by Silas Boahene | Jul 21, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Europe, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Samson Deen, President of the National Paralympic Committee-Ghana, has firmly denied authorizing the travel of a group of Ghanaian para-athletes to Norway for the Bergren Marathon. Addressing the controversy surrounding the reported death of an alleged team member in Oslo, Deen clarified that his signature was forged on the visa application letter used by the supposed Ghanaian representatives.
A letter from the Ministry of National Security to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration reported that para-athlete Nana Antwi had been detained by Norwegian security officials. However, Deen disclaimed any knowledge of the individuals mentioned in the letter, emphasizing that neither he nor the National Paralympic Committee-Ghana had any involvement in their visa applications.
“We want to make things clear that the Ghana Paralympic Team have not applied for a visa, never have anybody, never has the NPC-Ghana, never have I signed any letter for and on behalf of the Ghana Paralympic Team and never have we or any of our assigns or officers of the Ghana Paralympic Team or the NPC-Ghana have applied for a visa at the Norwegian Embassy. What you have seen in the media is a forged letter,â Deen stated.
He urged the public not to associate the viral pictures and stories with any members of the Ghana Paralympic Team, as the individuals in the photos are not involved in the incident. “The letters that were sent with my signature on it were forged,” he reiterated.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 21, 2024 | Africa, Basketball, Europe, International, USA
A movie could someday be made about the South Sudan basketball team, which added another dramatic chapter to its story on Saturday night in front of an electrified crowd at the O2 Arena.
LeBron James made a crucial driving layup with eight seconds left, helping Team USA narrowly avoid a historic upset with a 101-100 victory over South Sudan.
Former Charlotte Hornets forward JT Thor hit a three-pointer with 20 seconds remaining, giving South Sudan a chance at victory. However, they were unable to convert in the final seconds, despite two attempts.
The Bright Stars, as they are known, will make history as the first team to represent South Sudan in the Olympics when they arrive in Paris next week. They provided Team USA with a serious challenge, showing no fear against their highly regarded opponents.
South Sudan led by as many as 16 points and threatened to pull off one of the biggest upsets in international basketball history before Team USA staged a comeback.
LeBron James, who might be interested in buying the movie rights to the South Sudan story, was determined not to be part of the losing side. He took control when the U.S. was in trouble, scoring 25 points and playing a key role in a 23-5 run from late in the third quarter to early in the fourth. A powerful dunk that led to a three-point play and a clutch three-pointer were among his standout plays. Steph Curry also contributed with two three-pointers, ending a stretch where Team USA missed 14 of 15 triples, which had contributed to their deficit.
South Sudan showcased its collective athleticism and fearlessness, with many players being descendants of refugees who grew up in North America or Australia.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 21, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Ghanaian table tennis sensation Israel Aklie thrilled spectators in Botswana by defeating all nine of his opponents to win gold at the ITTF-Africa Continental Hopes Championship. Aklie’s impressive victories included scores of 3-0, 3-2, 3-1, and multiple 3-0 wins against competitors from Uganda, Tunisia, Rwanda, Botswana, and South Africa. His performance brings to mind the glory days of E.A. Quaye and Ethel Jacks, highlighting the potential for Ghana to recapture its former table tennis prowess.
With this victory, Israel Aklie has earned the opportunity to represent Africa at the ITTF World Hopes program, scheduled to take place in Asuncion, Paraguay, from November 1-7, 2024.
In the girlsâ category, Ghana’s Juanita Borteye secured a bronze medal.
According to the ITTF, “The Hopes Program is the ITTFâs talent identification program, which unites players and coaches from across the globe. It is a core pillar of ITTFâs Sports Development pathways, targeting global reach and overall growth of table tennis.”
by Silas Boahene | Jul 21, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, USA
Former Ghana lightweight champion Benjamin âDaddy Lumbaâ Lamptey is set to fight in a super lightweight 6-round match against undefeated Puerto Rican southpaw Mathew Gonzalez on Saturday night. The bout will take place on the undercard of Danny âSwiftâ Garciaâs Swift Promotions fight show at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, USA.
Another Ghanaian fighter, Patrick âMalletâ Okine, will also return to the ring in a super lightweight 8-round match against undefeated Canadian globetrotter Helmand Meran Alekozai. This fight will mark Alekozai’s appearance in his seventh country in just his 14th professional bout, also at the 2300 Arena.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 21, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Former national Super Featherweight champion Alfred Lamptey (13-1-0) has revealed that after dropping out of school in class four, he turned to boxing, which became his path to success, mentorship, and championship titles. Lamptey has won several prestigious titles, including the Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) African Featherweight title, West African Boxing Union (WABU) Featherweight title, WBC Youth Silver Super Featherweight title, and WBO Youth Super Featherweight title.
In an interview on “The Big Fight Night” on Omashi TV last Friday, Lamptey credited his local manager, Alex Ntiamoah-Boakye, and Coach Ebenezer Adjei for guiding his career since his teenage years. Together, they are planning for even greater challenges ahead.
Lamptey, now 22, trains at the Black Panthers Gym in James Town and cites American boxer Devin Haney as his favorite. He fondly recalled winning the Boxer of the Year award at the SWAG Awards in 2022 as his most memorable moment. He also mentioned Tanzanian boxer Iddi Kayumba, whom he knocked out in the tenth round, as his toughest opponent to date.
Lamptey shared that he was previously known by nicknames such as ‘Black Spider’ and ‘Bukom Bomber,’ but is now called ‘ShowTime,’ a moniker given to him by fellow boxer Sheriff Quaye, also known as ‘One Time.’
Reflecting on his amateur career, Lamptey explained that he did not fight many amateur bouts due to the lack of recognition and exposure amateur boxers often face in Ghana.
He advised young boxers to prioritize education and to train diligently and consistently.
