The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon Kofi Iddi Adams believes boxing is a treasure that Ghana must cherish, protect and nurture always to replenish in abundance.
Speaking at the launch of the Trust Sports Emporium Ltd (TSEL) / Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) Amateur League, he emphasised the need to develop the grassroots of every sports discipline because that is the foundation the structure and if it is not built on a solid foundation, but more is added it will tumble.
The boxing enthusiast was happy to launch the amateur league and appealed to corporate Ghana to support.
He advised boxers, officials and spectators to be disciplined as some distinguished personalities would be coming to the Bukom Boxing Arena to watch the League.
President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira 1 who was special guest said Ghana boxing is a big brand which companies must utilise as a tool for advertising and publicity.
Known in private life as Ben Nunoo Mensah, the Development Chief of the Ga State thanked the Minister for encouraging grassroots sports development and commended the Trust Sports Emporium Ltd and Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) for bringing back a boxing league to keep amateur boxers in condition.
He recounted the achievements of boxing at international sports competitions like the Olympic Games African Games and Commonwealth Games.
The President of the Ghana Boxing Federation, Mr. Bernard Quartey hinted that the Amateur League would be held fortnightly at the Bukom Boxing Arena and winning boxers are going to be rewarded.
He called for the strengthening of the National teams. Implementing world class officiating and coaching standards. uncovering hidden talents and changing perception as well as acknowledging partners and sponsors.
He appealed to the media to promote boxing in Ghana and thanked the Ministry of Sports and Recreation for supporting the initiative.
Managing Director of TSEL, Shirley Acquah-Harrison, in a speech said the current moment is pivotal in the journey of Ghana Amateur Boxing to reclaim its past glory in the world.
She expressed that amateur boxing is the foundation upon which future champions are built and their goal is to provide the necessary support and infrastructure to nurture young talents into world class athletes.
She revealed that the purpose of the League is to ignite a passion that will resonate across Ghana and propel Ghanaian athletes towards the global stage.
Madam Acquah-Harrison reminded the gathering that every Champion was once an amateur and Professor Azumah Nelson whom she and her school mates have been watching when he was fighting can testify.
“The path to greatness is paved with hard work, dedication and a community that believes in the potential of its athletes” she noted.
Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo, Nii Alfred Kotey Ashie, who graced the event appealed to the government to support the gyms with equipment and called on benevolent Ghanaians who love boxing to come on board to manage the boxers or companies awarding them employment.
He assured the organisers of his support for the programme to be successful.
Present at the launch were the Chief Director at the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, William Kartey, Mavis Abedu and Kingsley Obeng of SSNIT, First Vice President of the GBF, Alhaji Dauda Fuseni, and former President of the GBF George Lamptey as well as boxing writer Ekow Asmah.
By Sammy Heywood Okine
