GOC President backs Black Rockets to focus on future successes
GOC President urges Black Rockets to focus on future successes after splendid performance in Conakry
Mr. Richard Akpokavie, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has welcomed and congratulated the three Ghanaian youth boxers, members of the Black Rockets who won three gold at the recent 2025 African Youth Boxing Championship in Conakry, Guinea.
He said the achievement is just the beginning and if they remain disciplined, listen to their coaches and are focused, they can go on and qualify for the Youth Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and even the 2028 LA Olympic Games.
“We can’t do magic or promise you, but we can support you to go as far as possible to win more laurels for Ghana at the Youth Olympic Games” he assured.
Secretary General of the GOC, Mohammed Muniru also added that “this should be a springboard for more great things to come.”
The Black Rockets were led by President of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), Mr. Bernard Quartey who introduced the boxers, technical men and other executives of the GBF like Vice Presidents Dauda Fuseni, Solomon Otoo, Treasurer Mustapha Nettey and Head Coach Charles Quartey.
The Three boxers, Mathias Ashitey (Flyweight-51Kg), George Dowouna (Bantamweight-54Kg) and Desmond Pappoe (Middleweight-75Kg) all won Gold Medals for Ghana, and at the end of the tournament Ghana placed third in the team placing and got a cup as reward.
In an interview with Coach Joseph Martey aka ‘Yaro’ who led the team, he pleaded with the sports authorities like the NSA and GOC as well as Ministry of Sports & Recreation to invest in boxing as there are many youth boxers who can also do well, and boxing is the sport that always brings honour to the nation.
“When we were going to Conakry, I was a bit nervous but I encouraged myself as a former boxer with some international experience, we were also challenged with weight problems, but we solved all and we were successful” he expressed.
Senior Coach Charles Quartey said the same about their welfare and motivation, revealing that there are over 60 youth boxers who are ready and being groomed but most do not come for training due to lack of motivation.
“We are a boxing nation, we know our strength that we can always perform, so the government should not let us beg before we are supported” he added.
By Sammy Heywood Okine