by Silas Boahene | Mar 6, 2024 | Ghana, Other Sports
Muhammad Awinuduaffau T. Alhassan has secured victory in the first edition of Ghana’s Fitness Challenge competition organized by the Ghana Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (GBFA) at the D.G. Hathiramani Hall at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Alhassan claimed the top position with 220 points, followed by Ephram Dzamposu with 213 points. Asare Eric secured the third position with 208 points, and Jeremiah Edem Mawusi secured the fourth position with 204 points in the male category.
In the female silver category, Portia Tekpor emerged as the first-place winner with 295 points, followed by Doris Nartey with 245 points. Ramatu Mbame earned 199 points for the third position, and Rashida Abubakar secured the fourth place with 188 points.
Abdul Hayye Yartey, President of GBFA, highlighted the importance of physical activities for improving health and urged Ghanaians to prioritize their well-being.
Alhassan expressed gratitude to the organizers for providing an opportunity for athletes to showcase their skills. He emphasized the need for continued hard work to maintain his title.
Tekpor, the female winner, expressed surprise at her victory and thanked God for the strength to endure the competition.
The inaugural Fitness Challenge aimed to promote physical activity and health awareness, providing a platform for athletes to compete and showcase their dedication to fitness.
by Silas Boahene | Mar 6, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Excitement is building among Ghanaian athletes as Accra prepares to host the 13th African Games. With the opening ceremony approaching, athletes are fine-tuning their preparations for this prestigious continental event, eager to compete on home turf.
While Chef de Mission Ernest Danso is yet to confirm the final roster of nearly 500 Ghanaian athletes, several sporting federations have already submitted their teams. The Ghana Football Association leads with a contingent of 40 players, followed by Ghana Athletics with 36 athletes and the Ghana Table Tennis Association with 10 players showcasing their skills on home soil.
Despite the anticipation, concerns linger about ticket availability, with the Local Organising Committee yet to announce pricing and availability. The recent arrival of teams from various African nations adds to the excitement, with athletes expected from 49 participating countries.
The early start of the badminton competition on March 4 provides athletes with valuable time to acclimate to the environment and foster their competitive spirit. With eight disciplines serving as qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the stakes are high for Team Ghana. This represents their final opportunity to secure a place on the Olympic stage, adding extra motivation and significance to their performance on home soil.
During the inauguration of the University of Ghana Stadium, Minister of Youth and Sports Mustapha Ussif expressed optimism about Ghana’s historic moment hosting the African Games for the first time. He highlighted the journey leading up to this milestone and emphasized the lasting legacy the modern sporting venues would leave for future generations.
Minister Ussif recognized the importance of collaboration, thanking all stakeholders, including the government, partners, sponsors, and local communities for their steadfast support. He called on corporate Ghana to seize the opportunity to become sponsors, emphasizing the significant impact of the event on both national and continental levels.
Chairman of the LOC, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, hailed the University of Ghana Stadium as the “heart and nerve center” of the African Games. The facility is set to host athletics, football, and rugby events during the Games, contributing to the overall success of the event. Dr. Ofosu-Asare also encouraged public servants to wear specially designed African Games T-shirts on a designated day, emphasizing national unity and support for the event.
by Silas Boahene | Mar 6, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Mustapha Ussif, the Minister for Youth and Sports, has addressed misconceptions surrounding the $47 million operational budget allocated for the Accra 2023 African Games. Ghana is hosting the African Games for the first time, welcoming over 13,000 participants from 55 African countries, including athletes, technical officials, volunteers, and guests.
Mustapha Ussif clarified that the $47 million budget is not limited to the period from March 8 to March 23 but encompasses the comprehensive operations of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). The budget covers various aspects of organizing the competition, starting from the formation of the LOC in October 2020.
Key areas of expenditure outlined by Ussif include technical meetings with TCAG (Technical Coordination and Advisory Group), guideline preparation, rules and regulations development, sensitization, games management system, accommodation for participants, internal transportation, airfare for officials, catering services, security, allowances, accreditation, medical equipment, medals, office rent, logistics, equipment purchase, anti-doping services, and members’ allowances.
The minister emphasized that unlike in football, where the Confederation of African Football covers team accommodation, the host country bears the cost of hotel bills for all participating football teams. This expense is also included in the overall budget.
Ussif highlighted the significant benefits of hosting the African Games, such as improved sports facilities and extensive international exposure. Despite being regarded as an expensive tournament due to its multiple sports disciplines and widespread participation, hosting the African Games offers host nations valuable long-term advantages.
by Silas Boahene | Mar 6, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
The national Table Tennis team of Ghana, known as the Black Loopers, experienced a disappointing start to the African Games 2023 in Accra, with all members being eliminated in the opening round of the singles competition. Despite a promising beginning in the women’s singles, Ghana’s lack of preparation became evident in subsequent results.
Celia Baah Danso secured Ghana’s first win of the day with a three-set victory over Kenya’s Nasimuyu Lisa in the women’s singles. However, her triumph was short-lived as she faced elimination in the next round against Algeria’s Nasri Malisa. Bernice Borquaye and Eva Adom-Amankwaa added to Ghana’s victories, but the team’s overall performance was hindered by subsequent losses.
In the men’s singles, 15-year-old Israel Aklie, considered one of Ghana’s brightest tennis prospects, suffered a surprising first-round exit against Nigeria’s Matthew Kuti. The Ghanaian struggled to handle Kuti’s signature spin hits and made several unforced errors.
Despite some positive moments, including victories by Samuel Akayade and Emmanuel Commey, Ghana faced significant challenges in the men’s singles. Team captain Bernard Joe Sam had an uncharacteristically meek performance, leading to a straight-sets loss against Egypt’s Adel Mohamed Shouman Mohamed.
The men’s singles round of 32 witnessed Samuel Akayade’s tournament ending with a loss to Algeria’s Stephan Laurent, while Emmanuel Commey faced defeat against DR Congo’s Idowu Saheed in three straight sets.
The overall performance signals a tough start for Ghana’s Table Tennis team at the African Games, prompting the need for strategic adjustments and renewed focus in upcoming competitions.
by Silas Boahene | Mar 6, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
In a highly anticipated bout, undefeated Ghanaian boxer Faisal Abubakar secured victory over Ugandan boxer Latibu Muwonge to claim the WBO Africa Super Lightweight Championship on Sunday. Abubakar, also the reigning National Super Lightweight champion in Ghana, demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the 12 intense rounds, earning a unanimous decision from the judges.
The judges’ scores reflected the dominance of Abubakar in the ring, with scores of 116-112, 120-108, and 118-110 in his favor. This victory marked the end of Muwonge’s five-year unbeaten streak, which included securing the ABU Africa title.
After the fight, Muwonge graciously acknowledged Abubakar’s win and expressed his willingness to return to Ghana for another bout. He congratulated his opponent and conveyed appreciation to the people of Ghana for their support.
Abubakar, popularly known as ‘Puncho,’ extended his undefeated record to an impressive 16-0, with 13 knockouts. During his post-fight remarks, he credited his coaches for their guidance, emphasizing the effectiveness of their strategies in the ring. Abubakar’s focus on using his left hand proved successful, paving the way for a commanding performance.
With this significant win, Faisal Abubakar has moved one step closer to earning a coveted world title shot, showcasing his potential on the international boxing stage.
