Former Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) President and current Vice Chairman of the ANOCA Marketing Commission, Ben Nunoo Mensah, has fulfilled his promise to reward Ghanaian boxer Amadu Mohammed following his historic bronze medal-winning performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Ben Nunoo Mensah, who also bears the traditional title HRH Nii Kojo Ashifie Papanyira I, is the Noryaa Mantse of the Ga State and serves as Special Aide to the King of Accra.
At a private ceremony held at his West Hills residence on Friday, Mr. Mensah presented the Black Bombers bantamweight boxer with GH¢5,000 in cash and assorted food items in recognition of his outstanding achievement for Ghana.
The presentation fulfilled a pledge Mr. Mensah made before the Games, assuring the young boxer that he would personally reward him if he returned home with a medal.
Mohammed rose to the challenge by claiming bronze in the men’s 55kg boxing competition, becoming one of only two Ghanaian athletes to win a medal at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and securing Ghana’s second medal of the competition.
Speaking during the presentation, Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah commended the boxer for his discipline, determination and resilience, describing his achievement as a proud moment for Ghana.
“I knew you from the beginning and have travelled with you many times. You are such a talent, and I want to laud you for bringing happiness and pride to Ghana,” he said.
The former GOC President also advised Mohammed to remain in the amateur ranks for now rather than rushing into professional boxing. He encouraged the boxer to continue sharpening his skills, learn from every contest, remain humble and seek guidance from experienced mentors as he pursues greater success on the international stage.
Mr. Mensah further disclosed that His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, who had earlier promised to reward the boxer for elevating the image of the Ga State through his exploits in Glasgow, would soon receive him at the Ga Palace.
According to him, the Ga State is proud of Mohammed’s achievement, particularly because Bukom has long been regarded as Ghana’s cradle of boxing and has produced many of the nation’s greatest champions.
He noted that Mohammed is continuing that rich tradition and expressed confidence that the Ga Mantse would honour him appropriately.
Beyond celebrating the athlete, Mr. Mensah called on the government and sports administrators to tap into the wealth of experience available within Ghana’s sporting fraternity to accelerate sports development.
He cited distinguished sports personalities associated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), including Benson Tongo Baba, himself (B.T. Baba), Nii Lante Vanderpuye, Samson Deen, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Ernest Thompson, Abedi Pele, Kofi Manu (Blue, Blue), and others.
“Duty bearers should not hesitate to call on them anytime and any day,” he said, stressing that experienced sports administrators and sporting legends remain invaluable resources for national sports development.
Mr. Mensah also urged policymakers to broaden investment beyond football by deliberately financing other sporting disciplines, constructing dedicated sports infrastructure and creating employment opportunities for young people through sport.
He argued that a diversified sporting ecosystem would not only produce sustained international success but also promote national unity, youth empowerment and economic opportunities.
In an emotional moment during the ceremony, Mohammed presented his Commonwealth Games bronze medal to Mr. Mensah as a symbol of appreciation for the unwavering support he has received throughout his career.
The boxer thanked the former GOC President for believing in him and honouring his promise, describing the cash reward as timely motivation as he prepares for the next phase of his career.
Mohammed pledged to continue working hard, improve on his performances and pursue even greater success, with his ultimate ambition of winning a world title and delivering Ghana’s first Olympic boxing gold medal at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
