By Emmanuel Addo, a former award-winning boxer, has unveiled his vision for Ghanaian boxers as he vies for the presidency of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA). With aspirations to lead the GBA, he aims to prioritize the welfare and development of Ghanaian boxers. Addo is poised to secure the presidency in the upcoming 2025 elections.
During an exclusive interview with Ebenezer Junior Arthur of Accra Live, the Presidential aspirant, Mr. Emmanuel Addo, commonly known as General Mosquito, stressed the importance of national titleholders being ranked by the Commonwealth Council for title consideration. He highlighted that this ranking would pave the way for visibility to other sanctioning bodies.
“My main aim is to rectify the current state of boxing, which has been mismanaged by the current President, and to create a better boxing environment for Ghana by advocating for national titleholders’ ranking by the Commonwealth Council, promoting boxing across all regions of Ghana to attract support, ensuring retired boxers receive financial support and opportunities for better livelihoods post-career, and revitalizing the sport with financial support from various sources, while encouraging collaboration and assistance among stakeholders to elevate Ghanaian boxing.”
He also criticized the current GBA President, Mr. Abraham Kotei Neequaye, for his lack of understanding regarding how boxers should be ranked globally and beyond.
“….The boxer who secures the national title should be ranked by the Commonwealth Council for title consideration, followed by visibility to other sanctioning bodies. It’s imperative that national title fights adhere to proper ranking protocols, such as the top two contenders facing off. The current President lacks understanding of how boxers should be ranked at the global level and beyond.”
Mr. Emmanuel also criticized disenfranchisement during Ghana Boxing elections and advocates for 40% of the vote to come from Professional Boxers and 30% from Coaches respectively.
“I want to improve the Ghana boxing scene. Every licensed professional boxer should be allowed to vote on election day to choose the new president for Ghana boxing. This should be an average of: Professional boxers – 40%, Coaches – 30%, Managers – 15%, and Promoters – 15%. This ensures that everyone has 100% voting rights. It’s a general election to choose our leader, so all stakeholders should have a say, not just selected shareholders.”
Finally, Mr. Emmanuel assures former professional boxers of special packages as they have made significant contributions to the boxing community.
“…I will promote boxing by inviting influential figures in the country and expanding the sport to cities, engaging boxing enthusiasts and individuals interested in sports, thereby fostering happiness and garnering support in various capacities. Additionally, I will introduce special packages for those who have made significant contributions to boxing, ensuring they receive recognition and opportunities for travel. Furthermore, I will prioritize the annual recognition and awarding of coaches, among other initiatives aimed at enhancing the boxing community.”
