Nsoatreman FC, Legon Cities FC, and Bofoakwa Tano FC have already secured their places in the semi-finals

The outstanding spot in the MTN FA Cup semi-finals will be decided on Thursday, 2nd May 2024, as Dreams FC and Soccer Intellectuals FC finally contest their rescheduled quarter-final match.

The clash was postponed due to Dreams FC’s commitments in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The Ajumako-based Division One League side, Soccer Intellectuals will travel to the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu to challenge the defending FA Cup champions for a spot in the competition’s final four.

Nsoatreman FC, Legon Cities FC, and Bofoakwa Tano FC have already secured their places in the semi-finals.

The winner of the Dreams FC vs. Soccer Intellectuals FC match will join them, with all semi-final fixtures to be played between the 10th and 13th May 2024, with venues yet to be confirmed.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Young Ghanaian light heavyweight, Jon Power, also known as Jonathan Mbanugu has thrown a challenge to champions in his weight class saying he is coming for the best.

The 21 year old Power (now 8-0, 8 KOs) gave boxing fans a good show at the Darkuman Police Station in the Ghanaian capital, when Aborigines Boxing Promotions staged a bill in memory of the late  legendary official of the GBA, J. A. Annan displaying power, skill and talent against his opponent, Jones Quarshie, a veteran of nearly 30 career fights.

The enterprising and aggressive Jon Power accelerated his speed and strength on his opponent for referee Daniel Ablometi to step in and call off the contest after 1:49 seconds in round one.

The budding youngster still maintained his 100% stoppage record started on December 24, 2023.

With the support of an equally determined young manager, Gordon Frimpong aka Osibor of Osibor Boxing Promotions and Management, Power has fought at least once every month since his debut and already scheduled to be on the card in Kumasi next month when Osibor Promotions return to the Garden City for a fight show at the Manhyia Palace, seat of the great Ashanti Kingdom and in front of the great Ashanti king, Otumfuor Osei Tutu II.

He has big dreams and this is what he told the media and fans. “I was born ready, I have been prepared and made ready to be a world champion before I made my debut. Even before I started boxing, I already knew I was ordained to be a world champion so it’s just a matter of time,” Jon Power stated at ringside following his awesome triumph.

“I know many people may not take me serious but I am ready to be a world champion today, I have watched all the top light heavyweights, from IBF, WBC, WBO, WBA fights and I can tell you I’m ready to take all of them down. It’s only a matter of time,” he added confidently.

“I am here to stay, I thank my coach for all the hard work he has instilled in me. To my fans and especially my manager I say thank you for the unrelenting support and I promise to make everyone proud,” Power said.

Gordon Frimpong’s Osibor Promotions have promised to get him a title shot in a few days to come.

“The plan is simple, make him a world champion. He was born a champion, hence the name, everybody knows he will be a champion. The power in his hand can only be compared to the great Mike Tyson, no kidding,” Mr. Frimpong expressed.

“We will provide him everything he needs to achieve his goals and I believe it will be the ultimate. He is ready to become Ghana’s new world champion, we can’t wait for the opportunity to reward our teeming fans for their unwavering support” Mr. Osibor promised.

By Sammy Heywood Okine    

Patrick Yaw Obeng, Ibrahim Suleiman, Ernest Brako Ofei and Emmanuel Appiah Kubi have been put in charge of Ghana's Paralympic athletics team and tasked with securing more medals on the international stage.

The Ghana Paralympic Committee (GPC) has announced the appointment of the four coaches as preparations for the Paris 2024 Paralympics start to take shape. Coach Ibrahim Suleiman, Ernest Brako and Patrick Yaw Obeng will focus on track events, and Emmanuel Appiah Kubi will concentrate on field disciplines.

The President of NPC Ghana, Mr Samson Deen, said the four were selected following a joint meeting with the Foster Kwartengs-led Ghana Para Athletics Association and the Head of the Technical team, David Tweneboah Koduah of the Ghana Blind Sports Association.

Ghana made its Paralympic Games début at the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens, sending three representatives to compete in two sports. In athletics, Nkegbe Botsyo took part in the men's 100m, 200m, and 400 m in the T54 category. Ajara Mohammed entered the women's 800m and the marathon, also in the T54 category. Alfred Adjetey Sowah competed in powerlifting in the men's up to 52 kg category.

Botsyo and Mohammed returned to compete again in the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, the former in the men's 100m and 200m (T54) and the latter in the women's 200m and 1,500m (T54).

No Ghanaian has ever won a medal at the Paralympic Games

Ghana took part in the 2012 Summer Paralympics, and the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana chose Bedford as the UK training base for its Paralympians.

The Ghana team will begin preparation for para athletics and para powerlifting in the cities of Boucle Nord de Seine at its pre-games training camp.

Source NPC

… Welcomes Four Para Athletes From Marrakech Grand Prix

Mr. Samson Deen, President of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Ghana has appealed to corporate Ghana to support para athletes in their planning and preparations for international competitions.

Welcoming four athletes and their coach who returned from the 2024 International Para Athletics Grand Prix in Marrakech, Morocco, he said Ghana para athletes always bring home medals, but they need to be motivated and inspire to do more and better in ruling championships.

He hailed the two medalists, experienced Zinabu Issah and Edmund Govina who participated for the first time a got a bronze the F46/F44/F68 Discus Throw with a distance of 18.04 meters which is his Personal Best (PB) and T46 Javelin Men PB 21.81m where he took 6^th position.

Zinabu Issah won two gold medals for Ghana in Discus Throw and Shot Put.

Amos Ahiagah made his PB 12.63 placing 5^th in T46 100 meters Men, T46 400 meters Men PB 1:04.02 placing 5th and T46 Long Jump Men with a PB 5.14m 6^th place, while Diana Kuubetegr also made her PB 2:50 in 42 T 46 800 meters Women which is an African record and T46 1500 Women registering a PB of 6:12.65.

Coach Ibrahim Sulemana said they could have done better with better preparations. He appealed to the media to promote para sports.

Four other coaches including Patrick Yaw Obeng, Ernest Brako Ofei were presented with classification certificates at the ceremony.

Meanwhile, the athletics team will move to camp to prepare for France for the Paris 2024 Grand Prix, which is another opportunity for Ghana to qualify and compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.  

In other News, Ghana is preparing to host the African Paralympic Committee (APC) AGM in Accra from May 16 to 18, 2024, while Tahiru Haruna will lead the Black Optimist Para Powerlifting Team to Mexico 2024 Parapan American World Cup from 23rd - 26th May 2024.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Different countries will battle to punch their Olympic tickets on May 4 and 5 in The Bahamas. This is how the events will pan out with 32 teams in each relay competition:

On the first day, 32 countries will be grouped into four (4) rounds consisting of eight countries each. The top two (2) teams in each round (4 rounds for each category), making a total of 8 will advance to the final which will take place on day two, while also securing their automatic qualification spot for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

On day two (May5), the eight top teams from day one will compete for prize money and obtain Olympic Lane seeding positions.

All other teams (24) will compete on day two in the additional round (8 countries per round) where the top two teams in each heat will also qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

The top14 teams (eight from day one and six from day two) in each event at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 will automatically qualify for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The remaining two places in each discipline will be awarded based on top lists during the qualification period (31 December 2022 to 30 June 2024).

: Some of the relay events do not have up to 32 teams and the World Athletics will see to any reshuffling that needs to be done.

©Ifeoluwa Leo
Your Sports Analyst

After the amazing performance of a five man Ghanaian Para Athletics team in Morocco who returned with two Gold and One Bronze by Zinabu Issah and Edmund Givina, the next assignment of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) is in France for the Paris 2024 Grand Prix, this is another opportunity for Ghana to compete and qualify for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

According to the media bureau of the NPC,the outstanding para athletes who went to Morocco will arrive on Wednesday,1st May and they shall join three others in Accra for camping to begin serious preparations on up coming events.

The Para Athletics Association will engage the media on Wednesday at 9:00 at the AfPC Secretariat to engage with the athletes and announce the roadmap ahead of the upcoming events.

In other News, Tahiru Haruna will lead his Black Optimist Para Powerlifting Team to Mexico 2024 Parapan American World Cup from 23rd – 26th May 2024. Watch out for more news from Mexico on the WPPO Qualification Pathway 2021-2024 Road map.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

… ‘Jojo’ Embarks on a Journey to Excellence

Joseph Awinongya Jr., aka Jojo the Boxer, is a 16 yr old Junior at St. Francis University, Joliet, Illinois. He qualified to be in the youth team and will participate in the prestigious USA Boxing Youth High Performance Training Camp. Held at the state-of-the-art Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center (CVEATC) in California, this camp is a pivotal moment in Joseph’s promising career.

The Path to Greatness

Location and Purpose

• Location: Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, Chula Vista, California
• Purpose: To elevate the skills, fitness, and techniques of young boxers preparing for international competitions.

Expert Coaching Staff

Joseph will benefit from the guidance of an esteemed coaching team:

• USA Boxing National Developmental Coach Chad Wigle (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
• Assistant Coaches:
• Debra Lagares (Rochester, N.Y.)
• Danilo Garcia (Oakland, California)
• Candice Vascocu (Bullard, Texas)
• Eric Zimmermann (Alexandria, VA)
• Jonathan Pramas (Seabrook, N.H)

Mid-Season Preparation

• The camp serves as mid-season preparation, allowing boxers to fine-tune their abilities and work collaboratively.
• Expert coaching ensures individual growth and team cohesion.

Talented Boxers to Watch

Joseph joins a select group of 25 promising boxers from different corners of the country. Noteworthy participants include:

• Marcus Luther (Washington, D.C.): Marcus is known for his powerful punches and defensive prowess in the (126 lbs).
• Malachi Ross (Kansas City, Missouri): Malachi possesses swift footwork and a strategic approach (156 lbs).
• Elijah Lugo (Marietta, Ga.): Elijah’s precision striking and ring intelligence make him a formidable contender (176 lbs).
• Mesiah Nemo (San Antonio, Texas): Mesiah’s agility and counterpunching skills set him apart (132 lbs).

Stay Updated

• Follow Joseph Awinongya Jr.'s journey on his Instagram account: @josephawinongyajr.
• Connect with USA Boxing on social media for exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes footage.

Joseph’s Ascent

Joseph Awinongya Jr. is poised to make his mark in the boxing world. The USA Boxing Youth High Performance Training Camp provides the perfect platform for him to showcase his talent, determination, and unwavering commitment.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the camp, Joseph stated, "This camp is a little bit different; no more playing around. It's a bit serious, and I like that."

Upon arrival at the camp, Joseph was greeted with a bag of boxing equipment, and clothing including Nike and Sting gear, to aid him.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

WABA is spreading its wings very fast and this time history was made in Togo when Ghanaian Ebenezer Tetteh captured the vacant Supreme Africa Heavyweight Championship by defeating Togolese Ayaovi Agbonson by TKO inside 35 second of the 5th round.

It’s truly inspiring to see dedicated trainers like Edward Otu Arthur and Emmanuel Adu-Tutu leading their athletes to victory in the heavyweight Supreme Africa WABA title.

Their commitment and hard work are essential to the success of the athletes they train.

As they set their sights on the WABA world title, we wish them continued success and hope their efforts will be rewarded with more achievements in the boxing world.

Congratulations to the team Ebenezer Tetteh for their hard work and this significant accomplishment!

Thank you Ayaovi Agbonson for your heroic display and thank TOGO for your great hospitality

They call it AFRICA…..we call it HOME

By Ricketts Kofi Darku, WABA Commissioner to West Africa

A couple of months ago, we received a special message from Carly Maloney, the 2024 Utah Teacher of the Year, who had watched the film "Black Ice" by On with her students. Mrs. Maloney teaches a course called English Language Development, which consists of multilingual learners who have recently moved to Utah. There are 6 languages spoken in her classroom (Spanish, Portuguese, Swahili, Samoan, Pashto, and English). These amazing students are navigating a new school, a new state, and, for many, a new country. She invited us to visit her school with our Power of Resilience School program, and last week, it turned into an incredible event at Viewmont High School in Bountiful, Utah with their multilingual learners. What was planned to be 30 students turned into over 150 kids aged 14-17!

We delved into essential life principles like daring to dream, stepping out of your comfort zone, believing in yourself, working hard, and never giving up. Through engaging activities and hands-on demonstrations, including movement and teamwork, we ignited a spark in each and every one of those 150+ students. They were thrilled to receive a copy of the Black Ice comic book, serving as a reminder to pursue their dreams and inspire their communities.

The highlight was hearing the students say, “You changed my life.” That’s the heart of what we do at Hope of a Billion Foundation – empowering lives, one dream at a time.

https://hopeofabillion.org

The 2nd Edition of the annual May Day Corporate Walk will be held on Wednesday, May 1, at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The annual Corporate Walk is a collaboration between Medivents Consult – Media, Public Relations, Marketing, Events Planning and Management outfit and Ghana Digital Centers.

It is part of activities marking the annual May Day celebration- a day reserved for workers.

A statement from Medivents Consult said the Walk would commence at the Accra Sports Stadium, through the Ministries, AMA Head Office, Cathedral Square to Osu Castle Road and end at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Over 500 [participants drawn from different corporate bodies are expected to participate in the 5-kilometer race.

Mr. Micheal Attitsogbui – Events Coordinator said they were seeking to improve upon the maiden edition of the walk by increasing the umber of participants and ensuring that patrons have adequate fun.

He said plans were in place to give participants adequate safety during the 5-kilometer walk.

He urged corporate bodies, and individuals to join the walk to keep fit and also

network.

The May Day Corporate Walk was an initiative of Medivents Consult and supported Ghana Digital Centers.

Source William Ezah