Stakeholders want Foh-Amoaning out

Accra, April 11, GNA - Some boxing stakeholders have called for a change in the leadership of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) administration for the development of the sport in the country. At a brainstorming session on Wednesday, aimed at smoking the peace pipe after weeks of accusations and counter accusations between the GBA boss Moses Foh-Amoaning and some major stakeholders, such as promoters, trainers and boxers, they appealed to the Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sport, Osei Bonsu Amoah to dissolve the current Board. Spotting red bands around their neck and chanting, 93we need a change", their reason was that the Foh-Amoaning led Board had done very little than expected in the development of sport since coming into office.

The boxing faithful, charged the ministry to conduct fresh elections to appoint new officials who will see to the proper development of professional boxing in the country.

Some of them pointed out that the current president, Foh-Amoaning has been very autocratic in running the association, thereby overshadowing the capabilities of the other members of the board. Other issues raised had to do with the issuance of release letters for boxers to fight abroad and non adherence to the rules and regulations of the association.

Gordon Quartey, President of the United Coaches Association said he has never been enthused with Foh-Amoaning's style of leadership, charging the ministry to replace him to save the sport from dying. He added that choice of membership for the Board should be based on representation, just as the Executive Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

In reaction, Foh Amoaning described the accusations leveled against him as baseless and chronic.

He explained that his administration has been one, which has had the most interaction with the various stakeholders on the way forward for the sport.

The GBA boss cited that Men Only Boxing Championship, which came under severe criticisms when introduced, now served as the bedrock, producing a champion in almost all the weight divisions and denied ever being autocratic.

The deputy minister appealed for calm in both parties and gave assurance that his outfit will address the various grievances. Mr. Osei Bonsu reminded the stakeholders that most of the issues raised will be addressed in the sports bill, which will come into force soon. 11 April 07