GBF’s National Individual Championships finals today

Ghana’s future potential in the pugilistic sport takes centre stage this evening when the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) hosts the grand finale of the 2026 National Individual Amateur Boxing Championships at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

Young boxers are ready to trade punches in a determined bid to become national champions, with a place in the provisional national team at stake. 

The national team is expected to begin non-residential camping immediately after the final to prepare for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. 

All 24 finalists competing in the 12 categories from 48 kilograms (minimum weight) to 92+ kg (super heavyweight) were introduced at the final press conference at the Accra Sports Stadium yesterday.

Picked from across traditional gyms in Accra, some of the standout names include 2014 and 2022 Commonwealth Games medallist and 2016 Olympian Abdul Wahid Omar (63.5kg); 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medallist and Accra 2023 African Games gold winner Amadu Mohammed (57kg); and Ebenezer Ankrah (60kg), who featured at the 2025 IBA World Boxing Championships.

Also ready to battle for national honours are the Black Rockets’ gold medal trio from the 2025 African Youth Boxing Championships—Mathias Ashitey (54kg), George Dowuona (51kg) and Desmond Pappoe (75kg)—as well as Zakari Kamoko, son of former Black Bomber and cult figure Bukom Banku.

A new logo, symbolising the new era of repositioning Ghanaian boxing on the global map, was also unveiled at yesterday’s event which had National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, in attendance as a special guest of honour, alongside Nana Amponsah Adu-Gyamfi, Kyidomhene of Assin Achiase in the Central Region. 

GBF President, Dauda Fuseni, said the unveiling of the logo signalled a new chapter of renewed focus on grassroots development, improved governance, strategic partnerships, and preparation of athletes for major international competitions. 

“Today marks a significant milestone in the history of Ghanaian boxing. A logo is more than just a symbol. It represents identity, vision, values, and direction. It tells a story — the story of who we are, where we have come from, and where we are going,” the GBF boss said.