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Ghanaian amateur boxing experienced a rollercoaster year in 2024, a period of setbacks and successes that underlined the resilience and potential of the nation’s boxers.
While the heartbreak of missing the Paris 2024 Olympics for the first time in over 20 years was a significant blow, Ghana’s fighters made historic strides that reaffirmed the country’s status as a powerhouse in African boxing.
The year began with the Black Bombers competing in the first of two world Olympic qualifying tournaments held in Busto Arsizio, Italy, from March 4–11.
Having failed to secure Olympic slots at the African qualifying tournament in Dakar, Senegal, months earlier, the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) added reinforcements to the team.
Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Samuel Takyi was drafted back into the fold, while UK-based Freezy Macbones had joined the earlier campaign in Senegal, albeit unsuccessfully.
Led by experienced coaches, Ofori Asare and Vincent Akai Nettey, the seven-member squad included Takyi (light welterweight), Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey (flyweight), Alfred Kotey (light-middleweight), Jonathan Tetteh (light heavyweight), and UK-based heavyweight Mark Kodjovi Ahondjo for the men.
Representing the women were Janet Acquah (flyweight) and Anatu Mohammed (lightweight).
However, the campaign in Italy was riddled with challenges. Takyi, Kotey, Acquah and Mohammed exited in the early rounds, Tetteh failed to report for his weigh-in, and Ahondjo did not even show up from his UK base.
Allotey was the standout performer, managing a first-round victory before losing in a narrow 3-2 split decision to South Korea’s Inkyu Kim in the round of 16.
Despite the disappointment in Italy, the GBF shifted focus to the Accra 2023 African Games, with the boxers who missed out on Italy joining an intensive camp at the University of Ghana. The results were nothing short of historic.
At the continental competition, Ghana secured four gold medals—the highest-ever haul in boxing at the African Games. Mohammed Aryeetey (minimumweight), Amadu Mohammed (bantamweight), Joseph Commey (lightweight), and Takyi (light welterweight) were crowned champions in their respective divisions.
Added to the triumphs, Abubakari Kamoko, son of 1999 light heavyweight bronze medallist Braimah "Bukom Banku" Kamoko, claimed silver in the cruiserweight division.
Allotey secured bronze in the flyweight category, while Acquah rewrote history as the first Ghanaian woman to win a boxing medal at the Games, taking bronze in the minimumweight division.
“It was an incredible achievement,” GBF President, Bernard Quartey, remarked. “Our athletes proved that with the right support and preparation, Ghana can dominate African boxing,” he said.
In May, the Black Bombers travelled to Bangkok, Thailand, for the final Olympic qualifying tournament. The team, this time without Takyi, included flyweight Theophilus Allotey, featherweight Mohammed Amadu, light welterweight Joseph Commey, light middleweight Henry Malm, and light heavyweight Jonathan Tetteh.
They were joined by UK-based super heavyweight Ahondjo and US-based female middleweight Ornella Sathoud.
Unfortunately, the team’s efforts did not yield any Olympic slots, leaving Ghana without representation in boxing at the Paris Games. It was a bitter pill to swallow for a nation that has traditionally excelled in the sport on the global stage.
The GBF wasted no time recalibrating its strategy. Shortly after returning from Thailand, the federation dissolved the Black Bombers and announced plans to rebuild the team with a focus on youth development.
“It is normal to dissolve the team in these circumstances when we could not participate in a major international competition such as the Olympics,” GBF President Quartey explained, adding: “We will now focus on developing the youth because they are the future.”
The emphasis shifted to the Black Rockets, Ghana’s youth boxing team, who are preparing for the World Youth Championship in Montenegro later in the year.
The Black Rockets made history by becoming the first Ghanaian team to compete in the World Youth Championship, a global event featuring approximately 660 boxers from 88 countries.
The six-man team, led by Head Coach Charles Quartey, showcased their determination and talent. Flyweight Mathias Ashitey impressed by reaching the last 16, while lightweight Ebenezer Ankrah also advanced in his division. However, George Dowuona (48kg), Francis Quartey (57kg), Levi Ankrah (63.5kg), and Desmond Pappoe (71kg) all exited in the preliminary rounds.
“I can say without equivocation that Ghana has a bright future in boxing,” GBF Vice-President, Alhaji Dauda Fuseni, said. “Our boys made the nation proud. Bad officiating was our only challenge, but this exposure was invaluable for their development.”
Last year will be remembered as a year of contrasts for Ghanaian boxing. The disappointment of missing the Olympics was tempered by historic achievements at the African Games and the groundbreaking participation in the World Youth Championship.
The GBF’s renewed focus on youth development offers hope for the future. With promising talents such as Ashitey and Ankrah gaining international experience, Ghana’s boxing landscape is poised for a resurgence.
As GBF President Quartey aptly noted, “The future of Ghanaian boxing lies in the hands of the youth. With the right investment and support, our young fighters can achieve even greater heights.”
Indeed, 2024 was a year of lessons and breakthroughs, laying the foundation for a brighter and more competitive era for Ghanaian boxing on the global stage.
