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Our boxers got to be serious!
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For more than four years now, Ghana’s boxers have flung away golden opportunities to be world champions – some crashing in the most irritating manner.
It is now becoming a mystery to many Ghanaians how they even got to fight for the crown in the first place. Could it be that they have got managers who possess the ‘golden touch’ and could make things happen any time?
On Saturday night, another Ghanaian – Jude Micah, was tipped to correct the recent pile of wrongs by sealing the mouths of the skeptics in a showdown with WBO bantamweight champion John Casimero.
Sadly, 30-year-old Casimero rather turned the heat on Micah with a 3rd round TKO at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut to retain his WBO bantamweight belt.
The experts say Micah was not ready and should not have accepted the fight.
With the win, Casimero improved to a 30-4 record with 21 knockouts. It was Micah’s first loss of his career after 25 bouts, ending hopes of the nation to get a world champion before 2021.
Two years ago, two Ghanaian boxers were also handed brilliant opportunities to rule the world in the pugilistic sport. They blew them off with careless abandon!
Indeed, many Ghanaians were thrilled beyond measure on hearing that Habib Ahmed and Maxwell Awuku had been handed very rare chances of contesting for the world title.
For them, the nation could add one or two titles to the only one we had then – Emmanuel Tagoe’s IBF lightweight coronet. Wrong! The two pugilists were crushed in the most humiliating fashion, offering only a powder-puffed challenge to the Mexican champions.
First, it was Ahmed Ahmed (now 25-1-1, 17 KO), who set the ball rolling on February 4 with a lame performance against Gilberto Ramirez in a World Boxing Organization (WBO) super middleweight championship, as the Mexican thumped the Ghanaian in the one-sided contest that lasted six rounds.
The southpaw Ramirez, thus, improved to 37-0 with 25 KOs as he defended his 76- kilogramme (168 pound) title for the third time since winning it from Arthur Abraham in 2016.
Then, on the night of February 11, Awuku (44-4-1, 30 KOs), was stopped just in the third round by Mexico’s Miguel Berchelt (33-1, 29 KOs) in Cancun, Mexico, in the World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight title fight. The Ghanaian was a bad patch on the night – and was beaten to pulp.
Perhaps, losing to the Mexican world champions was not really the big deal here – but the humiliatingly lethargic manner they succumbed to the battering. Excuses that the Ghanaians did not have enough preparations ahead of the fight can only be plausible.
Fact is that our men did not come to the party at all. They only came to dance through the drills. They staggered into the ring and lamely offered themselves as sacrificial lambs. They had nothing to show. The legendary Ghanaian firepower, doggedness, aggressiveness and doughty character were all sorely missing.
It was all-too unfortunate because they missed a huge opportunity to advertise themselves to the world proper. If they had lost gallantly, their names would have been etched on the minds all. The world would have been talking about them by now.
One could easily point to Ghana boxing legend Azumah Nelson, in this respect.
In 1982, no one outside of Africa knew anything about Nelson, who had a paltry record of 13 bouts and was brought in as a last-second replacement for top contender Mario Miranda. Aside from holding the Commonwealth featherweight title, he possessed no qualifications for a shot at the world championship whatsoever, much less a bout with the man regarded as one of the finest performers in the sport.
As a result, only 5,500 showed up at Madison Square Garden in New York in the night of July 21, 1982. But those who did were treated to a truly thrilling battle.
In contrast to Nelson, Sanchez, at only 23 years of age, entered the ring that night with the mantle of greatness already upon his shoulders. Since turning pro in 1975, his career had moved fast, almost as fast as the sports cars he loved to drive.
He fought frequently, at least six bouts per year, and since battering Danny Lopez to win the featherweight crown, he had notched nine title defenses in just two years, his exciting knockout win over Wilfredo Gomez cementing his status as, pound-for-pound, one of the very best.
Indeed, Sanchez was big! He was dreadful! But Azumah cared less about the might of his opponent and was utterly aggressive all night when he was offered the opportunity to fight him – from round one till the referee halted the fight in the 15th – with the challenger showing Sanchez no respect.
And as the challenger took the 13th round on the strength of his brawling attack, his right hands forcing Sanchez to retreat, it began to dawn on incredulous reporters and ringsiders that they were witnessing not only a war for the ages but possibly too, a momentous upset.
There are a number of reasons why this classic fight has been largely overlooked in the years since. First of all, Sanchez vs Nelson had the misfortune of taking place during a banner year for monumentally exciting clashes. A thrilling contest which would have easily been Fight of the Year at other points in time found itself in fourth place behind Aaron Pryor vs. Alexis Arguello, Bobby Chacon vs. Rafael Limon IV and Wilfredo Gomez vs. Lupe Pintor, all magnificent wars.
The truth remains that a young Azumah Nelson gave an electrifying performance that night – an astonishing exhibition of heart and determination that could only have been withstood and overcome by a boxer of equal courage and even greater talent.
Predictably, Azumah’s name was all over the place. He was hailed in defeat and it may have come as no surprise at all when the Ghanaian was presented with the chance to fight for the world featherweight crown after the unfortunate death of Sanchez in a motor accident on August 13, 1982.
So, December 8, 1984 came and Azumah knocked out Wilfredo Gomez in the 11th round in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to win the nation’s second world title after D.K Poison’s exploit on September 20, 1975.
This was the way our boxers (Ahmed, Awuku and Micah) should have gone. Go there and represent the nation positively. Fight, fight and fight – and carve a niche for themselves even in defeat.
PlainTalk with JOHN VIGAH
In the midst of the storm that rocked professional boxing organisation almost a year ago, a decision was taken which is unprecedented in the annals of the sport in Ghana.
Following the death of a Nigerian boxer in a Ghanaian ring, the modus operandi of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) was questioned in various quarters.
Just when the storm appeared to have settled, another disaster struck. Ernest Akushey ‘Baubali’, a famous local boxer was lost to the icy hands of death, 10 clear days after a bout. It was such an unfortunate incident. May he keep resting in peace.
Even before the cause of death comes out, the GBA administration was put on the chopping board, and became a gum in the mouth of all. Almost everyone ‘chewed’ some.
Perhaps, considering the weight and ignominy of the incident, the mighty and powerful had to step in, taking major decisions to ensure some sanity in the sport.
Among the popular decisions arising out of this intervention was the call for sweeping reforms that led to the establishment of an Interim Management Committee (IMC) which has now assumed the role of the GBA because of the failure to organize elections to handover to an elected body because of the non-availability of funds.
The second was the last minute cancelation of a promotion to be staged by former boxer, Michael Nii Ayitey Okai, aka Ayittey Powers.
There appears to be some calm over the first decision as boxing stakeholders wait patiently, hoping that the IMC does the needful in no time.
But the latter, regarding the cancelation of the bout has continued, becoming a tango between the former boxer-now-turned promoter and the Director General of the National Sports Authority, Mr Yaw Ampofo Ankrah (YAA).
The Accra Regional Police Command this week arrested the veteran boxer, after he has reported himself at the station, over an alleged threat of death made against Mr. Ankrah after a video of him talking about the issue went viral.
A police statement said ‘Dada Powers’ was arrested in connection with an alleged threat made against the NSA boss.
Sadly, the circumstances under which the decision to cancel the promotion was made and the absence of a precedent to follow, have made a solution difficult to come by, a year after.
One remembers the back and forth about the decision as to whether the fight would be staged or not.
With assurances that the fight would go on, Powers claimed to have paid so much to boxers in terms of purses and other organizational expenditures, only for the NSA boss to drop the ill-fated announcement cancelling the promotion.
Since then, Dada Powers has seen the decision as a unilateral one from the NSA boss and has constantly blamed YAA for his present predicament. What is, however not clear is the form of compensation Powers is asking for.
As of now, one is at a loss whether he is seeking a refund of his expenditure or awaiting clearance to stage the fight.
If it were to be the latter, there would be no problem with that since boxing promotion has return in full force with the IMC sanctioning close or over 10 promotions.
This problem should not have arisen in the first place if that decision had been carefully thought through. If that was done, it would have found a way out of the mess it created for both parties.
Clearly, Powers is seeking for a sort of compensation which he has failed to communicate well. Despite the guidance from well-meaning people, he decides to sometimes use some ‘ring’ tactics to express his concerns.
If Powers is not aware, he must be advised that there are laws that governs every transaction or activity so no matter how legitimate his concerns may be, he is bound by the same laws to demand for justice in the right way.
Now in the custody of the police and latest reports suggesting the matter has ended up in court, the focus now shifts from the substantive matter to his behaviour that puts him in a bad light for a certain class of people.
Instead of seeing Yaw as an ‘enemy of progress,’ he must show an interest in working closely with him and others to find an amicable solution.
Maybe by extension, the decision to cancel that bout should be subjected to a probe – to know how it came about, it merits and demerits and whether it was in the best interest for Ghana boxing.
By Andrew Nortey
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With the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season set to kick off on September 4, clubs have continued to fine-tune their squads, with a number of late additions and free-agent deals shaping up ahead of the new campaign.
From established Premier League sides such as Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak, Medeama, Aduana FC, FC Samartex and Berekum Chelsea to ambitious lower-tier clubs, there has been significant movement in the transfer market.
Here is a rundown of the notable deals involving Ghana Premier League clubs:
Medeama SC strengthen across the pitch
Medeama have been among the busiest clubs, adding depth in midfield, defence and attack. The Mauve and Yellows have brought in Etse Dogli from Heart of Lions on a three-year deal, while Emmanuel Boateng arrives from Eleven Wonders on a two-year contract. Dominic Frimpong, a free agent, has also joined to bolster the attack on a three-year deal. Other additions include Usman Safianu, Abdul Rahman Yaya, Emmanuel Annor from Nations FC, and winger Emmanuel Fobi, who arrives from Georgia’s Dila Gori on a three-year deal.
Medeama have also recruited Issah Ibrahim from Latvia, Sudanese goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid Salman, midfielder Blessing Kwabena Dwamena, Jelillu Osman from New Edubiase, Emmanuel Anokye from Sporting Club Accra, and right-back Ebenezer Adade from Dreams FC.
Port City FC add experience and attacking options
Port City have also been active, bringing in several players to strengthen their squad. Kwabena Adu Meider and Francis Gyetuah arrive as free agents, while Stephen Diyou joins from Hohoe United.
The club have also secured Gideon Waja from WAFA, Ishak Suraj from Lebanese side Al Ahly, free-agent defender Samuel Gyimah, goalkeeper Daniel Amissah on a two-year deal, and Elliot Affotey from Heart of Lions on a three-year contract. Daniel Osei Snr., a defensive midfielder from Hohoe United, completes another addition to the squad.
Hearts of Oak bring in several young talents
Hearts of Oak have invested heavily in young players, including a number of long-term deals. Abdul Aziz arrives from Swedru All Blacks on a three-year deal, while free agent Ebenezer Amoh joins on a two-year contract. The Phobians have also secured Rockson Kyeremeh and centre-back Manuel Osei Djan from PAC Academy, both on five-year contracts.
Other arrivals include Caleb Koranteng from Victory Club Warriors, Alex Banso from Namoro FC, free-agent right-back Prince Amevor, goalkeeper Vicente Anane, Ivorian forward Mamadou Kader Kourouma, and free-agent defensive midfielder Dominic Nsobila.
Swedru All Blacks continue recruitment drive
Swedru All Blacks have added a sizeable group of players. Among them are Mohammed Musah Salifu from Tamale City, David Lartey from Dreams Chasers, Prince Arthur and Kelvin Ampoful from Nations FC, and winger Samuel Osei Kofi from Nsuopun Fidelity.
Free agent Faisal Chawetey, forward Vincent Baah Jnr from Tema Faith, centre-back Michael Abrokwa from Nations FC, forward John Ahuma Ocansey, midfielder Godfred Yartey from Cheetah FC, winger Andy Koramoah from Auroras, right-back Kojo Quansah from Samartex, and defender Latif Blessing from Cheetah FC have also joined.
Samartex add four
FC Samartex have strengthened with four additions. Ebenezer Okrah and Prince Affum arrive from Sefwi All Stars, while Joshua Fuseini joins from Golden Kick. Meshack Adjetey Sowah also arrives from Vision FC on a three-year deal.
Aduana FC bolster defence and attack
Aduana FC have brought in several players, including free agent Shawkan Hunalf Mohammed, defensive midfielder Samuel Tenedu from Berekum Chelsea, and centre-back Boa-At Regain from Bechem United. They have also signed free agent Stephen Amankona, right-back Abdul Latif Mohammed from Victory Club Warriors, winger Emmanuel Abban from Bechem United, Zakaria Fuseini from Techiman Liberty Youth, and free-agent left-back Bismark Anim on a two-year deal.
AshantiGold make international additions
FC Ashantigold have recruited from both Ghana and abroad. Raphael Kodjo Etchonou arrives from ESA Academy in Togo, while Burkina Faso defender Ben Yamine Nassirou Kabore joins from Etoile Filante. The club have also signed free-agent right-back Kamal Suraje on a three-year deal and goalkeeper Kwaku Musah, also on a three-year contract.
Other additions include Fatao Seidu, Sirinu Huzaifah from Skyy FC, Saddick Ibrahim Abubakar from Skyy, Ishmael Acquah from Skyy, William Addo from Unity FC, free-agent winger Alhassan Benny, and goalkeeper Thomas Kwabena Osei from Heart of Lions.
Gold Stars add attacking firepower
Gold Stars have brought in Nicholas Amekpewu from Elmina Sharks on a three-year deal, while centre-back Claude Shooting Bortey arrives as a free agent. They have also signed Kwame Opoku, another free agent, on a two-year deal.
Heart of Lions build new-look squad
Heart of Lions have also been busy, with several free-agent signings. Francis Odoom from Hohoe United joins on a two-year deal, alongside centre-back Abdul Jalilu, goalkeeper Edmund Wireko, winger William Oduro, centre-back Pius Baffuor, winger Sena Ati, and forward Mustapha Yakubu. Stephen Afoakwa from Faith Football Academy is another addition.
Other notable movements
Berekum Chelsea have recruited forward Jamal Haruna on a three-year deal, while Diawisie Taylor, Awuah Dramani, Chyereme Shadirac, Fuseini Zakaria, goalkeeper Zulka Massawudu, and Augustine Boakye have also joined.
At Asante Kotoko SC, goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim arrives on a two-year deal, while the Porcupine Warriors have also added Emmanuel Mamah, Ivorian centre-back Koffi Marius Ange Bini, free agent Isaac Opoku Agyemang, Burkina Faso midfielder Abdoul Kader Tarnagda, Cameroonian midfielder Solomon Nsor Asaah, Moroccan goalkeeper Abdel Wadie Mourad, and Albanian defender Umar Ali from Partizani.
Karela United have signed Wisdom Jonas Manyina from RTU on a three-year deal, alongside Frank Ackom from Nsuopun Fidelity, Iddi Mahfuz, Edmund Afurapoe from Eleven Wonders, goalkeeper Kwaku Musah, Angel Ewulla, Collins Ntiful from Okwawu United, Issah Abdul Basit from Golden Warriors, forward Mohammed Alhassan Mankuyeli, Ebenezer Amegah from Hohoe United, and free-agent forward Prince Opoku Agyemang. Vision FC have also added Kwadwo Boamah from Hohoe United and Faruk Mohammed from Nations FC.
The final preparations begin
With the transfer deadline now passed and the Ghana Premier League scheduled to begin on September 4, attention will turn from recruitment to preparation.
The sheer volume of movement suggests that several clubs will enter the new campaign with significantly different squads. For coaches, the immediate challenge will be turning these new arrivals into cohesive teams before the opening whistle of the new Premier League season.
