As part of efforts to solidify relationship between the GBA under the leadership of Abraham Kotei Neequaye with all stakeholders in boxing,the leadership of Ghana Boxing Authority(GBA)this morning had an extraordinary meeting with some registered and good standing Boxing Promoters at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
The meeting which was held in a round table format at the Mudor Conference Center in the Bukom Boxing Arena was chaired by the GBA president,Abraham Kotei Neequaye.
The GBA President thanked all Promoters who responded to GBA’s unexpected invitation to this very important meeting to critically analyse some of the important issues concerning boxing promotions and the increment of fees for acquiring or renewing of license.
The GBA President,Abraham Kotei Nequaye expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to explain to Promoters the need to increase fees for the acquiring and renewing of licence.He praised Promoters for the hardwork and immeasurable contributions they have exhibited over the years to the forward march of boxing in Ghana.
According to him,the increment was underpinned by Article 10(iii) of the GBA drafted constitution which stated that: liences shall be renewed annually upon payment of a renewal fee to be determined by the Executive Board.
The GBA President emphatically indicated to the promoters that,the current GBA administration is loaded with huge responsibilities at the Secretariat regarding payments of bills,stationery,meetings,
welfare supports for needy current boxers,financial support for old boxers,funeral contribution for members of boxing fraternity and many other things.”I need your support in various ways to help my administration to succeed in shaping our boxers and all stakeholders in our vision to achieve high standard in boxing”.He said.
Mr.Kotei Neequaye used the period and opportunity to apologised sincerely to the Ten(13)Promoters who attended the meeting and those who couldn’t attend for the misconception and misunderstanding that clouded the fees increment. “It’s gratifying to have you seated face to face with the GBA on matters related to the improvement of our boxing.You must always see the GBA as your partner in anything concerning professional boxing,and be free to consult or engage with the its leadership incase of any eventualities or circumstances.Please feel free to come forward for engagement rather than going out to tarnish the image of all stakeholders,brand of boxing and the GBA as the mandatory body in charge of professional boxing.” He indicated.
The GBA President brought out another issue he thought was quite unfortunate for the unity of stakeholders in boxing under his leadership. “On the 28th of January, the GBA secretariat received a letter from a certain group of boxing promoters claiming they have reconstituted their leadership.According to them,Alex Ntiamoah Boakye of Box Office Promotions has been elected as the new President,Kizito Akudago as the General Secretary and Gideon Oyiadzo Jingles as Organizer”.He said.
The GBA President further indicated that the GBA is very much aware of the existence of Promoters/Managers Association of which he was a formal organizer.He went on to provide information that, per the records of Ghana Boxing Authority,there are seventeen(17)registered Promoters but information available has it that only three(3)Promoters met and elected the above new Promoters executive members of which only Alex Ntiamoah Boakye is a liecensee but Kizito Akdago and Gideon Oyiadzo Jingles are not recognised GBA licensees.
The Ghana Boxing Authority decided not to response to any of the letter the so called members of a newly constituted Promoters Association because they have no any official recognition.
The Promoters at the meeting expressed their concerns about the current questionable situation amongst them and other Promoters.They unanimously supported the GBA position and decision on the increment of new fees for the acquiring and renewing of licence.They commended their members and other stakeholders who have already paid the new fees and encouraged those have not done that, to do so for their contribution to the forward march of GBA and boxing development in Ghana.
The Promoters went further to expressed shock regarding the tone of the letters served the GBA by on behalf of Promoters and distanced themselves from the individuals occupying positions in the new Promoters Association.They commended the GBA for the revival of the novel professional boxing league in Ghana slated to take off on Saturday February 19th at the Bukom Boxing Arena.”We are fully behind the GBA for the boxing league.As Promoters, we shall be there at the Bukom Boxing Arena and hope it will be successful.May we all achieve our goals in boxing this year and beyond”.Said the Promoters .
The GBA Preaident thanked the Promoters and urged them to keep the spirit of unity with the GBA for the betterment of all in the boxing industry.He said,there will be several meetings with the Promoters and indicated that the doors of GBA is wide open to any licensed promoter or stakeholder for any discussion.
The meeting which was chaired by the GBA President saw some few executive board members in attendance to support him moderate an effective and productive meeting.
According to the Ag.Secretary General of the GBA,Solomon Ofori Manu,about thirteen(13)certified promoters attended the meeting and they are as follow with the name of their Promotion and their real names ……
- Hype Promotions- Ronald Binder
- Fight Ready Promotions-John Mnafo
- Ashongman Boxing League-Ikedi Success Enyioha
- Global Sports Boxing Academy- Faisal Munkaila
- Fast Track Promotions- Solomon Otoo Lartey
- Bronx Promotions-Carl Lokko
- Euroka Boxing Promotions-Emmanuel Nii Ofei Amoo Mensah
- Don’s Promotions-Michael Annan
- Ambition Promotions-Derrick Kotey
- Aborigines Promotions-Abubakar Sadik
- Winbase Promotions-Edwin
- All for One Boxing Promotions- Mohammed Abdul Sammed
- Cabic Promotions – Ivan Bruce Cudjoe
Both GBA Executive Board members and Promoters had time with each other after the meeting to help sustain relationship between them regardless of the current avoidable misunderstanding in the media landscape.