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
Sports
Benjamin Asare’s call-up inspires local players – Osei Asibey
Hearts of Oak defender, Osei Asibey, has acknowledged that the call-up of Benjamin Asare, the current number one goalkeeper of the Ghana Black Stars, has given confidence to many local players to work hard.
Asibey explained that playing for the senior national team is time-based, and at the right time, every local player will get their chance.
“The Black Stars belong to Ghanaians, and everybody will get the chance to play for the Black Stars when the time is right. Benjamin Asare is a local player, and he has gotten the chance. I’m sure when it is our time, the country would call us to serve,” he asserted
Osei Asibey added that Asare’s achievement shows that with hard work, local players can also receive Black Stars call-ups.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Sports
World Cup Qualifiers: Ghana beats Mali to boost qualification hopes
The Ghana Black Stars on Monday evening secured a vital 1–0 win over Mali in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a result that strengthens their chances of booking a ticket to the 2026 tournament.
The Match
The only goal of the game came in the 52nd minute when Alexander Djiku powered home a header to put Ghana ahead at the charged Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana dominated possession and created more chances, with Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus troubling the Malian defense.
Coach Otto Addo’s side managed the game well, with substitutes, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Iñaki Williams and Joseph Paintsil helping to protect the narrow lead.
Mali pushed for an equalizer but Ghana’s defense held firm until the final whistle.
What the win means
The victory takes Ghana to the top of their qualifying group, giving them a strong advantage in the race to secure a direct World Cup spot.
It also boosts team confidence as the Black Stars aim to make their fifth appearance at the global showpiece.
Games Remaining and Qualification Path
Ghana now has two games left in the qualifiers. To qualify directly, they must finish first in their group.
If they end up second, they will have to compete in the CAF play-offs to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
About the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The next FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11, 2026, and run until July 19, 2026. For the first time in history, the tournament will feature 48 teams, an expansion from the usual 32.
It will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches spread across 16 cities.
By: Jacob Aggrey
