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
Officials from the Ghana mission in the United Arab Emirates have paid a morale-boosting visit to the camp of the Black Queens.
The delegation, made up of Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto, Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai and Head of Transport Anas Shaibu, visited the team to assure them of the government’s support and commitment to their safety and welfare.
During the visit, the officials interacted with the team and offered words of encouragement, urging the team to remain focused on the tournament despite concerns surrounding unrest in parts of the UAE.
Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto emphasised that the Ghanaian government, through its diplomatic mission, is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the team’s safety throughout their stay.
“We want the team to stay calm and focus on the competition. The government and the embassy are doing everything possible to ensure your safety and well-being.” he said.
Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai also reiterated the mission’s readiness to provide any assistance required by the team during the tournament.
Leadership of the team expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating.
With the backing of Ghana’s diplomatic officials in the UAE, the Black Queens remain determined to represent the country proudly and deliver strong performances in the Pink Ladies Cup.
The Black Queens have arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the upcoming Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai. The team touched down at the Dubai International Airport via Emirates Air on Wednesday morning and were warmly received by the competition’s organising officials.
The squad will be based at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, where they will begin their final preparations for the tournament. Organised as part of the international women’s football calendar, the Pink Ladies Cup is expected to feature four national sides using the competition to assess their squads and fine-tune strategies for upcoming tournaments.
Ghana will open their campaign today with a clash against Hong Kong, while Russia and Tanzania face off in the other opening match.
The Black Queens are then scheduled to return to action on March 3, when they take on Russia in a match expected to test them against a physically strong opponent.
The final round of games will be played on March 6, with Ghana closing their campaign against Tanzania at 9:00 pm.
With three matches in eight days, the tournament promises to be a crucial phase in Ghana’s preparation, as the Black Queens aim to return to continental action sharper, stronger, and more competitive.
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