Commey Presents Title To Minister

Ricahrd Commey with Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah and other officials

Barely a month in office, Sports Minister Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah has a moment to boast of- an International Boxing Federation (IBF) African title bout.

Winner Richard Commey, lightweight national champion, knocked out his opponent Bilal Mohammed in round seven to win the vacant IBF African International title in James Town, Accra last Friday.

The president of the Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation (GABF), Ambassador Ray Quarcoo, led the boxer and his trainer, Carl Lokko and Michael Amoo Bediako Snr, a UK-based boxing promoter/coach, to present the title to the Minister at his office yesterday.

Ambassador Quarcoo rolled out his vision to the Minister- beefing up the local boxers with some foreign ones with the help of Mr Bediako, embarking on high-profile training courses for coaches, investing in infrastructure, organising more competitions etc.

Bediako, on the other hand, told the minister of how he had teamed up with the GABF chief to revive the sport by separating amateur from pro.

'Ghanaian boxers in the UK are second to none but what they lack is the technical ability, and that is why the Ambassador and I have come together to revive the sport,' said Bediako.

For Commey, meeting with the minister alone was enough motivation to win for himself and the nation a world title.

'If there is one person that has invested in people and facilities regarding boxing then, it is Ambassador Quarcoo, and I must commend you for that. Keep up the good work,' said Afriyie-Ankrah.

The Minister also congratulated the boxer on his spirited performance and urged him to go the extra mile for a world title.

By Kofi Owusu Aduonum