A high-level delegation from SWAG, led by President Kwabena Yeboah, met with the Minister to discuss strategies for boosting Ghana’s sports development.

The delegation included Vice President Evelyn Nsiah Asare, General Secretary Charles Osei Asibey, Deputy General Secretary Kenneth Odeng Adade, Treasurer Owuraku Nsiah, and Women’s Commissioner Mavis Amanor.

SWAG, established in 1968, boasts over 1,000 members, including sports journalists, photojournalists, content creators, and presenters, and is an active member of the International Sports Press Federation (AIPS).

During the meeting, Yeboah commended Adams for his open-door policy, which has enabled stakeholders to contribute to the sector. He highlighted the Minister’s support for Ghana’s participation at the AIPS congress in Gambia, which garnered international recognition and underscored sports’ economic potential for Africa.

The discussion focused on the historic sports fund initiated by Adams, with Yeboah urging increased publicity and support for its growth, emphasizing grassroots development and the need to nurture sports beyond football.

Mr Adams appreciated SWAG’s role in shaping the sector’s future and committed to collaborating on training modules for sports journalists, recognizing the media’s pivotal role in promoting sports.

The Minister called for a unified effort to develop Ghana’s sports infrastructure and harness sports as a tool for national development, highlighting opportunities in the media space to attract investors and foster local talent.

This engagement marks a significant step forward in elevating Ghana’s sports industry, with SWAG and the Ministry working together to propel Ghanaian sports globally.

Credit: Elizabeth Alhassan 

County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Pruet cited that Bediako “failed to demonstrate that he is entitled to the injunctive relief that he seeks,” according to court documents.

Bediako was playing under a temporary restraining order that allowed the former NBA G League player to join Alabama in the middle of the season despite questions regarding his collegiate eligibility.

NCAA President Charlie Baker said in a statement that he was glad the court “upheld the rules of our members.”

“Common sense won a round today,” Baker said. “The court saw this for what it is: an attempt by professionals to pivot back to college and crowd out the next generation of students.

“College sports are for students, not for people who already walked away to go pro and now want to hit the ‘undo’ button at the expense of a teenager’s dream.

“While we’re glad the court upheld the rules our members actually want, one win doesn’t fix the national mess of state laws. It’s time for Congress to stop watching from the sidelines and help us provide some actual stability.”

The 23-year-old Bediako was averaging 10 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in five games Alabama went 3-2 in those games.

Attorneys for both sides — Bediako and the NCAA — argued their cases Friday. Bediako sued college basketball’s sanctioning body in an effort to regain eligibility despite leaving Alabama for the NBA draft in 2023, signing a two-way NBA contract and playing the last three seasons in the developmental G League.

Bediako spent two seasons (2021-23) at Alabama, averaging 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks, and helped the Crimson Tide make the NCAA Tournament twice. He wasn’t selected in the 2023 draft, but he played for the Motor City Cruise in the NBA’s G League as recently as mid-January.

His lawyers argued that Bediako remains within his five-year college eligibility window. The NCAA denied Alabama’s initial petition, and NCAA President Charlie Baker and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey have made it clear they are opposed to Bediako’s reinstatement.

Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats said Friday that, regardless of the outcome of the case, Bediako will be allowed to remain on scholarship and work toward a college degree.

Alabama (16-7, 6-4 Southeastern Conference), which faces Mississippi on Tuesday, did not immediately comment on the court decision.

Credit:

The triumph marked a significant breakthrough for Nigeria at the ABF, as it was the first time the team had beaten Ghana in the tournament, bringing to an end the host nation’s three-year winning streak. Ghana, who had dominated recent editions, saw their reign halted in front of a packed home crowd.

The tone for Nigeria’s title-winning campaign was set on December 12 when they edged hosts Ghana 52–48 in a keenly contested opening game. The narrow victory not only stunned the home supporters but also signalled a shift in the balance of power at the festival.

Nigeria’s path to glory was not without setbacks. In their second outing, they suffered a slim three-point defeat to Team Lebanon, briefly denting their momentum. However, they responded strongly with a gritty 47–44 win over Team Liberia to keep their title hopes alive.

The championship was sealed in emphatic fashion when Nigeria delivered a commanding performance against Team China in their final game, recording a resounding 114–37 victory. With three crucial wins across the tournament, Nigeria finished top of the standings to secure the ABF 2025 crown.

The fifth edition of the Africa Basketball Festival was staged as part of celebrations marking the event’s fifth anniversary. It featured five days of basketball action, five participating countries Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, China and Lebanon and appearances by five fashion brands, blending sport, music and fashion into a single spectacle.

More than 5,000 fans attended the festival, which combined high-intensity basketball with live music performances and fashion showcases, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the tournament.

ABF 2025 was sponsored by Glico General Insurance, GTS Drilling, Indomie Noodles, GTV Sports Plus, Points Africa, Warrior King Watches, Lamborghini Energy Drink, The Luckiest Africa, Minimie Atsomo, Lush Hair, Verna Water, the Ghana Basketball Association, Nkonkonsa.com, Awuah Sports, Sporty FM, Nescafé and the Ghana Tourism Authority. The event was produced by RITE Sports Services and hosted by the University of Ghana Sports and Wellness Directorate.

Credit: Graphic Online 

The five-day festival will take place from December 10 to 14 at the University of Ghana Basketball Court in Legon, promising a unique blend of basketball, music, fashion and youth culture.

At the official launch in Accra, the organisers unveiled the full programme alongside a post-event 3×3 basketball competition featuring five teams vying for a GH¢2,000 cash prize and assorted sponsor gifts.

This year’s main festival will welcome teams from Ghana, China, Liberia, the USA, and Nigeria, with additional fixtures featuring Ghana Communication Technology University and Wisconsin University.

Everything is five

Speaking at the launch, Yaw Sakyi Afari, Founder of RITE Sports and lead organiser of ABF, described the fifth edition as a major milestone.

He said the “Five Theme” encapsulates the festival’s journey while signalling its ambition to become a continent-wide celebration.

“This year our theme is Five: five years, five countries, five fashion brands, five musical performances, over five days,” he said. “So please block your calendars and come celebrate with us.”

Highlighting the festival’s competitive edge, he revealed that participating teams will compete for specially customised rings, incorporating Gye Nyame symbols and an African map to celebrate the festival’s progress.

In addition to the 3×3 competition, the festival will host a shooting contest and the ABF Music Rising Star competition, each offering GH¢5,000 in prizes. Sponsors, including Minimie, Indomie, Lamborghini, and Verna Water, will also provide additional giveaways for fans.

Looking to the future, Mr Afari said ABF aims to become a touring African event. “Next year, God willing, we’ll announce the next country to host the Africa Basketball Festival in 2027.

The event will rotate across different countries through a bidding process, giving each host a year to prepare.”

NSA endorsement

The Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, praised the festival as an evolution, calling it “a model of perseverance and innovation.”

Mr Ankrah added that ABF has grown into more than a sporting event, saying: “It’s more than basketball. It’s more than a festival. It’s a lifestyle. It’s a movement.”

He noted the festival’s contribution to sports development and Ghana’s tourism agenda, affirming the NSA’s commitment to expanding basketball infrastructure nationwide.

Over the past five years, the ABF has successfully merged basketball, music, fashion, and youth culture to create a unique entertainment platform.

The fifth-anniversary edition promises to showcase the festival’s evolution and lay the groundwork for a more expansive, continental future.

The event is sponsored by Glico General Insurance, GTS Drilling, Indomie Noodles, GTV Sports Plus, Points Africa, Warrior King Watches, Lamborghini Energy Drink, The Luckiest, Minimie Atsomo, Lush Hair, Verna Water, the Ghana Basketball Association, Nkonkonsa.com, Awuah Sports, and the Ghana Tourism Authority. It is organised by RITE Sports Services and hosted by the University of Ghana Sports and Wellness Directorate.

Credit: Graphic Sports 

Now, the NBA’s career leader in 3-pointers has reached new territory from beyond the arc: Golden State’s star guard is the first player in league history to reach 4,000 3s.

He did it a day before his 37th birthday.

His 4,000th came from the right wing and under pressure off a pass from Moses Moody with 8:19 left in the third quarter, on his fourth attempt of the night.

Fans jumped to their feet and roared when Curry made it, and a tribute played on the big screen during a timeout shortly after. It included a congratulatory message from former Warriors big man Andris Biedrins of Latvia who dished out the assist on Curry’s first 3.

“I actually had I’d call it an emotional moment on the bench when I saw him. They didn’t tell me that they found him and got a video message from him. That was my vet when I was here my rookie year,” Curry said.

“I would love to have quizzed our team on the the bench and see if anybody knew who that was because that was such a long time ago. … Really cool to kind of think back how far I’ve come from the first one to 4,000, which is crazy.”

The two-time NBA MVP needed two more from deep coming into Thursday night’s game against the rival Sacramento Kings at Chase Center. He hit his first from the left wing with 5:35 remaining in the opening quarter.

Smothered by Keegan Murray or DeMar DeRozan, Curry missed on his second attempt from near the top of the arc — after teammate Draymond Green scored the first six points on a pair of 3s and 7-footer Quinten Post also had two 3s.

Curry hit the front rim with his next try, a 30-footer four minutes before halftime. He could sense how everybody in the building couldn’t wait.

“I could feel the energy and the buzz from the beginning of the game after I made my first 3, even the second one I shot and missed it was an adrenaline rush, and they were with me every moment of the game tonight,” Curry said.

“When that second one went in I knew there was a lot of game left so I tried to not get too ahead of myself. But it was a special moment to feel that energy and allow them to enjoy that milestone and accomplishment with me.”

How might the team celebrate Curry’s latest milestone and birthday?

“What do you get for the guy who has everything? Maybe I’ll give him a day off,” coach Steve Kerr said with a smile.

Every player received a special black T-shirt hanging in his locker commemorating the accomplishment.

Curry hit five 3s in Monday’s 130-120 win against Portland. His first career 3 came on Oct. 30, 2009, at Phoenix.

Kings coach Doug Christie remembers when Reggie Miller’s numbers seemed astronomical.

“It was (2,560) with Reggie Miller and it was like, ‘Whoa, that’s out of control,’” Christie said before the game, then praised Curry.

“He’s changed the game in so many different ways, from seeing him as a little kid in Toronto shooting it from his hip to standing behind him on the sideline and he’s shooting it in your eye. A lot of credit to him.

“That’s an incredible story. Know and played with his father, and watching his family, watching the man he’s become, the player, knowing the hours and the commitment that it takes to do something as great as he does it, is humbling in many ways. Massive, massive amount of respect.”

Curry, who became the 26th player in NBA history to score 25,000 points during last Saturday’s home win over Detroit, is in his 16th NBA season and showing no signs of stopping despite his occasional nights off to rest his tender knees.

“I’m desensitized to the 3s because they just come flooding through game after game, 4,000 is just an insane number,” Kerr said.

In December 2021, Curry surpassed Ray Allen’s then-record of 2,973.

Curry could have company in the 4,000 club eventually. Clippers guard James Harden is next in line with 3,127 and Bucks star Damian Lillard behind him with 2,794.

“Steph, he’s something like we’ve never seen,” Portland coach Chauncey Billups said. “It’s been fun watching his journey and watching his career and his ascension to greatness. I had the pleasure of playing with him when he was 21 years old on USA team.

“That was before he became this guy, which you could tell he was on his way. He’s a tireless worker, a great person as we all know so I’m happy for his success. What he’s done I’m not surprised. You spend so much time with him every single day you understand his work ethic, and he’s just been amazing. He’s fun to watch, he’s not fun to coach against.”

What might Kerr expect next from his superstar?

“8,000,” he cracked.

Curry could be tempted.

“I don’t think he wants to coach that long, so don’t put that pressure on him,” Curry said, “I like a challenge.”

Credit: AP

The event brought together top basketball stakeholders, school representatives, and the sporting community to unveil Ghana’s biggest high school 3×3 basketball and entertainment festival.

The launch was graced by the Assistant Headmistress of Aburi Girls’ SHS, past students, parents, Women in Basketball, key executives of the Ghana Basketball Federation, and other distinguished guests.

A major highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the 42 participating schools (18 female and 24 male teams), setting the stage for an intense and entertaining tournament from April 10-12, 2025 at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

What is HoopRave?

HoopRave is more than just a basketball tournament—it’s a dynamic movement dedicated to advancing high school basketball and youth sports engagement in Ghana.

Organized by the Ghana Basketball Federation in collaboration with IUNGO World and officially recognized by FIBA 3×3 Africa, HoopRave serves as a premier platform for young athletes to refine their skills, showcase their talent, and compete at a structured, high-energy level.

This festival seamlessly fuses basketball, school rivalries, entertainment, and fashion, creating an electrifying atmosphere that unites students, alumni, and passionate sports fans from across the nation.

This year, 42 of Ghana’s best high schools will compete for ultimate glory, including:

Male Teams (24 Schools)

1. Anglican Senior High School, Kumasi (KASS) – Ashanti

2. Opoku Ware School (OWASS) – Ashanti

3. Prempeh College (Prempeh) – Ashanti

4. Sunyani Senior High School (SUSEC) – Bono

5. Adisadel College (ADISCO) – Central

6. Mfantsipim School (KWABOTWE) – Central

7. St. Augustine College (AUGUSCO) – Central

8. Koforidua Senior High Technical School (KSTS) – Eastern

9. Okuapeman Senior High School (Okuapeman) – Eastern

10. Pope John Senior High School (POJOSS) – Eastern

11. Accra Academy (Accra Aca) – Greater Accra

12. Achimota School (Motown) – Greater Accra

13. Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School, Legon (PRESEC) – Greater Accra

14. St. Thomas Aquinas Senior High School (Quinas) – Greater Accra

15. West Africa Senior High School (WASS) – Greater Accra

16. Labone Senior High School – Greater Accra

17. Tamale Senior High School (TAMASCO) – Northern

18. Navrongo Senior High School – Upper East

19. Wa Senior High School – Upper West

20. Bishop Herman College – Volta

21. Keta Senior High School (KETASCO) – Volta

22. Ghana Senior High Technical School, Takoradi (GSTS) – Western

23. St. Mary’s Boys Senior High – Western

24. St. John’s School, Sekondi – Western

Female Teams (18 Schools)

Each of these schools will battle for supremacy, pride, and the championship title, making HoopRave a true national festival of basketball and school spirit.

A Strong Message from the Ghana Basketball Federation President

In his address, Mr. Ato Van-Ess, President of the Ghana Basketball Federation, emphasized the significance of HoopRave as a game-changer for high school basketball in Ghana. He highlighted basketball as a tool for education, discipline, teamwork, and leadership, underscoring the Federation’s commitment to structured programs and investment in youth sports development.

“Talent exists in abundance across Ghana, but talent alone is not enough. It takes investment, mentorship, dedication, and the right environment to nurture excellence. HoopRave is not just a competition—it is a movement that will unearth and refine the future stars of Ghanaian basketball,” he stated.

He also commended the efforts of all stakeholders, including school coaches, sponsors, and partners like IUNGO World, Sporty FM, Ghana Education Service, iGive Foundation, High School Clique, and Digital Narrative Consult, for making this event a reality.

James became the first player to score 50,000 combined points in the regular season and postseason on Tuesday night, surpassing the mark with a 3-pointer early in the first quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 136-115 win over New Orleans.

James finished with 34 points against the Pelicans after toppling another milestone in his unprecedented career.

“I mean, that’s a lot of points,” James said afterward, rubbing his beard in wonder.

“Obviously, the first thing that comes to mind is where I’m from. Picking up the game when I was a little kid and having a love for the sport, and hoping that someday I’d be able to play at the highest level. I’ve been able to do that and really enjoy my career. So it’s definitely an honor. It’s pretty cool to see that.”

James already is the top scorer in NBA history in both the regular season and the playoffs. Maintaining a spectacular level of play midway through his record-tying 22nd season, he is pulling away from the other greats of the game: Lakers great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who played 20 seasons, is a now-distant second with 44,149 combined points.

James got his milestone 3-pointer off an assist by Luka Doncic, a trivia tidbit that pleased both superstars. Doncic’s arrival in last month’s seismic trade with the Dallas Mavericks has invigorated both James and the Lakers, who look like championship contenders with a seven-game winning streak and 17 victories in their last 20 games.

“It’s amazing, watching him do this stuff at this age,” said Doncic, who had 30 points, 15 assists and eight rebounds against New Orleans. “It’s just unbelievable, that 50K points. I can’t even explain how insane that is. He might get to 70K. You never know.”

The Lakers recognized the milestone at the next timeout, with public address announcer Lawrence Tanter saying: “Ladies and gentlemen, we all have just witnessed history.” James acknowledged the standing ovation with several waves from the bench.

James is tied with Vince Carter for the most seasons played in NBA history. But while nearly every other NBA player who lasted to his late 30s finished at a fraction of his peak powers, James shows no signs of decline in his 40s.

He was named the NBA’s Western Conference player of the month earlier Tuesday after he averaged 29.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.2 steals in February while playing more than 35 minutes per game for the Lakers, who went 9-2 to surge into second place in the West.

With their victory over the Pelicans, the Lakers improved to 11-2 since acquiring Doncic.

James has played in 1,548 regular-season games, trailing only Robert Parish (1,611) and Abdul-Jabbar (1,560). If he stays healthy and elects to return for a record 23rd season, he will likely surpass Parish next winter.

James has also played in 287 postseason games, the most in NBA history. He became the league’s career playoff scoring leader on May 25, 2017, when he surpassed Michael Jordan’s total of 5,987 during the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Eastern Conference finals game at Boston.

James then became the top scorer in regular-season history on Feb. 7, 2023, when he topped Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 38,387 points during the Lakers’ game against Oklahoma City.

James’ prolific scoring is due in large part to his metronomic consistency. With his performance against the Pelicans, he has scored at least 10 points in 1,278 consecutive games since Jan. 6, 2007 — by far the longest such streak in NBA history.

James’ player of the month award for February was his 41st, extending his own league record. He is also the oldest player to win the award, surpassing a 37-year-old Karl Malone in November 2000.

Credit: AP

And then Butler got suspended by the Miami Heat. Again.

Butler has been suspended for the third time this month by the Heat, this one starting basically just as the second one was ending. The team said Butler left Monday’s morning shootaround practice early, in advance of a game against the Orlando Magic — something the team called “intentionally withholding services.” The suspension is without pay and indefinite for now, with the team saying it will last at least five games.

Butler was expected to come back from his second suspension on Monday — only to be suspended for a third time. Butler, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, was told during the shootaround that he was not going to be back in the starting lineup for that night’s game against Orlando. He left the shootaround not long afterward, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team did not release that detail publicly.

“The Miami Heat are suspending Jimmy Butler without pay effective immediately for an indefinite period to last no fewer than five games,” read the team statement. “The suspension is due to a continued pattern of disregard of team rules, engaging in conduct detrimental to the team and intentionally withholding services. This includes walking out of practice earlier today.”

Without Butler, the Heat rallied from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter and beat Orlando 125-119 in double overtime.

“What it means right now is just we proved to ourselves that we have a tremendous amount of grit,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “You know, and you gain confidence from that.”

Butler was suspended for Miami’s most recent two games after missing a team flight to Milwaukee last week. He has now missed 15 of Miami’s last 20 games, including 10 of the last 13 because of the suspensions — the first a seven-game ban for conduct that the team deemed detrimental, followed by the two-game suspension, and now the indefinite one.

Butler’s role going forward — starter or non-starter — was in some question even before the latest suspension was announced. Butler hasn’t come off the bench in a game since Jan. 27, 2017, exactly eight years ago Monday in a game against Miami when he and then-Chicago teammate Dwyane Wade criticized how the Bulls were playing.

Including playoffs, Butler has started in each of his last 560 appearances.

“It kind of feels normal now at this point,” Heat guard Tyler Herro said at the morning shootaround when asked what it’s like to have Butler available again after a suspension — those words coming a few hours before the latest suspension was announced. “Kind of is what it is, but nothing’s guaranteed. We’ve just got to be ready to roll with whatever cards we’re dealt tonight. We’ve just got to be ready to go.”

Butler wants a trade, and Miami is trying to comply. But moving Butler and his $48.8 million salary this season is likely going to be more complicated that it would have been in past seasons, largely because of the league’s aprons — salary levels installed as part of the new collective bargaining agreement that restrict the ways bigger-spending teams can make certain moves.

It has been a saga that has lasted now for nearly two months and figures to come to a head — one way or another — over the next week and a half. The NBA’s trade deadline is Feb. 6. After Monday, there are only five games left for Miami before the deadline, raising the possibility that Butler will not play for the team again.

“We didn’t talk about anything today other than preparing for the Magic. … We’re just focusing on the task at hand,” Spoelstra said. “There’s no better place to be than just the present moment.”

The Heat next play at home on Wednesday against Cleveland. After that, they leave for a four-game trip to San Antonio, Chicago, Philadelphia and Brooklyn — that Nets game getting played on Feb. 7, one day after the deadline.

“For me, this shows that through all the noise and all the chaos, we can still win,” Heat captain Bam Adebayo said after Monday’s win. “We still can come together and be a great team.”

Butler has said repeatedly throughout this process that he still loves Miami, in the off-the-court sense.

“I love this city with everything that I have,” he said this weekend while appearing at a padel tournament that he co-chaired.

The issue, for him, is with the team. Butler became eligible last summer for a two-year, $113 million extension that the Heat have not offered him. Heat president Pat Riley said after last season that the team had reservations about such a deal since Butler has missed about one of every four Miami games since he joined the team.

Butler entered the season saying he was not upset about the extension not getting done. It appears that stance changed in recent weeks, and the team announced earlier this month that Butler asked for a trade — something he cannot do publicly by league rule.

Butler is averaging 17 points this season. He had one of the best statistical games in Heat history against Detroit on Dec. 16 — 35 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists.

In six appearances entering Monday since then, including one in which he departed in the first quarter with an illness, Butler is averaging 9.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists. He has also lost at least $3 million in salary — and counting, since this latest suspension is also without pay — since then because of the suspensions. The National Basketball Players Association has said it plans to appeal the first suspension, which means Butler could get some money back.

Credit: AP

The traditional end-of-year poll, organised by AIPS, is the most international poll dedicated to the debate regarding the athletes that dominated the sports world in the outgoing year.

Biles, who won three Olympic gold medals and one silver in Paris, garnered 703 points to win the Best Female Athlete of the Year award for the fifth time, ahead of Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati, who was recently named The Best FIFA Women’s Player for a second year in a row (337 points) and Saint Lucia’s first ever Olympic gold medallist in the 100m and silver medallist in the 200m, Julien Alfred in third with 263 points.

Following his record-breaking season, Duplantis also dominated the Best Male Athlete of the Year category with 603 points. The Swedish star, who finished second in the 2022 and 2023 editions of the AIPS poll, has finally secured the prestigious prize for the first time. Serbian tennis icon, Novak Djokovic, who at 37 became the oldest Olympic gold medallist in men’s singles and just the fifth tennis player to achieve the career Golden Slam, finished second with 368 points, while Slovenian Tadej Pogačar, who became the first male cyclist since 1987 to win the ‘Triple Crown’ of the men’s Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and world title in the same year, finished third with 294 points.

AIPS BEST FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Simone Arianne Biles, born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, has now won the AIPS Female Athlete of the Year accolade five times in the last eight years and consecutively on two occasions (2016, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024) after taking the Paris 2024 Olympics by storm to cement her status as the the world’s most decorated gymnast.

The 27-year-old icon dazzled on her Olympics return as she soared to four Olympic medals, including team, all-around and vault golds and a silver medal on the floor exercise, and banished the memories of Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021), where she abruptly quit the Olympic team final after suffering the ‘twisties’.

Boasting a total of 11 Olympic medals (seven gold, two silver, and two bronze medals) won across three Olympic Games: Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024, Biles made history in Paris as she became the most decorated American Olympic gymnast of all time.

Biles, who made her international debut in 2013, also owns 30 World Championship medals, including 23 world gold medals, and is widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time.

Below are the Top 10

1. Biles Simone (USA) – Gymnastics – 703
2. Bonmatí Aitana (Spain) – Football – 337
3. Alfred Julien (Saint Lucia) – Athletics – 263
4. Hassan Sifan (Netherlands) – Athletics – 226
5. Marta (Brazil) – Football – 196
6. Ledecky Katie (USA) – Swimming – 187
7. Shiffrin Mikaela (USA) – Alpine skiing – 176
8. Mahuchikh Yaroslava (Ukraine) – Athletics – 165
9. Chebet Beatrice (Kenya) – Athletics – 157
10. Swiatek Iga (Poland) – Tennis – 144

AIPS BEST MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR In 2024, Sweden’s Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, born on November 10, 1999 in Lafayette, Louisiana, United States, continued his imperious form as the dominant force of pole vault.

He defended his titles at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, European Athletics Championships and Olympic Games and cleared world records of 6.24m, 6.25m and 6.26m en route to an unbeaten season – indoors and outdoors.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Duplantis soared to his ninth world record of 6.25m, having already secured gold earlier with a vault of 6.00m to become the first back-to-back champion in men’s pole vault since the 1950s. Two weeks later, the 25-year-old Swedish star broke the world record for the tenth time in his career at the Silesia Diamond League Meeting in Poland. He first broke the world record in February of 2020.

He also owns the eight best vaults of the 2024 season, including the championship record of 6.10m that earned him a third successive European outdoor title in Rome in June and the meeting record of 6.11m at the Allianz Memorial van Damme in Brussels where he won his fourth consecutive Diamond League Trophy.

Duplantis took to pole vaulting at an early age and, under the guidance of his father Greg, has been a record-breaker since he was seven years old.

Below are the Top 10

1. Duplantis Armand (Sweden) – Athletics – 603
2. Djokovic Novak (Serbia) – Tennis – 368
3. Pogačar Tadej (Slovenia) – Cycling – 294
4. Marchand León (France) – Swimming – 246
5. Vinícius Junior (Brazil) – Football – 226
6. Alcaraz Carlos (Spain) – Tennis  – 220
7. Yamal Lamine (Spain) – Football – 211
8. Sinner Jannik (Italy) – Tennis – 180
9. López Mijain (Cuba) – Wrestling – 172
10. Rodri (Spain) – Football – 144

AIPS Members from the following 111 countries participated in the Best of 2024 poll: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Rep., Chile, China, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Great Britain, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Republic Of Korea, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Togo, Trinidad And Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela and Yemen.

Credit: AIPS Media 

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GIS SPORTS UNIT FUND

A significant milestone under Takyi’s leadership was the creation of the GIS Sports Unit Fund. This innovative initiative provides dedicated support for sports-related activities, empowering the unit to achieve unprecedented success.

INTRODUCTION OF BASKETBALL

The GIS Giants, the men’s basketball team, was established under Takyi’s tenure, expanding the service’s sporting disciplines. The team’s impressive performance in the Accra Basketball League and the African Basketball Festival demonstrates their potential.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

Immigration Ladies FC

The ladies team secured sponsorship, acquired an apartment for civilians, and excelled in the Greater Accra Division One League.

Immigration FC

The Men’s team crowned champions in the 2023/24 GARFA Division two leagues and qualified for the middle league play-offs.

The team has also qualified to the ongoing 2024/25 MTN FA round of 64 after a 2-0 away win over Dynamo FC at the Hospital Sports Stadium.

Volleyball Team

2017, Immigration Ladies Volleyball were League winners  and champions of champions winners.

In 2018 they played in West Africa Zone B tournament and were second  and in 2019 they won champions of champions trophy.

In just ended 2024 GAVA League, they put up outstanding performance in the  League finishing second behind Ghana Air Force volleyball team and also placed 2nd in the 2024 GAVA Top 8 Championship.

Armwrestling team

 Won 12 medals at the 2023 African games.

Tennis team

Won numerous medals.

HISTORY OF THE GIS SPORTS Unit

The Sports Unit of the Ghana Immigration Service begun with selected personnel of the Service and civilians engaging and competing in Sports activities on behalf of the Service at competitions and fun games.

It was not until the year 1998 that the Ghana Immigration Service recruited 10 professional athletes to go through paramilitary training. They were made up of sprinters, long distance runners and a javelin thrower. These athletes won many laurels and medals for the Service.

This moved management to form a Sports Unit to recruit new sports men who will compete in all the sports activities organized by the Ghana Sports Council and SESSA in 1995.

From ten sportsmen, the section can now boast of sportsmen (men/women) who compete in Volleyball, football, table tennis, athletics, Basketball and weightlifting.

CONCLUSION

Comptroller-General Lawyer Kwame Asuah Takyi’s visionary leadership has transformed the GIS Sports Unit into a symbol of excellence.

His commitment to sports development has inspired a new generation of athletes, fostering teamwork, discipline, and national pride.

Credit: Richard Achore