Sports
Decathlon Ghana reaffirms commitment to enhancing Ghana’s sporting industry
Global sports retailer brand Decathlon Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the Ghana’s sporting industry at both grassroots and national levels.
Since its entry into the Ghanaian market in 2017, Decathlon Ghana has partnered with a wide range of organisations across various sporting fields and industries, aimed at giving Ghanaians the opportunity to love their sports more than ever before.
Speaking at the media launch of the company’s 8th anniversary celebrations on Wednesday at the Decathlon store in Accra Mall, Events and Brands Manager at Decathlon Ghana, Thompson Agbodo, stated that Ghana is a rich sporting nation with diverse talents that, when harnessed and given the right attention and support, can showcase the country to the rest of the world.
Sports organizations such as the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and its clubs, the Ghana Basketball Association and its clubs, the Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG), as well as various keep-fit clubs, have felt the impact of the company’s eight-year presence in Ghana.
While elaborating on how Decathlon’s involvement in Ghanaian football has evolved, shifting from retail to direct partnerships with key events and federations, he revealed their recent involvement in the Women’s Premier League and FA Cup finals at the University of Ghana Stadium, where they recognised standout players with awards.
“We have come a long way; beyond just supplying gear, we now stand shoulder to shoulder with Ghanaian athletes, offering not only products but also visibility, encouragement, and technical support,” he said.
On his part, the Business-to-Business and Reseller Leader at Decathlon Ghana, Mr. Mawuli Kofi Agato, noted that while football remains a focal point, Decathlon’s support extends to less mainstream sports as well.
They are committed to assisting clubs and associations in these areas through affordability initiatives.
“Many football clubs struggle to purchase equipment in bulk. We have significantly reduced costs to help them operate more efficiently. Our aim is to ensure that every sport beyond just football has the opportunity to thrive,” he added.
Ms. Francisca Arhin, Decathlon’s E-commerce Manager, emphasised the use of technology to enhance accessibility and inclusivity, stating that their platforms make it easier for everyday Ghanaians to access quality sportswear and equipment without facing barriers.
To celebrate the anniversary, Decathlon launched a 10-day sports themed event from May 21 to June 1, featuring activities designed for families and sports enthusiasts.
These activities include free equipment servicing and customization, discounts of up to 50% on Adidas products, weekend family games, and free delivery of products purchased within Accra.
She stressed that these activities are part of a broader initiative to cultivate a sporting culture at the community level.
Sports
Follow official procedures when making donations to the club – Hearts of Oak to fans
Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club has reminded its supporters and well-wishers to follow official procedures when making donations to the club.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the club said it appreciates the continuous support shown by individuals and groups toward its teams, including the Senior Boys Team, Auroras, Oak Ladies and Royal Oaks.
However, management expressed concern over unsolicited donations and public fundraising activities outside the club’s structures.
It noted that while goodwill is welcome, all forms of support must be routed through the Supporter Liaison Office at the club’s secretariat.
According to the statement, the welfare of the teams is the responsibility of management, and any attempt to bypass established protocols undermines transparency and accountability.
The club stressed that donations not channeled through the official process would not be accepted by team officials or coaching staff.
Hearts of Oak assured supporters that it remains committed to building a united club culture based on professionalism, discipline and respect.
It also encouraged stakeholders to work with management to uphold the dignity of the club.
The club urged the public to contact the Supporter Liaison Office through the secretariat for inquiries and support,
By: Jacob Aggey
Sports
Armwrestling: Immigration, Prisons meet African champions
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and Ghana Prisons Service (GPS) in separate ceremonies have welcomed officers of both security institutions who recently returned from Abuja, Nigeria after participating in the 14th Africa Armwrestling Championship.
The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mr. Patience Baffoe Bonnie, and the leadership of the Service, were present to congratulate the champions, Daniel Acquah (four gold medals), Mabel Yeboah (four gold medals) and Henry Otoo (two silver, two bronze), on their impressive performances.
The champions presented their medals to the Director-General, and shared their experiences and insights with the top officials.
During the meeting, the Director-General of the GPS, Mrs Baffoe Bonnie, expressed her excitement about the potential benefits of sports for inmates.
She noted that sports could play a significant role in rehabilitation and pledged to support the development of armwrestling within the prisons service.
In a related development, the Comptroller-General of the GIS, CGI Samuel Basintale, commended his members – Edward Yamoah Asamoah (two gold medals), Blessed Abeka Nunoo (one gold, one silver, two bronze), Godwin Sackey (one gold, one silver) and referee Nii Otoo Larkyne, for the feat.
Mr Basintale promised to provide support for the development of armwrestling within the service, including training facilities, equipment, and sponsorship.
The African Armwrestling champions from the security services won a total of 20 medals out of Ghana’s 55 medal haul.
They expressed gratitude and promised to continue promoting the sport and inspiring others to take up armwrestling.
Mr Charles Osei Asibey, President for Ghana Armwrestling Federation, was thrilled by the promise and continuous collaborations and support for the development of armwrestling in Ghana by the security services.
—GNA
