The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) hosted the Black Rockets, Ghana’s national youth boxing team, at Olympic House on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
The team, accompanied by the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) delegation, returned triumphant from the Africa Youth Amateur Boxing Championship in Guinea-Conakry, securing three gold medals.
The GBF delegation included President DSI Bernard Quartey, 1st Vice President Alhaji Dauda Fuseini, 2nd Vice President Solomon Otoo Lartey, Treasurer Mustapha Nettey, and Communication Officer Charles Jojo Ephson.
The Black Rockets’ gold medalists were Desmond Pappoe (18, middleweight, 75kg), Mathias Ashitey (18, flyweight, 51kg), and George Nii Nortey Dowuona (17, bantamweight, 54kg), trained by Coach Joseph Martey.
GBF President Quartey expressed pride in the team’s unexpected success, stating,
“We didn’t anticipate such a strong performance, but their progress during the tournament showed their potential for gold.” He credited their dedication and the GBF’s support despite financial challenges. Quartey also announced plans to provide opportunities for other boxers at the upcoming Youth Olympic qualifiers in Angola this December, saying, “We’ll open doors for boxers ready to chase their dreams.”
GOC President Richard Akpokavie Esq.. praised the team and GBF for their remarkable achievement, pledging robust support for their Youth Olympic aspirations.
“Qualifying for the Youth Olympics offers a global stage, opening doors toward the 2028 Olympics,” he said. Akpokavie urged the boxers to stay focused, warning, “Don’t think you’ve arrived. Prove this success is no fluke through hard work.”
He emphasised the value of an Olympic medal, noting, “It’s worth more than gold.”
Akpokavie highlighted the Youth Olympics as a critical platform for young athletes to shine before the main Olympics.
The GOC leadership present included President Akpokavie, Secretary General Kassim Mohammed Muniru, Treasurer Evans Yeboah, Assistant Treasurer Nii Lante Bannerman, and Board Members Kamal Sulley and George Lamptey.
In closing, Akpokavie reaffirmed the GOC’s commitment, stating,
“We’ll do our best to support your preparation for the Youth Olympic qualifiers, ensuring you have what you need to succeed.”
