Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) President Richard Akpokavie Esq. has urged the Black Rockets, Ghana’s national youth boxing team, to avoid complacency and remain dedicated following their stellar performance at the African Youth Amateur Boxing Championship in Conakry, Guinea.
At a brief medal ceremony held at Olympic House on Wednesday, May 28, the Black Rockets—comprising Desmond Pappoe (middleweight, 75kg), George Nii Nortey Dowuona (bantamweight, 54kg), and Mathias Ashitey (flyweight, 51kg)—presented their gold medals to President Akpokavie.
The trio’s victories in their respective weight categories earned praise from the National Sports Authority leadership.
The event was attended by Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) President DSI Bernard Quartey, 1st Vice President Alhaji Dauda Fuseini, and other GBF officials, including 2nd Vice President Solomon Otoo Lartey, Treasurer Mustapha Nettey, and Communication Officer Charles Jojo Ephson. GOC representatives included Secretary General Kassim Mohammed Muniru, Treasurer Evans Yeboah, Assistant Treasurer Nii Lante Bannerman, and Board Members Kamal Sulley and George Lamptey.
During the medal presentation, Akpokavie emphasised the importance of humility and perseverance, stating,
Don’t think you’ve arrived.
Prove this success is no fluke through hard work
He encouraged the young boxers to stay focused on their journey toward greater achievements, particularly the upcoming Youth Olympic qualifiers in Angola this December.
“You, the young people, don’t think that you have arrived, you have not arrived, the important one is to qualify for the Youth Olympics” – GOC President to Ghana’s Black Rockets.
The 🇬🇭Black Rockets presented their gold medals to the President at the Olympic House.#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/E7j2C1Zln6
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) May 29, 2025
