Ben Nunoo Mensah rewards Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Amadu Mohammed
Former Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) President and Vice Chairman of the ANOCA Marketing Commission, Ben Nunoo Mensah, has honoured Ghanaian boxer Amadu Mohammed for his bronze medal-winning performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Mr Mensah presented the Black Bombers bantamweight boxer with GH¢5,000 in cash and assorted food items during a private ceremony at his West Hills residence on Friday.
The gesture fulfilled a promise he made to Mohammed ahead of the Games, assuring the young boxer that he would personally reward him if he returned to Ghana with a medal.
Mohammed delivered on that promise by winning bronze in the men's 55kg boxing competition, becoming one of only two Ghanaian athletes to win medals at the Glasgow Games and securing Ghana's second medal of the competition.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Mensah, who is also known traditionally as HRH Nii Kojo Ashifie Papanyira I, the Noryaa Mantse of the Ga State and Special Aide to the King of Accra, praised Mohammed for his discipline, determination and resilience.
“I knew you from the beginning and have travelled with you many times. You are such a talent, and I want to laud you for bringing happiness and pride to Ghana,” he said.
Mr Mensah urged the boxer to remain in the amateur ranks for the time being instead of making an early move into professional boxing.
He encouraged Mohammed to continue developing his skills, learn from every competition, remain humble and seek guidance from experienced mentors as he seeks to establish himself on the international stage.
The former GOC president also disclosed that Ga Mantse, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, would soon receive Mohammed at the Ga Palace.
The Ga Mantse had earlier promised to reward the boxer for raising the profile of the Ga State through his performance in Glasgow.
According to Mr Mensah, Mohammed's achievement is particularly significant given Bukom's long-standing reputation as the cradle of Ghanaian boxing.
He said the young boxer was continuing the area's rich boxing tradition and expressed confidence that the Ga State would honour him appropriately.
Mr Mensah also called on the government and sports administrators to make greater use of the experience and expertise available within Ghana's sporting fraternity to accelerate the development of sports.
He cited several experienced sports personalities, including Benson Tongo Baba (B.T. Baba), Nii Lante Vanderpuye, Samson Deen, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Ernest Thompson, Abedi Pele and Kofi Manu, popularly known as “Blue, Blue”, among others.
“Duty bearers should not hesitate to call on them anytime and any day,” he said, stressing that experienced sports administrators and sporting legends remain valuable resources for the development of Ghanaian sports.
He further urged policymakers to diversify investment in sports by allocating more resources to disciplines beyond football, developing dedicated sporting infrastructure and creating employment opportunities for young people through sport.
Mr Mensah said a broader investment strategy would help Ghana achieve sustained international success while promoting national unity, youth empowerment and economic opportunities.
In an emotional gesture, Mohammed presented his Commonwealth Games bronze medal to Mr Mensah as a token of appreciation for the support he has received throughout his career.
The boxer thanked the former GOC president for believing in him and honouring his pre-Games pledge, saying the reward had provided timely motivation as he prepares for the next stage of his career.
Mohammed pledged to continue working hard and improving his performances, with ambitions of winning a world title and becoming the first Ghanaian boxer to win Olympic gold at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.