Mr. Richard Akpokavie, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee has charged the national amateur boxing team, Black Rockets, to use their success at the 2025 Africa Youth Boxing Championship as a stepping stone towards seeking qualification at the forthcoming Youth Olympics in Senegal.
A strong Ghanaian contingent made up of Desmond Pappoe, Mathias Ashitey and George Dowuona defeated all odds and made Ghana proud at the continental event after scooping three gold medals.
The team, led by the leadership of the Ghana Boxing Federation paid a courtesy call on the GOC President to officially present the medals and discuss ways to strengthen the relationship between the two entities.
Mr. Akpokavie, speaking at the short ceremony said the hard work of the athletes had not only benefited the boxing community but also brought glory to the Ghana Olympic Committee.
"This is what we want to show to Ghanaians and the Sports Ministry that with the right support, we can go far and win more medals for Ghana. This is the time to change the narrative, and we must come together and make this work," he said.
He assured that the Ghana Olympic Committee was making plans to prepare athletes within its membership for long term projects that would transform the sports ecosystem.
Mr. Akpokavie stated that the Olympic movement was open to provide the needed assistance to aid the Black Rockets reach its target.
He urged the team to work towards seeking qualification for the Youth Olympics which would serve as a platform to showcase their various talents to the world.
"There will be more competitions to get the team in shape, so I urge you all to take advantage of these opportunities and win medals for Ghana."
The GOC President congratulated the leadership of the Ghana Boxing Federation for the hard work in getting the amateur boxing team on track.
Mr. Bernard Quartey, President of the Ghana Boxing Federation thanked the GOC President for the kind words, stating that his office had been a key player in the development of the sport.
He said the three boxers who represented Ghana at the event showed much commitment despite being short of resources.
He urged the GOC President to come to the aid of the federation in achieving its target of making it to the Olympics and winning medals for the country.
