He was received by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, and officials of the National Sports Authority (NSA) led by the Acting Regional Director.

The inspection comes at a crucial time as two Ghanaian clubs, Asante Kotoko and Bibiani Gold Stars, prepare to represent Ghana in the CAF Inter-Club competitions. The stadium, once one of Ghana’s most prominent sporting venues, has undergone several renovations over the years, with the most recent major upgrade occurring in 2022.

However, it has since suffered wear and tear, necessitating critical infrastructural attention to meet CAF licensing requirements and restore its full functionality.

During the visit, the NSA team walked the Minister through the various challenges facing the stadium, including the deteriorating pitch condition due to a failed irrigation system, non-functional floodlights, broken public address systems, damaged dressing room facilities, outdated seating arrangements, and significant utility bills that remain largely unpaid.

The scoreboard has also been relocated, and the reserve benches require urgent replacement. These issues have contributed to the stadium’s inability to consistently host major local and international matches.

The Minister emphasized the importance of Kumasi in Ghana’s football culture and reiterated government’s commitment to restoring the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to its rightful status as the Mecca of Ghana football. He acknowledged the passion and support of the Ashanti Region’s football-loving public and highlighted that their unwavering love for the sport deserves a world-class facility.

He further announced that his Ministry is engaging stakeholders, including the Energy Ministry, to review utility billing structures for sports facilities and explore ways to reduce operational costs. Plans are also underway to pursue green sports investment opportunities, including natural grass pitches supported by borehole systems and solar-powered lighting.

The Minister assured the Ashanti Regional Minister of close collaboration in implementing the necessary interventions to ensure the stadium is match-ready ahead of the CAF competitions. He stressed that restoring the facility would not only boost regional pride but also contribute to reviving national interest and confidence in domestic football.

Credit: Ministry of Sports and Recreation

Against Germany based Syrian, Fared Kanba in front of over 4,000 vociferous fans at the Great Hall of Mechernich, the Ghanaian stood firm, displaying skill, power and heart pounding action to emerge victorious.

“The competition is where the world’s best fighters compete on a world stage. Under the blinding spotlights, I stood calm but fiercely determined. This was not just another fight—it was my destiny, a chance to defend my world title for the second time,” Steavano, also Vice-President of Ghana Kickboxing Association,  recounted.

“As the bell rang, I moved with calculated precision, my heart pounding in rhythm with the crowd’s chants. My opponent was formidable, a skilled warrior with undeniable prowess. But I had something more, purpose. Every punch, every kick carried the weight of my dreams, the pride of Ghana, and the hopes of countless aspiring fighters back home,” he explained.

“The second round came, and my focus sharpened like a blade. I saw an opening—my training, my sacrifices, and my will to win ignited in a flurry of strikes. With a decisive kick and a crushing punch, my opponent fell. The referee counted, and the crowd erupted as he waved the fight off. Victory was mine,” Tuekpe hailed.

History had been made, he had set a precedent no fighter from this country had previously thread. The excitement was too visible for anyone to see as Tuekpe exhaled his moment of re-writing the record books.

“My dream has always been to raise the Ghanaian flag high, tears mixing with sweat. This was more than a personal triumph, it was history. I had become the first Ghanaian professional kickboxer to win the world title twice consecutively, etching Ghana’s name on the global combat sports map,” Steavano proclaimed.

“This victory isn’t just mine, it belongs to every young, determined athlete in Ghana dreaming of greatness. It’s a call to the world to look to Ghana for the next generation of dynamic, unstoppable fighters. Our story is just beginning, and I’m honoured to lead the charge,” he affirmed.

Meanwhile, the ace kickboxer also assured of his commitment to the promotion and development of the sport in this country as the second most powerful man at the national federation as he seeks to entrench partnership for the benefit of young and aspiring kickboxers.

“As the Vice President of Ghana Kickboxing Association, I promise to continue working with (National Sports Authority) NSA and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to help the young ones with the needed equipment to facilitate training and achieve their dreams,” Tuekpe pledged.

“We are Ghana. We are champions. And we are ready for the world,” he concluded.

Credit: Elizabeth Gyamfi

Danso Adjei Jnr, son of Dr. Nick Danso Adjei, Executive Chairman of Ghana Link Network Services Ltd who lives in the US where he is vested in the sport, took advantage of spending the Christmas holidays in Ghana to compete at the 2023 Open Jiu Jutsu and Combat Jiu Jutsu Beach Championship staged by the GJJF in conjunction with the National Sports Authority (NSA).

In the end, he emerged top of the keenly contested heavyweight category, just managing to overcome his training partner in the US, John Chitandas Nii Kwaatei Quartey into the runner-up spot, with local hero, Isaac Commey propping up in 3rd.

“I’m delighted to have competed in the sport I like here in my country, it’s overwhelming and in grateful for the opportunity,” Nick Adjei Danso Jnr said after his victory.

“I believe I’m tough but these guys are tougher from the competition I saw them put out today. I will urge Ghanaians to throw their full weight behind Jiu Jutsu because it can help restore Ghana’s lost glory in global sports,” he urged.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on participating at the 2023 world championships in Latvia, the Ghana Jiu Jutsu Federation ensured a happy ending to the year by hosting the beach tournament which adds more plusses to the swiftly burgeoning sport in this country.

Aside the heavyweights, competitions for both male and female categories were very high, amid ample demonstration of how quickly Jiu Jutsu is rising in Ghana.

In the event, Mercy Akorle came first in the close contact girls competition, with Rabiatu Seyi taking second place and Jessica Okine the 3rd spot.

Close contact boys 13-15 year group action saw Alhassan Ntiakum emerging winner, Joseph Frimpong finished 2nd whilst the third position went to Daniel Squire.

Close contact 55-60 kg category saw Prince Larbie take 1st position, 2nd was Joshua Commey with Simon Okine  carrying 3rd place.

In other events, Nii Adjei Dromo Okang won the B.J.J. lightweight division by beating Owusu Amoah and Godfred Lamptey in that order.

Edmond Akator meanwhile won the full contact 60-64 action after defeating Eugene Abbey Annan into the runner-up spot.

Charles Lamptey also overcame Abdul Malik for a first and second finish in the close contact 58-64 division.

The programme would feature, for the first time, a Jiu Jitsu performance adding up to the traditional performances of Judo and Karate-Do.

The event would see schools including St. Dominic’s Senior High Technical, St. Roses SHS, Kadjebi Asato Junior High School, Presbyterian Boys Senior High School, and St. Mary’s Senior High School competing for glory.

Others are Achimota School, Labone Senior High School, Bueman SHS, St. Theresa’s school and St. Thomas Aquinas SHS.

Extra performances from JICA, Accragio, E-Flex, and the JOCV will also be held at the colourful festival.

The inter-cultural and sports festival will be graced by the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Mochizuki Hisanobu.

Yosakoi is a unique style of dance that originated from Japan and is performed at festivals and events. The first Yosakoi festival was held in Japan, Kochi on the Island of Shikoku in 1954.

Credit: Michael D. Abayateye

The Ghanaian team have been preparing all year for the tournament organised by the International Ju Jutsu Federation (CJJIF) which involved a host of countries across the world.

This was preceded by the Africa Open tournament which was held in Accra in June.

The Local Organising Committe in collaboration with Latvia Immigration duly issued visa consents to all registered and accredited national teams, Ghana included.

Latvia, a country within the Schenghen enclave in Europe, with no working embassy in Accra, mandated the Swiss embassy to formally issue the necessary travel documents to accredited athletes and officials in order for them to make the trip to the 10-12 November competition.

But in a strange turn of events, the Swiss embassy dragged their feet for weeks over the simple task of issuing visas already approved by Latvia Immigration, with the excuse that there was no convenient date to book appointments for the entire Ghanaian team.

In all,  a total of 20 countries, among them, Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Finland, Peru, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, took part in the 3-day competition, but minus any of the accredited African teams.

Nigeria, Algeria and Benin, like Ghana, experienced similar rejection and as a result, no single country from this continent was represented at the world championship which ended on Sunday.

This development has left many of the African sides infuriated at the conduct of the Swiss embassy, not least Ghana Ju Jutsu Federation Vice-President, Evans Bernie-Johnson.

“These embassies don’t respect us Africans, meanwhile we are the same continent where they get a lot of our resources to boost their economies,” Mr. Bernie-Johnson fumed.

“These athletes have trained, morning, afternoon and evening and at the end, no tournament to participate in. It has already started having negative impact on their attitude towards training,” the Ghanaian Ju Jutsu chief added.

His Nigerian counterparts who also competed at the Africa tournament in Ghana were even fiercer in disgruntlement, demanding a reimbursement of their visa fees, the least of their time and money spent on the now failed endeavour.

“We lost so much money. Why did we pay 200 Euros for something that will not be respected? The President should ask them to refund that money,” said Micklem Emechete-Attoh, President of Combat Ju Jutsu Federation of Nigeria.

“The Nigerian team spent N6million (six million Naira) to attend the Ghana event as a pride of CJJIF. We showed that we can move by bringing even Benin Republic to join the train and some people thought we do not have a stake at CJJIF. They need to refund that 200 Euros please,” he added furiously.

International Ju Jutsu President, Vladyslav Shypinskyi was equally disappointed in the failure of the African teams to make it to Latvia for the global competition and has tasked African governments to collaborate more with the embassies to avoid these controversies in future.

“Dear friends, I support your indignation. We worked hard to hold the World Championships and to facilitate the arrival of participants from all over the world. When someone cannot come, it hinders our work and brings disappointment,” Mr. Shypinskyi said.

“The (Latvia) Immigration Service received the money and gave permission to enter. But embassies discriminate against teams from African countries and do not issue visas without explaining the reasons. This is extremely unfair and hinders the development of sports,” he continued.

“I think you need to contact the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of your countries so that they seek justice through diplomatic channels. It is also important to receive diplomatic support from the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the CCJIF chief urged.

This edition, held for the first time in the Middle East, goes underway from October 20-31, all under one roof at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital.

The 2023 edition is considered the biggest in terms of participation, with over 1500 registered athletes from 120 participating countries from all five continents of the world. Attended by leading sports personalities and heads of Martial Art and Combat Sports International Federations.

SPORTS PARTICULARITY

Para-sports will be included for the first time in this edition in 6 sports: Aikido, Muaythai, Armwrestling, Ju-Jitsu, Sambo and Savate. With athletes competing in 16 combat sports: Aikido, Arm wrestling, Boxing, Fencing, Judo, Ju-jitsu, Karate, Kendo, Kickboxing, Muaythai, Sambo (Russian Wrestling), Savate (French Boxing), Sumo, Taekwondo, Wrestling, Wushu.

OPENING CEREMONY

The Opening ceremony, held at the SOPC Arena, was full of edge, diversity, rich culture, creativity and colour. A demonstration team from each sport took us on a trip into a different dimension full of wonders, discipline and passion, featuring some of the world’s best demo teams like the world-famous World Taekwondo Demo Team.

His Highness Prince Fahad bin Jalawi opened the Games saying: “From the heart of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, I extend a warm welcome to each of you who have gathered for the Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games. We have invested months of unwavering dedication to ensure the highest level of success for this prestigious event.

“As we inaugurate the Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games, the world will bear witness to this extraordinary display of passion and dedication. Over 1,500 male and female athletes representing 16 combat sports and martial arts disciplines will showcase their exceptional talents, promising a remarkable 11-day journey through sporting greatness.

“Today, with deep pride, I officially declare the commencement of the Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games. To all the participating athletes, the world stage is yours. Seize the moment and showcase your incredible talents as you embody the true essence of competition while representing your distinguished nations with honour and distinction.” he concluded.

INCLUSIVITY

SportAccord President, Ivo Ferriani, took the stage first saying: “This event brings together not only champions of the champions, but also the champions of all abilities, to celebrate a moment of sport which is built on inclusion, non-discrimination, equality, values that are now, in a world of uncertainty, more important than ever.”

A PEACEFUL FUTURE

He added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, for His vision of 2030, in which tolerance, and developing a safe, sustainable, and peaceful future, for the next generations, are at the forefront and in the hearts of all of us.

“Here, we look to the athletes of the world, from martial arts and combat sports, as perfect examples of how we can compete in the utmost rivalry, but at the same time, express respect for one another.”

COMMITMENT OATH

Dunya Abutaleb, a Saudi female Taekwondo sensation, and Hasna Al Najm, a Saudi female Arm Wrestling para-champion, pledged the oath of the World Combat Games at the start of the ceremony.

COMPETITION ARENA 

There will be 5 competition mats split into two different zones inside the King Saud University Stadium, in addition to 5 different warm-up zones, athletes’ rooms, media operations room, media centre, media conference room and a restaurant lounge at the venue.

SCHEDULE 

Friday morning, October 20th, Karate and Sambo competitions will begin at 10 am in KSU 1, Sambo at 1:23 pm in KSU 5, Boxing at 4 pm in KSU 1, Karate at 5:30 pm in KSU 1 and boxing at 7 pm in KSU 2. View event website here.

CLICK TO VIEW LIVE RESULTS

Credit: AIPS Media

Parading a host of budding stars, most of who were nurtured and trained in the various regional tournaments staged across the country in the past five years since the sport started taking roots, Team Ghana swept a total of 39 medals comprising 13 gold, 13 silver and 13 bronze at the end of the 2-day competition.

The first of it’s kind to be held on the African continent and fully sanctioned by the International Combat Ju Jutsu Federation (CJJIF), Nigeria came second with 3 gold medals, 2 silver and 1bronze to bring their tally to 6.

Germany, the only non-African team did not leave without keeping their pride intact as they bagged three medals in sum following a gold, a silver and a bronze feats at the D.G. Hathiramani Hall of the Accra Sports Stadium in the heart of the Ghanaian capital with the Ambassador of Peru, His Excellency Abel Cardenas among the special guests.

Aside a total of 15 officiating personnel who were presented with certificates, all winning athletes received medals, certificates and for the ultimate in each category, products from the Electroland Ghana Limited sponsors, much to the satisfaction of the organisers.

“I’m very happy with the participation and competiton. Even our global president said that their first competition when they started featured just one country but we have two more countries, Nigeria and Germany join Ghana so we are very happy for hosting a very successful tournament,” said Evans Bernie-Johnson, Vice President of Ghana Ju Jutsu Federation.

“For the medal count, Ghana is way ahead. You know we are the pacesetters in Africa and gradually ju jutsu is growing. You can see the numbers from our previous events have quadrupled and day by day more people are getting to understand the game and are putting resources to get on board,” Mr. Bernie-Johnson continued.

“We are extremely grateful to Electroland Ghana Limited, dealers in NASCO and Samsung products. They have done marvelously well because if not for them, we couldn’t have given out these electronics items to them. We have put smiles on their faces,” he added.

In the event, Ejeba Abdul Rahman of Nigeria came tops in the close contact 100kg category, beating Felix Amoo Jnr of Ghana into second spot whilst Martin Opitz of Germany scooped the bronze.

In the full contact 90 kg division, Ghana’s highly decorated combat fighter, Jonathan Euro went home the winner after beating Christian Eziora of Nigeria in the final. Third place went to Bill Emmanuel of Ghana.

The close contacf 75 kg category saw a clean sweep by Ghana as Hamza Mohammed took gold, Ishmael Lamptey the silver and Samuel Nii Oblie Ofoli Quaye finished third.

Another Ghanaian fighter, Isaac Commey topped the full contact 70 kg competiton, upstaging countryman Edmund Akator into the runner-up position as Nigeria’s Khalil Yussif took the bronze.

The 65 kg division saw another clean Ghanaian sweep as Simon Okine claimed gold, Prince Labbie annexed silver and bronze went to Enoch Abbey, same as Malik Adjei taking gold, Joshua Commey winning silver and Abraham Thompson the bronze in the 60 kg division.

In a further demonstration of their readiness for the future, Team Ghana also grabbed all three top spots in the junior males under 15 years’ category, Alhassan Ntiakum, Emmanuel Okyere and Kelvin Asamoah claiming the gold, silver and bronze in that order, very much what happened in the under 13s event where Nathaniel Osei, Prince Akakpo and Daniel Quaye finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Male Brazilian ju jutsu (BJJ) 60 kg event was won by Joshua Commey of Ghana with the silver medal going to his compatriot, Blessing Nii Ayi Quaye whilst Abdul Basit, Shato Mustapha and David Apoh took gold, silver and bronze in that order in the 65 kg division.

In the women’s competition, Lucy Ojebo became the first to win a gold medal for Nigeria by defeating Felix Amoelisa Vogt of Germany, with Ganga Alicia Anakina of Ghana taking the bronze.

Annilore Adusu, Jessica Okine and Priscilla Ofosua completed a Ghana top three in the females under 15 years division whilst Elisa Vogt of Germany won gold in the female BJJ 60 kg event for under 13s as Ganga Alicia Anakina took silver to complete her personal double.

Following the Olympic success of Bianca Walkden, Lutalo Muhammad and Jade Jones at London 2012 and Rio 2016, taekwondo would be assured a venue full of knowledgeable and passionate fans at Birmingham 2022 if included in the sports program. However, the working group, headed by Commonwealth Taekwondo Union President Anthony Ferguson and comprised of representatives from World Taekwondo’s events department as well as British Taekwondo and GB Taekwondo, is also looking at opportunities at the Commonwealth Games beyond 2022.

Taekwondo is a popular sport across the Commonwealth. A total of 88% of Commonwealth countries practice the sport and have an established taekwondo national association. Taekwondo is very accessible, with minimal requirements for infrastructure or equipment, and would represent significant medal opportunities for smaller nations at the Commonwealth Games, providing a wide medal spread. The sport also provides equal opportunities for male and female athletes with an equal split of medals for both genders as well as an equal gender split for referees.

World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue said: “World Taekwondo has long been committed to making a valuable contribution to the Commonwealth Sports Movement. It would be an honour and a realisation of a dream for taekwondo to be included in the Commonwealth Games. We strongly believe that taekwondo would bring a wide-range of benefits to the Commonwealth Games whilst simultaneously ensuring minimal impact on infrastructure requirements, operational costs and competition schedules.

“But our commitment to the Commonwealth Games Family goes beyond the Commonwealth Games. We want to continue to work with the Commonwealth Games Federation to develop taekwondo in Commonwealth countries and use the sport to build healthier, fairer and more peaceful societies.”

World Taekwondo shares the CGF’s core values and engages in many humanitarian initiatives around the world which have drawn praise from the UN, IOC and the Pope. In 2015 World Taekwondo formed the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) which uses taekwondo to empower refugees and displaced persons. The THF already has programmes in Jordan, Turkey, Nepal, Djibouti and Rwanda and is looking to collaborate with the CGF to establish projects in other Commonwealth countries.

Commonwealth Taekwondo Union President and Working Group Chair, Anthony Ferguson added: “The sports program for the Commonwealth Games is very competitive and we fully respect the process of the CGF and the Organizing Committees in selecting the sports. However, we believe taekwondo would offer something new, exciting and completely different for Commonwealth audiences. There is no sport on the current program like taekwondo and it would attract new audiences to the event.

“With the popularity of taekwondo in England and the country’s proven track record in hosting world-class taekwondo events, we think taekwondo would make an excellent contribution to Birmingham 2022’s success and to the success of the Commonwealth Games in the long-term.

Taekwondo is particularly popular in England. Manchester is set to host the World Taekwondo Championships in 2019 and has hosted many Grand Prix events alongside London. England also has many high-profile athletes which would help contribute to large and passionate crowds at Birmingham 2022 if taekwondo were included.

Under World Taekwondo’s proposal, taekwondo would share a venue with an existing indoor sport, eliminating the need for a new venue and keeping hosting costs to a minimum. Taekwondo has shared venues with indoor sports at Olympic Games on many occasions with great success and the transition for the venue would only be two days, minimizing impact on the competition schedule.

Credit: AIPS

Having operated in Accra since 2017 and now having sprung up wings across Ghana, with 10 regional offices, the GJJF finally met the mandatory quota which previously prevented the NSA from sanctioning their hosting of an international event last year.

The GJJF can now start preparing to host the Open Africa championships featuring European, Asian, American and of course African countries after receiving a certificate of recognition from the NSA to become the 48th sanctioned sport association in this country.

“I’m very happy that after our hardwork did not end in vain and we have been given the nod to operate fully and organise the African championship,” said Master Maxwell Borketey Borquaye, President of Ghana Jiu Jitsu Federation.

“But we are not going to rest on our oars, this is the time we are going to work harder than before.  We thank the NSA boss for helping and guiding us to attain all the requirements to successfully gain this certificate of recognition,” he added.

Prof. Peter Twumasi, Director-General of the National Sports Authority presented the certificate of recognition to Mr. Borquaye and other executives of the association at a short ceremony at the NSA offices at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday.

He then hailed the impact of jiu jitsu, a self-defence sport within the martial arts genre, on not just the economy of Ghana when good athletes win laurels internationally, but also could come in handy for individuals especially the vulnerable in society like women and children to be able to defend themselves at all times.

“I must commend you for the good work you have done since starting with this association, we feel encouraged by your tenacity to succeed in the face of difficulties like not even getting the nod to host the Africa Open championship you had invested a lot in,” Prof. Twumasi said.

“Not only does your sport create employment opportunities for the youth but it can help teach some of our defenceless women and kids how to defend themselves from unexpected attacks. I think I would have to take you to my hometown to start teaching jiu jitsu,” the NSA boss added.

Also appreciative of the development is the GJJF 1st Vice President, Ade Sawyerr who is already plotting strategies to expand the sport even wider.

“We are most grateful that we have come this far, and our toils haven’t been in vain. We will make sure to spread jiu jutsu across all the regions of Ghana for this sport to become a household name,” Mr. Sawyerr said.

Not to be left out is the 2nd Vice President of GJJF, Evans Bernie-Johnson whose special appeal is to students and aspiring journalists to get trained with jiu jitsu skills which could come in handy in their line of work.

“It will be possible and it’s possible that we inculcate it into schools especially GIJ (Ghana Institute of Journalism) so that each and every journalist who graduates there will come out well equipped with self-defence skills,” he appealed.

“That way, whenever he or she is attacked on the work, reporting on the field, they can defend themselves and defend well,” Mr. Bernie-Johnson said.