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
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
Sports
TTU to honour athletes at 2nd sports awards night
Takoradi Technical University (TTU) will tonight host its 2nd Sports Awards Night to honour outstanding athletes, teams, and contributors who have promoted the institution’s sporting reputation.
The event, which will take place at the Nicholas Aidoo Taylor Auditorium, will be chaired by Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, with Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, as Guest of Honour.
Other dignitaries expected include Member of Parliament for Effia, Isaac Boamah-Nyarko, and Municipal Chief Executive for Effia-Kwesimintsim, Abdul Majeed Dokurgu.
TTU said the awards will celebrate a year marked by exceptional performances, record-breaking moments, and contributions that have boosted both the competitive spirit and institutional pride of the university.
The ceremony will be held under the theme, “Recognising Excellence in Scholarship and Sportsmanship.”
The university noted that it has become a powerhouse in university sports, winning back-to-back championships at the GHATUSA Games in Tamale and Cape Coast.
It attributed the success to integrating sports into academic life, introducing sports scholarships, building the TTU Sports Complex, providing strategic funding, and offering strong logistical support.
Director of Public Affairs and Secretary to the Sports and Recreation Committee, Joseph Mensah Oti-Asirifi, said the awards go beyond recognising individual winners, adding that they are also a tribute to the discipline, resilience, and unity that define TTU’s sporting culture.
He stated that every nominee is a champion whose efforts have brought pride to the university and enhanced its reputation on both national and continental stages.
The programme will feature two segments of award presentations, with categories covering football, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, tennis, handball, badminton, athletics, scrabble, and taekwondo, for both male and female divisions.
Nominees include Jane Membong in athletics, Hajara Ibrahim in basketball, Samuel Aidoo in football, and Prince Egyir in handball, as well as Papa Kwansa Baidoo, Prince Davies, and Ahmed Anas Salis.
Special awards will also be presented to individuals whose contributions have inspired the TTU community beyond the field of competition.
Chairman of the Sports and Recreation Committee, Joseph Danso, said the planning team has worked to ensure the event captures the spirit of sportsmanship, dedication, and unity that characterise TTU sports.
The university recalled that the inaugural edition honoured Raymond French, Sarah Quansah, and Rebecca Mba, setting a high standard for sporting recognition.
By: Jacob Aggrey
