Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has reaffirmed his commitment to revitalising grassroots sports as part of his mission to restore the country’s global sporting dominance.
He stressed the need to equip all sporting disciplines with the necessary resources to identify and nurture talent from a young age, laying a solid foundation for future success.
Speaking at the launch of the Ghana Amateur Boxing League at the Trust Sports Emporium in Accra last Friday, Mr Adams hailed the initiative as a vital step towards reclaiming Ghana’s reputation in world boxing.
The event was held at the facility which hosts the iconic Bukom Boxing Arena in the heart of Accra’s fight district, marking the beginning of a bold new chapter in Ghanaian boxing. The league, a joint initiative by the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) and Trust Sports Emporium Limited (TSEL), aims to unearth the next generation of boxing stars, with the first bell set to ring on March 14.
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The minister, a self-confessed boxing enthusiast, hailed the initiative as a “game-changer” for Ghana’s sporting landscape. “The world has been waiting to hear the name Ghana again,” he declared, reminiscing about the golden era of Ghanaian boxing when legends like Azumah Nelson and Ike Quartey kept the nation—and the world—on the edge of their seats."
“We kept the world awake in the days of Azumah Nelson. People woke up at dawn just to watch our boxers. We took immense pride in their exploits, and we want to do it again.”
Grassroots development
The minister emphasised the importance of grassroots development in sustaining sporting success. “Nothing works without a strong foundation. Whatever structure you desire to build, a good foundation is key. For us, that foundation is grassroots sports.
All the professionals we celebrate today were once amateurs. Investing in amateur competition is crucial for sustained success—they are the future,” he asserted.
Mr Adams also revealed his personal commitment to the cause, pledging to rally support from his colleagues in government and beyond. “Boxing is more than a sport to me—it’s a national treasure. I will invite my fellow MPs and ministers to come and support this initiative. We will collaborate with individuals and companies to ensure its success. This is about more than boxing; it’s about restoring national pride,” he vowed.
The league, which will take place every fortnight, will feature boxing gyms and clubs from across the country, with young male and female boxers competing for a chance to join the national teams.
The GBF President, Bernard Quartey, explained that the league would provide amateur boxers with regular competitive action, ensuring their battle-readiness for international tournaments. It will also serve as a practical training ground for newly certified IBA Star-1 coaches, referees and judges.
“Our goal is to create a sustainable system that allows us to scout, develop and prepare our best amateur boxers for the international stage,” he remarked.
The Managing Director of TSEL, Shirley Acquah-Harrison, underscored the importance of amateur boxing in rebuilding Ghana’s boxing legacy. “Ghanaian boxing has faced significant challenges over the past decade. If we are to reclaim our former glory on the world stage, we must start at the grassroots,” she stated.
“Amateur boxing is the foundation upon which future champions are built. Our goal is to provide the necessary support and infrastructure to groom young talent into world-class athletes. We are committed to this cause. We are not merely creating a league, we are building a foundation for future champions.”
Among the dignitaries who threw their weight behind the initiative were Ghana Olympic Committee President, Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira I (Ben Nunoo Mensah); and the MP for Odododiodio, Alfred Kotey Ashie.
