Nigeria’s David Adeleye and Great Britain’s Alisha Ndukwu won Tennis Foundation’s Ghana Open Accra ITF J30 boy’s and girl’s singles title, respectively.

Nigeria’s David Adeleye won the first ITF junior title after dominating with a straight-set win over Ghana’s Kwasi Frimpong 6-3, 6-0. ‘I was dreaming of it many times. Last week I watched how Nii Ankrah lifted the title, so I wished to be in that situation one day. It’s like a dream come true for me, Daniel Adeleye said.

In the girl’s final, Alisha Ndukwu of Great Britain captured her first junior title with a win over her compatriot Grace Chinwike. Alisha Ndukwu defeated Grace Chinwike 6-1,6-7(5),6-0 to capture her first ITF juniors title in Ghana after losing the first week finals to Belgium’s Anastasia Huijsegoms.

Alisha closed the first set without facing a break point. It was that type of dominance that she carried into the final set, where she broke Chinwike three times to take a commanding 5-0 lead. Alisha sealed the win after Chinwike double faulted on her serve.

In the girl’s doubles event, Alisha Ndukwu partnered Akua Akoma EJ Hansen from Germany.  The pair were an unstoppable force as they won the girls title with a 6-4, 7-5 win over Romania’s Kenzie Ana Rabbat and India’s Srivally Varma Medishetty.

Daniel Adeleye and Ezekiel Azi won the boy’s doubles title beating Italian duo Lucas Melone and Alberto Ughes 6-2, 6-3.

Dignitaries present for the finals were, GTF vice president  Kwame Gjangba, Executive board members, Henry Bonney, Dorcas Sowah and Cedric Dzelu, GATA Chairperson Hajia Zenabu Akoto, former  GTF Chairman Mr. Eddie Annan, former board member  Mr. Prempeh Bannerman, Ghana Tennis Hall of fame inductee Kobbie Owusu Afriyie.

Story: Gabriel Amoakoh

4 Garrison Officers Mess Tennis Club over the weekend extended their unbeaten home run as they outwitted VRA, Akosombo Tennis Club 9-2, in a special friendly competition at the club.

4 Garrison put up an outstanding performance in recent times by defeating the away team 3-1 in the singles before dismissing them with a 6-1 in the doubles.

The tournament started with the men’s singles as former chairman Samuel Ampedu Kyei well known as Kyikyis set the ball rolling with a 7-2 win over John Kwasi. Tule Adongo added another win to the home team as he outclassed his opponent Isaac Narh 7–1.

Thomas Ohene Effah proved too strong for his opponent, Nana Kum Sam Awutui as he won 7-4. Richmond Kotey of VRA Tennis Club showed some glimpses of hope as he defeated Samuel Aidoo 7-3.

In the doubles events, Captain of 4 Garrison Officers Mess Tennis Club Jonathan Quartey and Ivan Wularu began well for the home team as the pair won 7-5 against Nana Kum and Acquaye. Thomas Ohene Effah and Kojo Akonia also won 7-4 against the captain of VRA Alfred and Yaw.

After losing in the singles game, Samuel Aidoo partnered Tule Adongo to outshine Richmond Kotey and Isaac Narh 7-6.

Coach Acquah and David Quao-Sarbah of 4 Garrison showed their dominance as the pair won 7-6(3) against Godfred Jackson and Daniel Aggrey.

 The rest are Samuel Taylor and George Ayoma, Alex Essuaman and Nana Attakora all picking wins for the home team. Fred Yobo and and Christain Ativor gave the away club some hope after defeating Joshua Mensah and Nana Nsiah 7-4.

By Gabby Amoako

Mr. Paul Burke, a Jamaican Politician of the Peoples National Party (PNP) and his wife, Angel Burke who is a Member of Parliament in the Opposition in Jamaica have arrived in Ghana on Thursday for a two weeks official visit.

During the fortnight stay, he will meet the Minister of Health to deliberate on some important issues including the legalization of Medicinal Cannabis, Child Education and share ideas with members of the Ghana Caribbean Association (GCA).

Madam Carol Davies - Pryce, co founder of new initiative Jamaica Affairs with Roc factory who was also at the Kotoka International Airport to welcome the Burkes with her members. She said the visit was very important as such influential personalities can contribute to strengthening ties between Ghana and Jamaica as well as the Carribbeans at large.

The Mpese family of Sowutuom was at the airport to welcome the political couple.

Nii Ayeh Mpese Congo 1, Rastafari Pan African and Diasporian Chief of the Ga State Home and Abroad and Mr. Eddy Nii Okai Keteku of Gbese.

Nii Ayeh Mpese Congo 1said they were very happy with the visit because of the cooperation between Ghana and Jamaica in the promotion of culture and business.

Nii Ofoli Tibo Akwei Osabu, Sowutuom Manste and Nii Okai Kwei, Mpese Dzaseste were also there.

Paul Burke who is in Ghana for the first time expressed surprise and joy at the welcome reception. His son is supposed to marry a member of the Mpese family, and the wedding comes off this weekend.

He was one of the few people who supported Ghana at the FIFA World Cup, but he believes in the Black Stars and still conscious that strong Africans were taken by force as slaves to the Caribbean Islands, and it is about time for reunion.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghanaian Super Featherweight boxer, Alfred Lamptey put up a classic performance to defeat Namibian, Nathan Kakololo by a unanimous decision at the Idrowhyt Events Centre last Sunday.

It was the Night of the Stars Boxing Show and Lamptey was one of the star boxers on the show.

He said after the bout that he was ready to face any contender in the world ranking.

Undefeated Lamptey (12-0) thanked Box Office Promotions for the opportunities offered him and steady plans to reach the limelight.

He noted that Kakololo was a good boxer who also put up a good show.

Also known as Show Time and Bukom Bomber, he was SWAG Boxer of the year and held many titles.

He trained recently at a South African gym with Coach Eben Adjei and believes the change in environment and strategies was worthwhile and inspiring.

"I thank my manager and all the support offered towards the future. I believe in myself, I am a boxing champion, the only thing I can do is to box and I want to be the best in my class" he said.

The Night of the Stars Boxing Show saw John Laryea defeating Solomon Martey via a TKO in round 6, Jacob Tetteh Laryea beat Emmanuel Quaye in the battle of the Chorkor boxers to claim the West African Super Welterweight title, while Daniel Gorsh overcame Michael Tagoe after they had gone the distance.

Bronx Boxing Promotions, Box Office Sports and Cabic Promotions partnered to put up the programme which was well attended.

Mr. Alex Ntiamoah Boakye, local manager of Lamptey promised to give fans of the aspiring world champion more chances to get to the Dreamland.

Mr. Jingles of Idrowhyt Events Centre and Cabic Promotions commended the boxers for putting up good display and the fans who comported themselves well.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Dutch giants AFC Ajax have handed first professionals to Ghanaian youngsters Don-Angelo Konadu and Avery Appiah, the club announced on Wednesday.

The highly-rated teenagers both signed an agreement that retroactive to April 1, 2023, and runs through to June 30, 2025.

Konadu was born in Amsterdam on May 3, 2006, and has been playing in Ajax's youth academy since 2014 and is currently part of the Ajax U17 team.

The 17-year-old striker is currently recovering from an injury.

Konadu scored 8 goals in 13 appearances for the Ajax U17 in the Division One Spring and Fall this season before his injury.

Appiah was born on April 2, 2006, in Zoetermeer in the Netherlands and is also part of the selection of Ajax U17.

The 17-year-old midfielder has been playing in Ajax's youth academy since the summer of 2020. Then he came over from the youth academy of Feyenoord after he started his education at Sparta Rotterdam.

Appiah has five goals in 20 appearances in the U17 Division One Spring and Fall this campaign and also played two games for the Ajax U18 side.

ghanasoccernet

Kpando Hearts of Lions have returned to the betPawa Premier League with six matches to end the Access Bank Division One League.

The Coronation ceremony for Heart of Lions would be held at the Kpando Park after they play A5 Rences FC on Sunday, May 7, 2023.

Heart of Lions sealed promotion on Saturday after close contenders Vision FC lost 2-0 to Attram De Visser while Semper FI fell 2-0 to Na God FC.

Heart of Lions have won 19, drawn two, and lost four of their 25 League matches to top the Zone Three table with 59 points.

Lions hold a 19-point advantage over the chasing pack who still have five League games to play.

The former Premier League side is staging a comeback to elite football after being relegated in the 2014/15 season.

Members of the Division One League Board will present them a trophy, medals, and prize money after the Matchday 26 game against A5 Rences FC at Kpando Park.

newsghana

The World Amputee Football Federation (AFF) has lifted the 12-year ban imposed on Ghana.

The decision was taken at the Extraordinary Congress of AFA last month.

A statement from the National Paralympic Committee said, “at its extraordinary congress on the 29th of April 2023, WAFA lifted the ban on Ghana’s inclusion in all Amputee Football activities”.

“The World Body accepted Ghana’s proposal for affiliation, which was submitted to Congress, and subsequently received unanimous approval.”

Mr. Samson Deen, President of the African Paralympic Committee and Ghana Paralympic Committee led the process with his able team of Mohammed Harmis Huzair and Theodore Mawuli Wiwortor to present and qualify Ghana to be accepted as a member of the World Amputee Football Association (WAFF).

“This comes as great news to the Amputee Football ffraternity in Ghana and would kickstart its programs to prepare a formidable team to participate in the upcoming Accra 2023 African Para Games.

“The new member of National Amputee Football Association has proposed to organise Amputee Football Cup as a preparatory program for a formidable team.”

Ghana is currently the African Amputee Football Champions since 2021.

newsghana

Hasaacas Ladies  recorded their eighth Southern Zone title in the 2022/23 Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League (WPL) season after beating Faith Ladies by a lone goal on matchday 18 at the Gyandu Park in Sekondi.

Going into the last game of the season, Hasmal Ladies were two points ahead of Faith Ladies and needed a win or a draw to top the zone.

Before the game, the atmosphere was charged at Sekondi as hundreds of fans came out to cheer up their favourite clubs.

It was an exciting first-half display by the two sides who were both in top form to break the deadlock in the early minutes of the game.

Hasaacas despite having a home advantage over their opponent showed calmness defensively, putting Faith Ladies’ prolific striker Maafia Nyame in a tight corner.

After an interesting 45 minutes of play, the game went barren with disappointment on the faces of the Faith Ladies supporters who needed a win to be crowned champions.

From recess, Hasaacas Ladies were dominant upfront but still could not find their way into the Faith Ladies’ defense.

74 minutes into the game, Fatuomatu Tambouri managed to dance through the back four of the visiting team to break the virginity of the game with a beautiful goal to get the champions a comfortable lead.

Fans of Hasaacas Ladies went through a rollercoaster of emotions from the time they thought Faith Ladies had almost equalised and now cementing their chances of defending their title.

After an exciting 90 minutes of action, the center referee ended the clash as Hasaacas picked up all three points to climax the season in style.

Hasaacas would now wait for the winner of the Northern Zone to battle for the Women’s Premier League title decider.

Ampem Darkoa Ladies won the Women’s Premier League title in the 2022/23 season.

News Ghana

The death has been reported in Accra on Saturday 29^th April, 2023 at the 37 Military Hospital of Madam Alice Naa Lamiley Lamptey 87, mother of former Black Stars and Accra Hearts of Oak Captain and Midfield Dynamo, Adolf Armah aka ‘Rolandanster’.

She worked with UTC for over twenty years, before starting her own business; she was also a devout member of the Nazareth Methodist Church at Mamprobi in Accra.

She was also the mother of Media Practitioner / Sports Consultant, Mr. Sammy Heywood Okine, popularly known in media circles as General One and Theo Tay who is based in the United Kingdom.

According to family sources, funeral arrangement would be announced later.

By Elizabeth Alhassan / African Sports Ghana Directorate

Emmanuel Shammah Mensah of Accra-based Young Stars Cycling Club outpaced over 50 cyclists to win the 2023 edition of the Aboakyer Festival Cycling Race at Winneba, in the Central Region.

Mensah earned a cash prize of GHC1,500. He also won the overall best of the Inter-Mediate Spring, Long Escape Spring and the Leader of the Aboakyer Race Jerseys respectively.

The one-day 65km event started from the Accra Sports Stadium to Akotia junction and ended at the Winneba taxi rank.

In an interview with the GNA Sports, Mensah expressed joy for his first victory and pledged to win more medals in future.

He said, “I am very happy that today I was able to come out as a victor in the race, the preparations I have gone through wasn’t easy at all and luckily today God has counted my efforts”.

“I am very proud of the win, and I want to use this opportunity to thank all those who supported me especially my coach, team captain and all the Young Stars Cycling riders for their believed in me.

“This is my first win for an official race, and I want to continue so that in future I would be able to win an international competition for myself and my country.

“For now, I don’t do any professional job, my focus is riding, and I would continue with my training when I get back to Accra for the upcoming competitions.”

By Rihana A.Akologo