Mathias Ashitey, the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Boxer of the year 2025 and Best Boxer at the 2026 National Individual Amateur Boxing Championship, will miss the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Ghana Boxing Federation GBF has selected 10 boxers to represent Ghana.
There are seven males and three females: Jibril Muntari, Daniel Plange, Desmond Pappoe, Abdul Wahid Omar, Amadu Mohammed, Precious Akai Nettey, Ebenezer Ankrah, Ramatu Quaye, Nancy Bamfo, and Adelaide Djarbatey.
They were selected from the National Individual Amateur Boxing Championship held at the Bukom Boxing Arena and camped for several months at the Winneba Sports College. 30 boxers were selected and trimmed to the current squad based on experience, pedigree, and chances of climbing the podium.
The Black Bombers were taken to the Ga traditional priest, Numo Akwaa Mensah III, to seek favour and protection as they embark on the international mission.
The team is handled by Coach Dr. Ofori Asare and assisted by Charles Quartey, Daniel Lartekwei Lartey, and Benjamin Amanor Tetteh.
The team will depart early to acclimatise to the weather in Scotland before the championship.
Speaking to Mathias Ashitey, he was in high spirits but sad that he would not get the slot due to his weight category at the Commonwealth Games, but he is composed and focused.
He said, “I am not bothered at all because my time will certainly come”.
Ashitey, aka ‘The Take Over,’ had the privilege of touring France with the Bukom Boxing Club said he was fully prepared to represent and win for Ghana, but he cannot challenge the authorities and prays that his colleagues will do well to win medals for the nation.
He may represent Ghana at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar in October / November.
Ghana will participate in Boxing, Athletics, Swimming, Judo, and Para Sports at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
By Sammy Heywood Okine
