Sports

I’m coming back to unify GBA …says Dr Manly-Spain as heaffirms bid for GBA presidency

Published

4 weeks ago

February 25, 2025

A businessman and former Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) Vice President, Dr Henry Manly-Spain, has given the strongest indication of returning to the Authority as president.

Dr Manly-Spain comes with his vast experience as a boxing manager and promoter and is credited for the establishment and financing of the Goldenmike Boxing Promotions.

That era saw Ghana host a number of WBO Africa and International fights with Braimah Kamoko (Bukom Banku), one of the high profile boxers on the Goldenmike stable, rising to become WBO Africa Boxer of the Year.

He joins as the eighth contestant to have expressed interest in the seat currently occupied by Mr Abraham Kotei Neequqye who has kept concerns about reelection close to his chest.

Until Dr Manly-Spain’s clue yesterday to vie for the seat at the July Elective Congress of the GBA, seven other names have been flying across the boxing space as delegates waited in anticipation.

Current members of the executive, Rabbon Dodoo (First Vice President) and Roger Barnor (Second Vice President and an experienced referee) have all not hidden their plans to contest Mr Neequaye.

They are expected to be joined by Emmanuel Addo, an ex-boxer, Alex Ntiamoah-Boakye, a leading promoter and major critic of the leadership style of the incumbent president, Ivan Bruce Tagoe, Chief Executive Officer of Cabic Boxing Promotions, and Nii Gonti Adjor I, (known in private life as Nii Adama Addy, Atukpai Mantse), CEO of Omashi TV.

Also making the rumours is the inclusion of former WBO bantamweight world champion, Isaac Dogboe, among those to contest the GBA chairmanship slot.

Speaking to the Times Sports yesterday, Dr Manly-Spain confirmed his bid to stand for the position and explained why he was yet to make it public like other contestants have done already.

“Yes, my attention was drawn to the need to return to the sport and rescue it from the current situation. I have been quiet with it because I felt I needed to do a lot of stakeholder engagement and make sure I unify the body rather than split it,” he said.

According to him, Ghana has failed to turn boxing into a tourism attraction by leveraging the top boxers that ruled in the ring globally for years.

“We need all these people on board. We also need the coaches, promoters and boxers on board to make boxing big in Ghana. These are major stakeholders you cannot do without so my coming back will be first for unity.”

Dr Manly-Spain also stated that the GBA needed all the best hands and brains available to turn its fortunes around.

According to him, the GBA would also use its connections to work closely with the boxing sanctioning bodies and attempt to host some of its conferences and convention, adding that, “this will enable our people who could not afford a trip to any of these meeting, to be part of it.”

Dr Manly-Spain told the Times Sports that the feedback, so far after the hint to contest for GBA chairmanship, has been overwhelming and motivating, hoping to ride on the goodwill he enjoys from the fraternity to lead the Authority.

From now till when the election modalities are announced, Dr Manly-Spain will continue to engage the stakeholders to sell his message and also find out exactly what they want from the GBA.

Dr Manly-Spain was Vice President of the GBA from 2018 to 2021, serving under seasoned lawyer, Mr Peter Zwennes.

Sports

Pitch Invader in Ghana-Chad Game Sentenced to 100 Days Imprisonment

Published

1 day ago

March 25, 2025

Net News Ghana

Mohammed Huzeinu, 21, has been sentenced to 100 days in prison by an Accra District Court for invading the pitch during Ghana’s match against Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2022.

Huzeinu’s actions disrupted the game, an offense that has potential financial consequences for the Association (GFA), as the Association is likely to be fined whenever such incidents occur.

Pitch invasions are considered a serious breach of security and disrupt the smooth running of games.

The sentencing serves as a strong warning to fans to respect stadium regulations and maintain order during matches.

The FA has consistently urged fans to refrain from such actions, emphasising the importance of discipline and adherence to match day protocols to avoid fines and maintain Ghana’s reputation in international football.

Sports

Queensland Intl Sch wins maiden Rising Star Rugby League tournament

Published

1 day ago

March 25, 2025

Net News Ghana

Queensland International School made history by emerging champions in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions at the inaugural Rising Star Rugby League Tournament U15 held at the Englebert School in Accra.

The event, organised by the Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG) in collaboration with Futurestars Charity and Salford Red Devils, provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and passion for rugby league.

The all-play-all format tournament featured five schools, 100 children (50 boys and 50 girls), aged 9-15, and over 20 volunteers.

Queensland Boys began the tournament with a 2-2 drawn game with Future Leaders Boys before defeating Englebert Boys 4-0 and Twedaase Boys 2-1 to emerge victorious, with Twedaase School, Tema Cluster Boys, Future Leaders Boys and Englebert Boys following in that order.

The girls from Queensland followed in the footsteps of their male counterparts, beating both Future Leaders and Tema Cluster 2-1 before going down by the same scoreline to Twedaase Girls.

They, however, ensured the top spot with a 4-3 victory over Englebert Girls in the final game, leaving Twedaase, Future Leaders, Englebert and Tema Cluster Girls to follow in that order on the medal table.

Special guest of honour, Mr Keith McMahon, Deputy British High Commissioner, commended RLFG for the initiative, noting that the energy and talent on display were inspiring.

“The tournament is a fantastic platform for these young athletes to develop their skills and grow the sport in Ghana and I urge the RLFG to continue with their good works,” he added.

On her part, the president of RLFG, Madam Juliana Storey, congratulated all the participating teams for their stellar performance, adding that the passion, determination, and talent on display confirm that her outfit is on the right path in its mission to grow the sport.

She promised to We continue investing in grassroots development to ensure a bright future for the young athletes.

RLFG General Manager, Mr Jafaru Mustapha, said the enthusiasm from these young athletes during the tournament is proof that rugby league has a promising future and stated that they were going to expand the tournament and provide more opportunities for young players across Ghana to enjoy the game.

He thanked Mr Emmanuel Okyne-Tetteh, Futurestars Charity Country leader, for the opportunity to partner with his outfit to hold a successful tournament.

BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY

Sports

PHOTOS: Black Stars hold training at Grande Stade Al Hoceima ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifier against Madagascar

Published

2 days ago

March 24, 2025

Net News Ghana

The Black Stars held their official training at Grande Stade Al Hoceima on Sunday in preparation for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Madagascar.

Otto Addo’s men appeared sharp and lively during training under the lights, following their arrival in Morocco on Saturday. All 23 players are in good condition ahead of the crucial Group I game, scheduled for Monday, March 24, 2025.

Ghana recorded a resounding victory against Chad on Friday, climbing to the top of the table with 12 points. They aim to cement their position with a victory over Madagascar.

The Group I fixture is scheduled to kick off at 19:00 Hrs at Grande Stade Al Hoceima, Morocco. Our Chief Photographer sent us back these photos: