Ghana and Nigeria have taken an important step towards deepening sporting ties, as officials from both countries convened for discussions centred on the growth and development of amateur boxing in West Africa.
The talks brought together Wale Edun, President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, and Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Director General of Ghana’s National Sports Authority, in a meeting that signals a renewed commitment to sub-regional sporting cooperation.
The meeting focused on building stronger cooperation through sports, with both Ghana and Nigeria aiming to improve amateur boxing across Africa. Key discussions centered on practical ways both countries can work together and use sports as a tool for development.
Regional partnerships are essential to creating genuine opportunities for young boxing talents and raising the standard of the sport across Africa. – Wale Edun, President, Nigeria Boxing Federation
Wale Edun, who previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, highlighted the importance of regional partnerships in developing boxing talent across Africa.
He said the growth of the sport cannot happen in isolation and stressed that cooperation between neighbouring countries like Ghana and Nigeria is key to building both grassroots and elite boxing.
Yaw Ampofo Ankrah also welcomed the talks, saying stronger ties between Ghana and Nigeria could greatly boost sports development in the region. He noted that proper cooperation would help with talent discovery, athlete welfare, and giving young boxers more competitive opportunities.
The discussions are expected to lead to exchange programmes for coaches, officials, and athletes, as well as joint boxing competitions and grassroots projects to help grow amateur boxing and secure its future in both countries.