In August 2021, Coach Akwasi Ofori Asare, head coach of Ghana’s national amateur boxing team, the Black Bombers, lauded his team for elevating Ghana’s sporting reputation at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Speaking to the media, Asare highlighted the team’s consistent success since 2018, which gained global attention through their Olympic performance.
Samuel Takyi’s Breakthrough
Samuel Takyi, a featherweight boxer, secured Ghana’s only medal at Tokyo 2020, winning bronze in his first international outing.
His achievement, alongside the team’s efforts, marked Ghana’s first Olympic boxing medal since Prince Amartey’s bronze in 1972, reinforcing boxing as Ghana’s most successful Olympic sport.
Consistent Success
Asare noted the Black Bombers’ strong track record. Jessie Lartey earned a bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, while Shakul Samed claimed a bronze at the 2019 African Games, securing his Tokyo qualification. These performances underscore the team’s potential, with three boxers—Sulemanu Tetteh, Takyi, and Samed—advancing to the round of 16 without a fight due to byes.
Untapped Talent
Asare, one of Ghana’s most decorated coaches, emphasized the wealth of boxing talent in the country. He identified 15 female boxers training daily, urging sports authorities to provide opportunities for exposure and international experience to nurture their skills.
Call for Support
“Ghana is blessed with boxing talent, and we must give them opportunities to shine,” Asare said. He echoed calls from the Ghana Boxing Federation and Ghana Olympic Committee for corporate and government support, citing financial challenges that prevented Jessie Lartey from competing at the 2021 World Boxing Championships.
Looking Ahead
With Takyi eyeing a gold medal at Paris 2024 and new talents like Jessie and Jerry Lartey joining the squad, Asare remains optimistic. He stressed the need for early preparation, including training camps, to build on Tokyo’s success and secure more Olympic medals
