Boxing, Kickboxing, Judo and others fully represented at Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Retreat at Koforidua

Presidents of Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) and Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF)

Three popular combat sports that are practiced in Ghana were fully represented at the two day retreat for sports federations heads organised by the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) in koforidua, the Eastern Region

New GOC President Richard Akpokavie Esq and Director of Operations Shabaan Mohammed of Ghana Cycling Association

The event took place in a cool, calm atmosphere where intermittent downpours soothed nerves and emotions at the Eastern Premier Hotel where Abdul Razak aka ‘Commando’ came for Kickboxing, Alhaji Dauda Fuseni Vice President of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), and Mr. Abraham Kotei Neequaye President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) attended and contributed massively.

Also present was Mr. Ken Arthur. President of Ghana Judo, Mrs Joyce Mahama of Women Sports Association of Ghana (WOSPAG) and other federation heads

The retreat achieved its main objective of bringing the Presidents together and knowing each other for effective networking and learning new things.

President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Richard Akpokavie, Esq who was the host commended all who attended and promised that the next four years will see an active GOC with the involvement and inclusion of all major stakeholders.

He said disciplines like Boxing, Judo and Swimming, Taekwondo and Athletics have often been represented at the Olympic Games, hence much support must be channeled to areas that Ghanaians have comparative advantage.

Mr. Chris Essilfie of the Olympians Association led a well informed resource team including Prof. Akwasi Sarfo Kantaka, Ms. Sussie Populampu, Naa Amorkor Amarteifio and Prince Azana of WADA Ghana to lead a federations supported plan on schematic areas like putting the athletes ahead of everything or at the centre, building capacity of stakeholders and enhancing the role of women, inclusivity and transparency in leadership with passion and integrity, conflicts resolution, anti – doping, funding for sports and building strategic relationship and partnership with the IOC, WADA, NSA, government, sponsors and others.

All the attendees hailed the programme, with President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) Mr. Abraham Neequaye saying it was good to meet the presidents of other federations under one roof to share ideas and network.

Alhaji Dauda Fuseni said it was good to know exactly the problems of other federations, their challenges and achievements. He announced that the Black Rockets (national youth boxing team) were entering the finals at the African Youth Boxing Tournament in Guinea, while Abdul Razak of Ghana Kick Boxing stated that they are faced with financial and organizational challenges, however they will host the 2025 Homowo Championship in August. Mr. Ken Arthur also hinted that the Judo Association will go to Congress on June 28, 2025.

Mrs. Joyce Mahama urged all federations to give equal opportunities to their female athletes. Mr. Ernest Danso of Ghana Baseball noted that many young boys and girls are now deciding which sport they are most interested and can excel as many have chosen Baseball and they are doing very well.

Mr. Mohammed Muniru of the Swimming Association and Secretary General of the GOC said though his kids swim, he wants them to have a second sporting discipline and he thinks football is the deal.

By Sammy Heywood Okine