VOA Talks with Sammy Heywood Okine on the state of Ghana Boxing
The Voice of America (VOA) ace reporter in Ghana, West Africa, Kobina Ofori at the residence of the Communications Director of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Sammy Heywood Okine on Saturday, August 22, 2020 to inquire about the state of Ghana Boxing.
They discussed a wide range of issues including the history of boxing in Ghana, a country that has produced 10 world champions, and why most of the boxers hail from Bukom.
They also touched on the numerous boxing clubs and gyms at Bukom and James Town as well as training for coaches and the exposure for future champions.
Sammy Heywood Okine, a former deputy general secretary of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) was optimistic that the nation can produce more champions with the return of experienced Joseph Agbeko, Richard Harrison, Richard Commey, exciting Emmanuel Tagoe and the delightful Isaac Dogboe in contention, and future champions like Manyo Plange, Wasiru Mohammed and Duke Micah on the block.
He also commended the previous government for constructing the Trust Sports Emporium which houses the Bukom Boxing Arena and other facilities including a gym, Mudor conference hall, The Ring restaurant, physio center and boarding house.
According to Mr. Okine who doubles as Communications Director of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) they have come up with a policy to encourage the juvenile and youth boxers to go to school before they can participate in the innovative Bukom Fist of Fury Boxing League and Championship.
He expressed that education is key on the agenda of the administration and agenda of the GOC and GBA.
Sammy Heywood Okine, an expert sports journalist with three decades of high professional practice noted that Covid-19 hit Ghana Boxing with a knock out punch and they have still not found their feet, however they hope to recover when the government lifts the ban on contact sports.
He revealed that the GBA is coming up with health and safety procedures and restrictions to bring back boxing.
He is Ghana country manager of African Sports Media Network.
By Elizabeth Alhassan