’s requirements, leaving fans disappointed.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 25, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Ghanaian lightweight boxing sensation Gabriel Coffie is gearing up for a major international bout against Canadian fighter Steven Wilcox (record: 25-4-1) on December 8, 2024. With a professional record of 11-1-2, Coffie aims to make a strong statement on the global stage.
Speaking about the upcoming fight, Coach Randy, Coffie’s trainer from the James Town Boxing Gym, expressed confidence in his fighter’s preparation and determination.
“This is the opportunity we’ve been waiting for, and we are ready to rumble. Winning this fight brings us closer to our ultimate goal: the world title,” said Coach Randy. He emphasized that Coffie has been training rigorously for this challenge and believes the fight will serve as a crucial stepping stone in Coffie’s career.
The team remains optimistic about securing a victory, which would further solidify Coffie’s status as a rising star in the lightweight division.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 23, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Professional golfers from nine African countries, including Zimbabwe, Uganda, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, are gearing up for the 2024 Genser PGA Championship, scheduled to take place at the prestigious Celebrity Golf Club in Sakumono, Ghana.
This year’s championship, the 11th edition, marks a historic milestone with Genser Energy—a leader in sustainable energy solutions—serving as the event’s new sponsor. The four-day tournament, running from November 27 to 30, will feature three categories: regular professionals, seniors, and ladies.
The competition will adhere to the rules of golf as sanctioned by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, the United States Golf Association, and the local rules of the Celebrity Golf Club. The regular professionals will compete in a 72-hole stroke play format over four days, while the seniors and ladies will participate over three days.
With a total prize purse of GHS 411,000, anticipation is high among competitors, especially Ghanaian golfers who aim to reclaim the title from Nigeria’s Sunday Oladape, the reigning champion from the last championship at Damang.
Leading Ghanaian golfers, including Kojo Barnin, Vincent Torgah, Maxwell Owusu Bonsu, Augustine Mannaseh, and Lucky Ayisah—recent winners of the Memory Lane Qualifier and Ghana Open Tournament in Kumasi—are intensifying their training in preparation for the event.
Speaking ahead of the championship, Alhaji Ahmed Padori, Director of Operations at the PGA, expressed gratitude to Genser Energy for their sponsorship, emphasizing the significance of this partnership for the growth of professional golf in Ghana. He urged local golfers to prepare thoroughly while maintaining discipline throughout the event.
Rev. Akwasi Prempeh and Eric Henaku, the past and current tournament directors of the PGA, assured the public that extensive preparations are underway to ensure the event’s success. They also thanked Genser Energy and the leadership of Celebrity Golf Club for their support, encouraging all participants to deliver their best performances.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 23, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Ghana’s sole medalist (bronze) at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, Jessie Lartey, has expressed disappointment over the lack of recognition and celebration he has received since his achievement. The former Black Bomber, now a Sergeant with the Ghana Prisons Service, shared his sentiments during an exclusive interview at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
“Boxing is my life. I believe I’m a super-talented and skillful boxer, but after the 2018 Commonwealth Games, things didn’t go as I expected,” Lartey said.
Despite his challenges, the spirited sportsman remains optimistic. “I should have turned professional a long time ago, but I felt I had to help my country. Even though it hasn’t worked out as I hoped, I haven’t lost hope because I believe all is not lost,” he added.
A past SWAG Award winner, Lartey lamented the lack of public recognition. “When I go to public places, people don’t recognize or know me, and it makes me feel bad,” he admitted.
On the causes, he attributed blame to both the media and the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF). “I blame the media and the federation. They need to work together to appreciate and promote boxing and boxers.”
Discussing the state of Ghanaian boxing and the nation’s absence from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Lartey described the situation as dire. “Ghana should have improved upon the Tokyo 2020 achievement. The preparation was poor—there was no proper camping, attention, or supervision. As youth grow, they get different ideas, so the team needed better care.”
Now a professional boxer with an unbeaten record of five bouts, including three knockouts, Lartey is eager to take on bigger fights. He appealed to boxing promoters and managers for opportunities, citing his dream of becoming a world champion. “My idol is Professor Azumah Nelson. I want to prove that after him, Ghana has produced many great boxers.”
Lartey commended the Ghana Prisons Service for supporting his participation in the Ghana Professional Boxing League and other international competitions. He also praised his trainers and the Prisons Sports Office for their encouragement.
While acknowledging challenges within amateur boxing, Lartey noted positive developments in professional boxing through initiatives like the Ghana Professional Boxing League.
“Boxing fans should expect something big from Jessie Lartey. I want to be immortalized as one of Ghana’s great boxers,” he declared.
Jessie Lartey is set to feature on the November 22 event titled “Ghana Elections: Night of Boxing and Entertainment,” organized by SEM Promotions and Freezy Macbones Promotions. Coming from a boxing family, his elder brother, Jerry Lartey of the Ghana Armed Forces, is also a boxer, both trained under Ace Coach Lartekwei Lartey at the Fit Square Boxing Gym
