THE Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has defended the appointment of Peter Assandoh as Technical Director of the authority.It has consequently urged all related bodies to cooporate with him to help move Ghana boxing to a higher pedestal.The GBA was reacting to issues raised by the Boxing Coaches Association concerning the appointment of Assandoh to his present post.
The association alleged among others that Assandoh is not qualified to hold that office, and that his appointment was informed by his links to high political office in the country, citing his working days in the castle as the basis for the appointment.
In a statement singed by its general secretary, E.M. Charway, the GBA said Assandoh by virtue of his status as national and African champion and Italian champion during his active days in boxing and his seventh ranking to the world crown at one time was a good choice for the course that gave him his present qualification.
It said the fact that Assandoh topped a class of 32 participants is enough proof of his capabilities as far as his appointment is concerned.“His appointment is, therefore based on the high recommendation received on him from the Italian Boxing Federation,” the statement said. The statement said the GBA finds the personalisation of the issues raised in the association’s letter very ridiculous, “and associating the appointment to his service in the castle is most unfortunate”.
It said when the GBA decided to appoint a technical director, consideration was given to a wide range of ex-boxers including Adamah Mensah and Alloway, a boxing coach in Accra.It said funding difficulties, however, did not allow for more than one representation to the course, hence the reason for the singular representation by Assandoh.
According to the statement, Assandoh is presently working on some boxers of Team Ghana to help groom them into world champions.It made reference to his contribution to the winning of the ABU Super featherweight crown by Kpakpo Allotey and described it as ample evidence to his capabilities.In any case, the statement said, the coaches association is not known to the GBA and, therefore, bares no recognition as far as the authority is concerned.
It said granted that the association is even known to the GBA, writing directly to the acting Chief Executive of the National Sports Council and the sector minister without first complaining to the GBA breeches the rules of the GBA and violates the code of ethics of the authority. “The GBA has very good intentions of pushing boxing forward and all concerned should cooperate with Mr.
Assandoh who is more than qualified to act as Technical Director of the GBA to make the dream of winning world titles for Ghana a reality,” the statement concluded.
