I left a legacy and solid foundation for Ghana Boxing Federation – Bernard Quartey
Former President of the Ghana Boxing Federation, Mr. Bernard Quartey says he should be commended for his prudent financial management during his term of office because no funds were coming in and he rather went round looking for money to run the Federation.
Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive chat on accusations against him, Mr. Quartey said he should be praised for building a sound and solid foundation for Amateur Boxing because they now have an international ring for bouts, while boxers and officials have gained experience to improve.
According to the former President he deals with those who matter at his level and everyone knows he did well and has nothing to hide, because when he assumed office the previous administration did not hand over anything and he did not come to meet any funds, but at least he left something even if its nothing good to write home about.
Mr. Quartey said he worked directly with the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) where every request must be justified before approved and at the handing over Congress of former President Ben Nunoo Mensah everything was clearly stated, approved and applauded before he left office.
So according to the former GBF President he does things well safely and judiciously because often when there are no funds he has to think outside the box to make things happen.
He recalled some of his achievements, apart from good books as offering opportunity to referees and judges to upgrade and exposure for boxers which resulted in Ghana winning 2 Silver medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and four Gold medals at the 2023 African Games.
He noted that these boxers are the current local professional champions and best boxers anyone can acknowledge like Samuel Takyi, Henry Malm, Theophilus Allotey, Joseph Commey, Abu Kamoko and Jonathan Tetteh.
He stated how the Black Bombers were beefed up with trainers, and security to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and had to go to qualifiers in Senegal. Thailand and Italy, but they could not make it.
“In fact I did my best and should be praised, because I had to ensure good leadership which I did, some labeled me as doing a one man show, but once we got the results that is most important, and I was not doing a one man show. Because of politics, some people said that against me, but what do I lose when I know I did a great job which is clearly seen” he expressed.
Mr. Quartey said the Second Vice President Solomon Otoo Lartey has no right to request accountability from him because he has already done that with the sources of funds like the Ghana Olympic Committee and LOC of the African Games.
“Those who love travelling connections like Otoo Mangola are there, but I am clean and should rather be asking for refunds, however a leader must lead by finding the funds to work and I did exactly that” he stressed.
“I have handed over leadership, so the new leaders must carry on and not ask me for probity and accountability. To whom ?” he asked.
He noted that Amateur Boxing has been interesting and encouraging because of what he laid down, and if the current executive board continues to manage well they will succeed.
“I can wish them well, but no one’s hard earned reputation and image must be tarnished because we all came to serve and we did our best to put Ghana on the map” he added.By Sammy Heywood Okine