by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 27, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Six prominent disability sports organizations in Ghana have received sports kits to support their activities and competitions, courtesy of the Captain Barron Foundation. The items, including jerseys, football boots, bibs, and gloves, were presented by Madam Ann Marrie on behalf of the foundation.
The beneficiaries are Mighty Football Club, Ghana Deaf Football Association, Ghana Blind Football Association, Ayawaso CP Football Club, Ghana Amputee Football, Up and Shine Foundation, and Special Olympics.
Madam Marrie emphasized the foundation’s commitment to empowering disability sports entities, enabling them to compete in their respective disciplines without discrimination. She highlighted the values of resilience, inclusion, and the joy of participation that the foundation promotes.
The sports kits, provided by Brentford Football Club and distributed by Captain Barron Foundation, mark a significant step toward supporting Ghana’s para-sports community. Mr. Isaac Anaman from the foundation assured that this is just the beginning of their efforts, with plans for more substantial future interventions to uplift athletes with disabilities.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 27, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Seventeen-year-old Mathias Ashitey delivered Ghana’s second win at the 2024 International Boxing Association (IBA) World Youth Championship in Budva, Montenegro, with a commanding 4-1 triumph over Israel’s Maik Eliyahu Tayber. This victory propels Ashitey into the round of 16 in the flyweight (51 kg) division.
Ashitey’s success comes after Ghana’s mixed start, with the Black Rockets winning just one out of their first four bouts. Ghana’s six-member team, participating in the event for the first time, is led by head coach Charles Quartey. Notably, 18-year-old Ebenezer Ankrah also secured a win in the lightweight (60 kg) division, advancing to the last 32.
Despite a few early exits for other Ghanaian boxers, Ashitey and George Nii Nortey Dowuona (who received a bye in the minimum weight category) are now vying for spots in the quarter-finals. Ankrah is also aiming for a spot in the last 16 as the tournament progresses.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 27, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Other Sports
Dignity Do The Right Thing (DTRT), a leading apparel manufacturer, hosted its third annual Sports Day on October 26 at Accra’s Eden Heights Sports Complex. The event attracted over 6,000 participants, including staff, management, and stakeholders, and focused on team-building and employee wellness.
Highlights of the day included competitive matches in football, volleyball, and E-sports between DTRT’s Tema and Accra branches. The football tournament was a standout, showcasing high levels of sportsmanship, while volleyball offered thrilling displays of skill and strategy. The E-sports section buzzed with activity as players engaged in fast-paced virtual competitions.
Co-CEOs Skip Richmond and Marc Hansult emphasized the company’s dedication to employee welfare, teamwork, and giving back to Ghana’s sports community. Richmond noted that DTRT has supported the nation’s women’s football team and plans to continue investing in local sports development.
In addition to hosting events like Sports Day, DTRT supports its employees through competitive wages, transportation, meals, and medical care, along with workforce training programs to cultivate local talent.
The day concluded with an awards ceremony, music, and celebrations of DTRT’s rapid growth and continued commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 25, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Other Sports
PFL heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou recently opened up about the immense grief he endured following the passing of his young son, Kobe, earlier this year. Ngannou admitted that, in the depths of his sorrow, he questioned whether he would ever fight again. He returned to mixed martial arts in a highly anticipated showdown against Renan Ferreira, where he secured a victory with a powerful takedown and ground-and-pound, capturing the PFL heavyweight title.
In a post-fight interview, Ngannou revealed that the heartbreak almost led him to retire from fighting. He explained the emotional turmoil that filled his thoughts, wondering if his family’s misfortune was an unlucky streak or even a curse. “This was by far the hardest training camp of my life,” he shared, noting the struggle to keep going while grieving.
Ultimately, Ngannou found strength in his late son’s memory. He dedicated the victory to Kobe, viewing his return as a way to honor him. “Fighting gave me something to focus on, a chance to fight for him, even if he couldn’t be here to see it,” he reflected.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Oct 25, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Other Sports
Dana White recently shared his stance on Francis Ngannou’s departure from the UFC, suggesting that Ngannou left for financial gain and to avoid facing Jon Jones. White revealed that he nearly cut Ngannou from the UFC roster following two consecutive losses early in his career, but was convinced by a colleague to keep him. The two have had ongoing tensions since Ngannou left the UFC after contract disagreements, despite White reportedly offering him $8 million. Ngannou, now with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), recently made a successful MMA return and a high-profile boxing debut against Tyson Fury. Despite a split decision loss to Fury, Ngannou reportedly earned $10 million, followed by another $20 million from his subsequent match with Anthony Joshua.
Ngannou’s current PFL contract allows him to pursue boxing, a deal White has criticized, claiming Ngannou would have made more if he stayed in the UFC. White also downplayed the PFL’s popularity, comparing it to his Power Slap venture and questioning the organization’s viability in contrast to the UFC. He emphasized that Power Slap’s social media reach and engagement figures significantly surpass those of the PFL, suggesting the UFC has no reason to collaborate with its competitor.
