Sports
Black Belt Hall of Fame honour for Dr Spio-Gabrah
Ghanaian politician and former Minister for Communications, Dr Ekow Spio-Gabrah, has been incorporated into the Hall of Fame and presented with an Honourary Black Belt at the 2022 African Goju Awards Ceremony held in Accra on Saturday.
The gesture was in recognition of his contribution towards the growth of martial arts in the country.
Speaking after the presentation, Dr Spio-Gabrah expressed appreciation to African Goju for the recognition, believing that it would go a long way to motivate young ones to get into martial arts.
“I am excited for this honour and would take the opportunity to urge Ghanaians, especially young ones, to get involved in martial arts in order to defend themselves and their love ones,” he stated.
Several other practitioners were also incorporated into the Hall of Fame included, Duke Banson, Caroline Gwira Anane, George Hewald-Mills, Donald Gwira, Ohio-Michael Ellakhe, Henry Gwira, Patrick Mintah, Godson Oziegbe, Henry Agbode and Moses Kwesi Baiden Jnr.
Others were, Henry Laryea, Moses Boateng Mensah, Melvin Brown, Umuai Henry Lopentz, Kenneth Gwira, Reginald Gwira, Alfred Kweku Ogoe, Wellington Baiden, Ekow Ampah, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, Charles Whitaker, Amarlai Armah, Charles Ankumah, Victoria Biney Hajah, Afi Agbenyegah Nyarko and Sally Legge-Maurice.
The event also saw Patrick Mintah adjudged the Reggie Gwira Martial Artist of the Year.
He also received the Donald Gwira Breaking Award and walked away with a plaque, martial art equipment and $1,000 to support his club.
The George Hewald-Mills Kata Award went to Ohio-Michael Ellakhe, while Donald Gwira received a 7th degree belt in African Goju.
The event marked 37 years of African Goju, which was founded by Prof Danny Gwira to teach the act of self defense. Prof Gwira was also honoured by the Ghana Karate-Do Federation for being a pillar to the growth of martial arts in Ghana.
Special Guest of Honour for the event Amb. George Haldane Lutterodt commended the winners for their efforts in ensuring the sustainability of martial arts in Ghana and beyond.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has introduced minimum monthly salaries for players in the Ghana Premier League (GPL), Division One League (DOL), and the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
According to the Association, the move is part of efforts to improve the welfare of footballers and make Ghana’s domestic leagues more professional and competitive.
The decision follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the GFA and the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) ahead of the Association’s last Congress.
One key outcome of that partnership was the introduction of a standard contract for professional players, which has already been implemented by Premier League clubs.
After further discussions with the clubs, the GFA and its partners agreed that players in the Ghana Premier League will now earn a minimum net monthly salary of GHS 1,500.
Players in the Division One League and the Women’s Premier League will each receive a minimum of GHS 700.
The new salary structure will apply to all contracts signed during the next registration window. However, for players already under contract, the new rates will take effect at the start of the 2026/2027 league season.
The GFA explained that the introduction of minimum salaries is a major step toward protecting the welfare of players and ensuring fair compensation for their talent and hard work.
It added that the decision is aimed at raising standards in local leagues, strengthening the value of Ghanaian football, and creating a more professional and sustainable future for players and clubs.
Attention will be at the Golden City Park in Berekum tomorrow as Hearts of Oak lock horns with Berekum Chelsea FC in a Ghana Premier League Matchday 6 game that promises an electrifying atmosphere.
Lying sixth on the league table with two wins and three draws, the Phobians visit a ground that has been favourable to them in recent times. In their last three visits to the Golden City Park, Hearts have amassed seven out of nine points, putting them in strong contention to win.
Head Coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani says, “The team is making progress in its tactical identity despite the lack of goals, and this is something we are working on ahead of this game.”
Hearts will come face-to-face with former coach Samuel Boadu, whose side lies a distant 13th on the league table with a win and a draw from four games. Coach Boadu is yet to celebrate a victory over the Phobians since joining the Berekum lads and would hope this fixture marks a turnaround.
Ninth-placed Vision FC would trek to the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem to play Bechem United, while new boys Hohoe United host Aduana FC at the Hohoe Sports Stadium.
Returnees Swedru All Blacks will welcome Basake Holy Stars to the Swedru Sports Stadium, with defending league champions Bibiani Gold Stars staying put at their backyard, the Dun’s Park, to welcome second-placed Heart of Lions FC on Monday.
Today at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa, Medeama SC will clash with Samartex FC in a Western derby. Other games scheduled for today would see Eleven Wonders FC host Karela United at the Swedru Sports Stadium, while Dreams FC face Nations FC at the Tuba Astro Turf.
By Raymond Ackumey
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