Sports
Of Ike Quartey Sr. demise and John Laryea’s world champion’s prospect
Coach Carl Lokko (right) and John Laryea display a title belt
Ghana lost her iconic first Olympic Games medallist, Clement Ike ‘Bazooka’ Nii Kpakpofio Quartey, over the weekend at the age of 86 in London.
Moments after the news of his demise broke, social media got flooded with reports as outlets competed to scoop each other, with some going to the extent of using images of the former WBA world champion, Ike ‘Bazooka’ Quartey, who is a half-brother.
This generation knows little or nothing about this fallen hero. Some even thought it was the ‘Bazooka’ they knew until clarifications were put out.
But for those who don’t know much and won’t bother to check, this piece of information should help them know the status of the Ike Quartey Snr being discussed.
‘Bazooka’ Snr was the first African and Ghanaian to win an Olympic medal in any sport. He did so from the 1960 Olympic Games held in Rome.
That feat brought honour to not only Ghana but Africa as a continent.
Two years later, he won gold medal at the 1962 Commonwealth Games held in Perth, Australia to establish Ghana as a powerhouse in the sport and added another gold medal from the inaugural African Boxing Championship in Cairo, Egypt.
Sadly, instead of dominating discussions on sports platforms, the feat of an emerging world champion prospect, John Laryea in the United States of America halted the discussion, at least for now.
Comparatively, this new kid on the block is yet to record a feat closer to the amateur legend but considering the state of Ghana boxing at present, the joy from the win of an ordinary contest is understandable.
And what has attracted the attention of many is the fact that Laryea is coming from the Akoto Lante based Bronx Boxing gym that have contributed immensely in producing the last few champions or half-baked champions from Ghana.
Readily coming to mind is Richard ‘Azonto’ Commey who started a burgeoning career under the Head Coach of the gym, Carl Lokko.
Holding so much promise, Commey became the face of the gym although there were senior boxers around and when he rose through the ranks to become a world champion, it came as little surprise to anyone that knew the pair.
It was unfortunate that camaraderie between coach and boxer was broken at some point as both pursued individual careers.
Bronx gym has since remained in the hunt for another potential world beater for many years with many boxers getting several chances but to no avail until the emergence of Laryea.
Laryea is an unbeaten WBO African featherweight champion at 14-0-1, 12 KOs.
Having dominated in Ghana and African rings, he made his debut in America over the weekend, defeating Nicaraguan boxer, Alexander Mejia, in a featherweight contest with a Unanimous Decision at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, on Friday, November 1.
His journey so far has been hailed by many, showing a similar dedication and commitment seen from the former world champion, Commey.
Known as the ‘Expensive boxer’, this is just the beginning of a long, difficult, enduring and tortuous journey for him to become a world champion in the featherweight division.
It is considered as one of the most difficult weight divisions and requires discipline and commitment to rule.
Azumah Nelson remained at the top of those twin divisions – feather and super featherweights, for 10 years and dealt with some of the finest brawlers across the globe.
If Azumah did that then Laryea with similar traits can do same or even better.
All he needs is the discipline to go on that wild journey.
By Andrew Norte
Sports
Black Queens Set to Face England Lionesses in International Friendly
The Black Queens will face the Lionesses of England in a high-profile international friendly on December 2,2025 per agreement between the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the England Football Association.
After reaching the semi-finals at the 2024 WAFCON, the Black Queens are determined to build on that performance and establish themselves among the elite teams on the continent.
This match comes off as part of Ghana’s preparations for all international assignments, including the 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The fixture against England, one of the world’s top-ranked sides and reigning European champions, is expected to provide the Queens with a tough test that will sharpen the squad.
Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren will also seize the golden opportunity to measure the team’s progress, expose the players to world-class opposition, and correct areas that need improvement.
The Black Queens will head into the encounter motivated to put up a strong performance, not only to test their readiness but also to showcase the strides Ghana continues to make in women’s football on the international stage.
Sports
Ghana Premier League Returns with Fresh Signings, New Coaches and High Expectations
The Ghana Premier League (GPL) is back for the 2025/26 season, promising one of the most competitive campaigns yet. Clubs across the country have strengthened their technical teams and recruited a blend of youth and experience as they aim to improve their squads and challenge for honours.
Our GPL Statistician, Shaban Mohammed provides a rundown of how clubs have shaped up in the preseason ahead of Friday’s kickoff.
Defending Champions Gold Stars Ready for Title Defence
Gold Stars, reigning league champions, have reinforced their squad in all departments. Backup goalkeeper Kwadwo Osei Bonsu joins to compete with Emmanuel Kobi, while the attack has been bolstered with Sampson Eduku, Prince Opoku Agyemang, Emmanuel Agyenim Boateng, and Burkinabé international Sanou Razack. Midfield stalwarts Francis Twene, Emmanuel Fosu Kyei, Emmanuel Kontor, Emmanuel Agyei, and Emmanuel Kojo Addy are expected to be pivotal. The champions head into the season on a high after lifting the Ghalca Top Four trophy.
Kotoko, Hearts and Lions Eye the Crown
Asante Kotoko also have their sights firmly set on the league title. Under coach Abdul Karim Zito, the Porcupine Warriors won the President’s Cup against Hearts of Oak, the Toyota Cup against Kaizer Chiefs, and the Champion of Champions match over Gold Stars. Key arrivals include goalkeeper Dari Aziz Haruna from Bechem United, Walid Fuseini, Sahyibu Abubakari, Musah Hamzata, Joseph Amoah, and Guinean striker Morifing Donzo.
Hearts of Oak are undergoing a resurgence under new head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani. After winning the Homowo and Democracy Cups and finishing joint-top of the GHALCA Top Four, the Phobians have strengthened their side with goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi, forward Prince Kwabena Owusu, Ali Mohammed, Paaku George, Rocky Dwamena, Abdul Karim, Frank Abora Duku, Baba Adamu, and Henry Kwaku Boateng.
Heart of Lions are also in the mix for the title after a strong pre-season. They have added Dennis Korsah, Chauncy Freeman, Michael Noumon, Yaw Polo, Emmanuel Anokye, and Faisal James to their squad.
Aduana FC, Karela United Lead Transfer Rush
Aduana FC were among the most active in the transfer window, signing experienced goalkeeper Obeng Sekyere Gregory from Berekum Chelsea, forward Mizack Afriyie, and striker Remember Adomako from Accra Lions. Former club captain Bright Adjei also returns, alongside Patrick Mensah, Riise Opoku Mensah, Dominic Frimpong, and Abdul Aziz Nurudeen.
Karela United, who have narrowly avoided relegation in the past two seasons, have rebuilt their squad with Evans Osei Wusu (a league winner with Samartex), Bless Ege (2024 MTN FA Cup finalist), goalkeepers Daniel Afadzwu and Kelvin Kofi Saaba, and foreign signings Oliver Adom from Ivory Coast and Cameroonian forward Franky Aoudou.
Key Signings Across the League
· Asante Kotoko: Lord Hilary Adaboi (Samartex), Dari Aziz Haruna (Bechem United), Walid Fuseini.
· Hearts of Oak: Solomon Agbasi (Free Agent), Abdul Karim (Nations FC), Prince Kwabena Owusu (Gold Stars).
· Medeama SC: Rich Sackey (Aduana FC), Fuzy Taylor (Accra Lions).
· Berekum Chelsea: Augustine Agyapong, Michael Awuah Mensah, Samuel Amofa.
· Vision FC: Dickson Afoakwa (Rainmasters), Kwame Aziz (Legon Cities).
· Nations FC: Faruk Mohammed (Hohoe United), Lawrence Ansah.
· Swedru All Blacks: John Andoh (Soccer Intellectuals), Junior Yeboah (Pac Academy), Benjamin York.
· Hohoe United: Michael Yeboah (Great Olympics), Alhassan Adamu (Karela), Maxwell Agyemang.
· Eleven Wonders: Daniel Lomotey (formerly WAFA, Medeama, Young Apostles).
Coaching Carousel: Continuity and Change
Only two of the 18 GPL clubs have appointed foreign coaches: Swedru All Blacks hired Egyptian Ahmed Fati, while Aduana FC retained Romanian Cioba Arista. Ten clubs maintained their coaches, including Abdul Karim Zito (Asante Kotoko), Frimpong Manso (Gold Stars), Nurudeen Amadu (Karela United), Nana Agyemang (Vision FC), Ibrahim Tanko (Medeama SC), Samuel Boadu (Berekum Chelsea), Christopher Ennin (Samartex), Bashir Hayford (Heart of Lions), and Kasim Mingle Ocansey (Nations FC).
Hearts of Oak, Eleven Wonders, Basake Holy Stars, Swedru All Blacks, Hohoe United, Dreams FC, Bechem United, and Young Apostles have all appointed new coaches as they seek to refresh their technical directions.
With major signings, tactical shake-ups, and heightened ambitions across the board, the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling campaigns in recent times’ memory.
