The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) is set to hold its presidential election later this year, with Emmanuel Addo, a 42-year-old Portland, Oregon-based Ghanaian boxing connoisseur and former national star, vying for the top position. Known as “Boxing Mosquito” during his competitive years, Addo brings a wealth of experience from representing Ghana at the African Games, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games.
Addo’s campaign is built on a transformative agenda to restore Ghana’s boxing legacy, focusing on three key pillars: global recognition, grassroots development, and economic impact through sports tourism. He aims to ensure Ghanaian boxers are recognized by major world sanctioning bodies and promises to bring back Commonwealth titles to Ghana. “My great ambition is to bring the Commonwealth titles back to Ghana,” he emphasized.
To achieve this, Addo plans to :
– Global Recognition: Ensure boxers are ranked and given opportunities to fight in championships, securing international rankings and championship opportunities.
– *Grassroots Expansion*: Decentralize boxing from Accra, expanding opportunities to all 16 regions of Ghana, and scout and nurture talent nationwide.
– Sports Tourism: Promote boxing to attract tourists, organizing high-profile events and leveraging Ghana’s rich boxing heritage to draw international attention and revenue.
Addo also prioritizes boxers’ welfare, promising to:
– Ensure Good Deals with Promoters: Negotiate fair deals for boxers with promoters.
– *Post-Career Welfare*: Create an awards scheme for boxers, coaches, promoters, and managers to recognize their contributions annually, providing financial and social support.
The election will feature six candidates, including incumbent GBA President Abraham Kotei Neequaye and other notable figures like Ivan Bruce-Cudjoe. Addo’s unique perspective as a former international competitor and U.S.-based coach sets him apart, and his experience in a global boxing ecosystem equips him to bridge Ghanaian boxing with international opportunities .
Story By: Kwame Lawerh
