By: Kwame Bediako
The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has celebrated a major sporting achievement as it hosted the Black Rockets — Ghana’s national youth boxing team — following their impressive performance at the Africa Youth Amateur Boxing Championship in Guinea-Conakry.
The team returned home with pride, winning three gold medals and marking a significant milestone in the country’s youth boxing development.
They were accompanied by officials from the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), led by President DSI Bernard Quartey, along with Vice Presidents Alhaji Dauda Fuseini and Solomon Otoo Lartey, Treasurer Mustapha Nettey, and Communications Officer Charles Jojo Ephson. The delegation expressed pride in the young athletes who brought honour to the nation through their dedication and skill.
Among the medal-winning athletes were Desmond Pappoe, 18, who claimed gold in the middleweight category (75kg); Mathias Ashitey, also 18, who secured gold in the flyweight division (51kg); and George Nii Nortey Dowuona, aged 17, who triumphed in the bantamweight class (54kg). All three athletes were trained under the guidance of Coach Joseph Martey, whose mentorship was praised by officials and supporters.
GBF President Bernard Quartey highlighted the team’s unexpected success, emphasising their impressive progress during the tournament despite financial constraints. “We didn’t anticipate such a strong performance, but their progress during the tournament showed their potential for gold,” he stated.
He also announced plans to support other promising boxers by providing opportunities at the upcoming Youth Olympic qualifiers in Angola this December. “We’ll open doors for boxers ready to chase their dreams,” he added.
GOC President Richard Akpokavie Esq. praised the team and the GBF for their outstanding achievements. He pledged continued support to ensure Ghana’s youth athletes succeed on the international stage, especially as they prepare for the Youth Olympic Games.
The triumphant return of the Black Rockets underscores Ghana’s bright future in amateur boxing and the nation’s commitment to nurturing young sporting talent.
