Ambassador Quarcoo clocks 90 after dedicated service to boxing

To say Ambassador Ray Quarcoo has played a pivotal role in the development of boxing in Ghana is an understatement.

Apart from Ghana’s first world champion, David Kotei (D.K. Poison), the Goodwill Sports Ambassador has had a hand in shaping the careers of virtually all the boxing greats Ghana—and Africa as a whole—has produced.

From the legendary Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey, Ebo Danquah, Nana Yaw Konadu, Thunder Ayeh, the Clottey brothers (Emmanuel and Joshua), Joseph Agbeko, through to more recent stars such as Isaac Dogboe and Joshua Buatsi, his singular efforts in their respective careers and success stories have etched Ray Quarcoo’s name in gold.

His passion for the pugilistic sport, and his desire to see its practitioners excel both in and outside the ring, is unmatched.

Under his stewardship as President of the Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation (GABF), the sport witnessed modern-day initiatives including boxing exchange programmes with countries such as Britain, the USA and Azerbaijan. And as an avid student of the sport, he was able to identify potential boxers from a very young age.

The Goodwill Sports Ambassador’s love for boxing knows no bounds—he would travel on Sunday afternoons just to watch juvenile boxing on the streets of Accra (Wato Club), a practice that became routine, during which he “blessed” young boxers with advice and encouragement.

Many members of Ghana’s Olympic boxing team, the Black Bombers, have benefited not only from his vast experience in the sport but also from his financial support.

Indeed, his supervision of the boxers’ preparations—camping, nutrition, and training—has endeared him to most athletes.

His contribution as an executive member of the prestigious International Boxing Association (IBA), formerly the Association of International Boxing Associations (AIBA), was evident across the African continent.

In the next couple of weeks, he will turn 90. As a businessman and a sports administrator extraordinaire, Ambassador Quarcoo believes today’s sports administrators must go the extra mile to restore the dwindling fortunes of Ghana sports.