The Member of Parliament for Odododiodio, Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie, has lauded the Boxing Ghana Awards for celebrating excellence within Ghana’s boxing fraternity.

Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the inaugural awards ceremony held last Saturday at the Idrowhyt Event Centre at Dansoman, Accra, Mr Ashie described the initiative as a powerful motivator for all stakeholders in the sport and pledged his unwavering support to secure sponsorship for future editions.

“This initiative is crucial because motivation drives every activity,” the legislator told the Graphic Sports. “By recognising the efforts of boxers, coaches, managers, and promoters, we inspire them to give their best. Ghana boxing can only rise higher with consistent recognition like this.”

Mr Ashie, who is representing the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the ninth parliament, promised to actively seek sponsors to sustain and improve the awards, which he said provide an excellent platform for celebrating talent and hard work in the sport.

“I’m going to scout for sponsors and trust me, next year will be bigger and better. Many boxing enthusiasts will support such an initiative once they understand its significance,” he assured.

The night belonged to Joseph “Jaguar” Commey, the 21-year-old boxing sensation, who was crowned Boxing Personality of the Year. Commey etched his name into the history books last November by clinching the UBO Africa Lightweight Championship in his professional debut at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

His eight-round victory against Richman Ashelley also earned the duo the Fight of the Year award.

Commey’s stellar year didn’t end there. He was also named Elite Amateur Boxer of the Year after an incredible run with the national team, the Black Bombers.

Highlights included his gold medal at the Accra 2023 African Games and a commanding victory over Ethiopia’s Sefan Abubeker at the maiden IBA Champions Night in Addis Ababa in August.

This year marked the third edition of the Boxing Ghana Awards, initiated by BoxingGhana.com to reward exceptional performers in the sport.

However, it was the first time the awards were celebrated with a formal ceremony to honour winners with certificates and beautifully crafted plaques.

Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to legends including Ghana’s first world champion, D.K. Poison, long-serving Black Bombers trainer Coach Ofori Asare, former GBA President, Peter Zwennes, and the indefatigable promoter Alex Ntiamoah-Boakye.

Mr Ashie expressed optimism about the future of the awards, highlighting their potential to elevate Ghana boxing to new heights.

“This event is here to stay,” he affirmed. “Recognising excellence like this boosts morale and encourages everyone to strive for greatness.

With better sponsorship and more resources, the Boxing Ghana Awards will become even more impactful.”

In total, 30 recipients were celebrated across various categories: Professional Boxer of the Year: Stanley "Ashanti Warrior" Nyantakyi
Female Boxer of the Year: Abigail Quartey
Best Promotional Outfit: Alex Ntiamoah-Boakye’s Box Office Sports Promotions
Matchmaker of the Year: Yussif Mubarak Nanor
Manager of the Year: Gordon Frimpong, alias Osibor
Coach of the Year: Lawrence Carl Lokko
Gym of the Year: Bronx Boxing Club