by Silas Boahene | Feb 26, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
The Ghana Tennis Federation (GTF) has officially announced the lineup for the upcoming 13th African Games, known as Accra 2023. The tournament will take place at the Tennis Center of the new Borteyman Sports Complex from March 15th to March 23rd, 2024. The selected players, referred to as the Golden Rackets (Males) and Diamond Rackets (Females), aim to represent Ghana with distinction.
Chosen by the technical and executive body in consultation with captains Frederick Egyir and Rachard Ayi Dartey, the Golden Rackets comprise Abraham Asaba, Isaac Nortey, Samuel Antwi, Johnson Abban (host wild card), and Lameck Bagerbaseh (host wild card). The Diamond Rackets feature Ruth Crawford, Elizabeth Bagerbaseh, Sisu Makena Tomegah, and Tracy Armah.
Madam Zenabu Sulemana and Mr. Henry Boni Quarshie will serve as their coordinators.
President of GTF, Mr. Isaac Duah, shared that the team underwent non-residential camping on January 20, 2024, training at the Accra Sports Stadium before transitioning to residential camping in Cape Coast on February 15, 2024.
Mr. Duah extended best wishes to the team, inviting tennis enthusiasts to support the players at Borteyman and expressing hopes for medal victories. He praised the Borteyman Tennis Courts, emphasizing the need for proper maintenance to facilitate Ghana hosting more international tennis competitions.
As the deputy treasurer of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Mr. Duah, whose tenure has been recognized by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), anticipates a successful showcase at the 13th African Games scheduled from March 8th to 23rd, 2024.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 26, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Mr. Mohammed Sahnoon, President of the Ghana Cycling Association (GFA), expresses optimism regarding the performance of the nation’s top cyclists at the upcoming 13th African Games, hosted in Ghana.
Acknowledging the challenges faced in assembling the best Ghanaian cyclists and selecting appropriate training routes and venues, Mr. Sahnoon remains confident that the team is on track for a successful event.
As the Secretary-General of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Mr. Sahnoon believes the cyclists, numbering 20 (12 men and 8 women), will showcase their best, fueled by discipline and patriotism. Limited resources have been supplemented by recent support from the GOC across all disciplines participating in the games.
“We have 20 cyclists for the games. 12 men and 8 women. They are training hard with limited resources augmented recently by GOC support to all disciplines in the games. We are very hopeful to achieve some medals in the upcoming games. At this material time, the games venue at Olebu is yet to be fixed. MOYS and LOC are on it as I understand,” he stated.
The Secretary-General of the GCA, Mr. Mohammed Shabaan, shares this optimism and highlights the collaborative effort with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which has formed a team to ensure the cycling venue is well-prepared.
Miss Elizabeth Alhassan Gyamfi, media liaison officer of the GCA, commended the commitment of female cyclists to the rigorous training regime. The designated venue for cycling at the Games is Ablekuma Olebu.
Mr. Dennis Moore, PRO of Ghana Cycling, expresses confidence in a successful outcome at the African Games.
Notably, cycling is among the eight disciplines classified at the 13th African Games as a qualifier for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 26, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana, International
In an impressive display of skill and determination, Ghana made a mark at the 2024 OCC Marathon held in South Africa, with three outstanding athletes securing remarkable achievements – two gold medals and one silver.
Botsyo Nkegbe, a three-time Paralympian, clinched the gold in the challenging 42 km category, showcasing his enduring excellence. Maclean Atsu Dzidzienyo, the general captain of Gogetdem Club, added to Ghana’s success by winning a silver medal in the equally demanding 42 km race.
A notable highlight of the event was the outstanding performance of Emmanuel Kwaku Gyasi, an emerging para-athlete from the Yes I Can Games. Gyasi, competing outside Ghana for the first time, secured a well-deserved gold medal in the 21 km category.
Expressing his excitement, Botsyo Nkegbe extended gratitude to sponsors, including Equity Sports Lab, GPAA, and Seymour Aabjch Foundation for Young Disabled, specifically acknowledging the support from CEO Mr. Felix. Nkegbe also thanked all well-wishers for their prayers and backing, emphasizing the significance of their encouragement.
As a former SWAG Top Personality of the Year and captain of Team Ghana at the Commonwealth Games, Nkegbe recognized the collective efforts that contributed to the success of Ghana’s para-athletes on the international stage.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 26, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Europe, Ghana, International, Other Sports, Soccer
Mr. Isaac Duah, the Chef de Mission for Team Ghana at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has revealed that as of now, no Ghanaian athlete has successfully qualified. However, he expressed confidence that some athletes will have the opportunity to secure qualification during the 13th African Games.
Addressing journalists at the Accra Sports Stadium, Mr. Duah shared that the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) is optimistic about the chances of athletes making the cut in eight disciplines, including athletics, badminton, cycling, tennis, table tennis, triathlon, swimming, and wrestling, during the upcoming African Games.
Highlighting the importance of support, he urged Ghanaians to rally behind the Black Queens, especially since their male counterparts, the Black Meteors, faced challenges in advancing. Mr. Duah mentioned that the GOC has already established training camps in Strasbourg for Team Ghana and is ready to accommodate qualifiers.
Affectionately known as ‘Abe,’ Mr. Duah remained hopeful that Ghana would secure qualifications for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
While acknowledging boxer Samuel Takyi’s bronze medal achievement at the 2020 Olympic Games, where boxing, athletics, judo, swimming, and weightlifting were represented, Mr. Duah pointed out that Takyi is set to lead the squad at the World Boxing Qualifiers. It’s noteworthy that boxing is not a qualification event at the African Games.
Title suggestion: “Chef de Mission Confirms No Ghanaian Athlete Qualified for Paris 2024, Optimistic About African Games”
by Silas Boahene | Feb 26, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports, Soccer
Mr. Ernest Danso, the Chef de Mission (CDM) for Team Ghana at the upcoming 13th African Games, has highlighted the rigorous preparation of over 500 Ghanaian athletes as they gear up for the continental multi-sports festival starting on March 3, 2024.
Having been in camp in Cape Coast since January 9, the national athletes have now shifted to the Games Village at the University of Ghana, Legon, to continue their training. Simultaneously, the facilities earmarked for the games are undergoing testing.
While an international Handball event unfolds at Borteyman, the University of Ghana is set to host a national inter-school athletics competition.
Acknowledging initial challenges, Mr. Danso remains optimistic that Team Ghana will overcome setbacks and vie for medals at the Games, emphasizing that despite being a significant challenge, an agreement has been reached among all involved parties.
This edition marks the first time Ghana is hosting the African Games, welcoming approximately 3500 elite athletes from 50 countries, making it a historic event since its inception in 1965.
Ghana will be participating in 30 events, including football, athletics, boxing, badminton, cycling, swimming, tennis, table tennis, and triathlon.
Reflecting on the previous 12th edition in Rabat, Morocco, where Ghana secured a total of 13 medals, placing 15th on the medals table, CDM Danso is hopeful for a more impressive performance. Ghana clinched its first gold medal in the women’s high jump and also claimed victory in the Men’s 4×100 event.
With the ambition to surpass the previous medal count, CDM Danso envisions Ghana securing more than 30 medals at the Accra 2023 African Games.
