2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games: Black Bombers depart for elite training camp in Belfast

Ghana’s national amateur boxing team, the Black Bombers, has officially departed the shores of Accra for a crucial high-performance international training camp, exactly 17 days before the opening ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The delegation, comprising elite fighters and a specialised technical team, left Ghana bound for Ireland, where they will undergo an intensive three-week acclimatisation and sparring program before crossing over to Scotland for the global multi-sport showpiece scheduled from July 23 to August 2, 2026.

The early departure forms part of a strategic blueprint mapped out by the Commonwealth Games Association of Ghana (CGA) and Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) to give the boxers a competitive edge, allowing them to adapt to European weather conditions and refine their tactical sharpness against world-class sparring partners.

This departure comes on the heels of a rigorous three-month residential training camp at the Winneba Sports College, where the team has been pushed to their physical and tactical limits since April.

The long-term camp has successfully blended seasoned tournament experience with explosive new talent discovered during February's National Individual Championships.

The roster boasts highly experienced ring veterans who understand the pressure of the international stage, alongside hungry, newly discovered boxing prodigies ready to announce themselves to the world.

This synergy of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance has created one of the most balanced and formidable squads Ghana has assembled in years.

The Black Bombers head into the final leg of their preparations carrying both high expectations and a rich history of dominance on the Commonwealth stage.

Speaking on the team's early departure, GBF President Dauda Fuseni expressed utmost confidence in the squad's readiness and thanked the CGA for the collaborative support.

"This very edition, the boxers have prepared exceptionally well. Having them in camp for three full months has given the coaches the time to perfect their techniques," team leader Fuseni stated.

"They tested their strength by outclassing Nigeria in May and are now leaving early enough to finalise their training abroad. We have given them the most comprehensive build-up in recent memory, and we have every reason to be confident."

"We are expecting at least three gold, two silver, and two bronze medals. We want to achieve something that has never been done before, and this squad has the hunger to do it," said Solomon Otoo Lartey, GBF 2nd Vice-President.

Legendary Head Coach Dr Ofori Asare, who will be managing the team, emphasised that the European camp is strictly business.

"Going 17 days early won’t be luxury; it’s a tactical necessity," Coach Asare explained.

"We are working on fine-tuning their reaction times, maintaining optimal weight classes, and ensuring mental focus. The technical team has studied the global landscape, and we are fixing every loose end in Ireland before we cross the border into Scotland."

Assistant Team Captain Amadu Mohammed echoed the squad's high morale: "The energy in camp is different this time. Every single one of us on that plane is looking at the podium. We've put in the work in Winneba over the last three months, and this final stretch is about perfecting our execution."

Representing the women's vanguard, female team Captain Ramatu Quaye highlighted the significance of their preparation: "As officers and athletes, discipline is our foundation. We are going to Glasgow to make a statement for female boxing in Ghana. The support from the CGA and the federation has been massive, and we are ready to fight for the flag."

President of the Commonwealth Games Association Ghana (CGA), Mr Richard Akpokavie Esq., told the media that, “The Black Bombers, who have an exceptional record in Commonwealth Games history, are fully aware that the eyes of a passionate sporting nation, Ghana, are fixed on them as they march under Team Ghana's official campaign slogan: "From Ghana to Glasgow for Gold."

• Team Ghana

Men's Squad (Black Bombers)

• 1. Abdul Wahid Omar (65kg) Light Welterweight, (Team Captain)
• 2. Amadu Mohammed (55kg) Bantamweight, (Assistant Team Captain)
• 3. Desmond Pappoe (80kg) Light Heavyweight
• 4. Ebenezer Ankrah (60kg) Lightweight
• 5. Precious Akai Nettey (70kg) Light Middleweight
• 6. Jibril Muntari (90kg) Heavyweight
• 7. Daniel Plange (+90kg) Super Heavyweight

Women's Squad (Black Hitters)

• 8. Ramatu Quaye (51kg) Flyweight, (Police Officer / Captain)
• 9. Nancy Banfo (54kg) Bantamweight, (Army Officer / Assistant Captain)
• 10. Adelaide Djabatey (57kg) Featherweight
• Coach Ofori Asare - (Head Coach)