Tribute to J.A Annan of blessed memory-the historian and walking encyclopedia of Ghana boxing

I was actually forced to swallow a bitter pill on 15th March 2024 when I received the sad news of the sudden demise of my godfather and teacher in the boxing fraternity, Jonathan Nii Ansah Annan, aka J.A.

I see myself as the luckiest among his students because, I was fortunate to have worked with him on the 3rd-4th of March 2024 when Ghana's undefeated Super Lightweight Champion, Faisal Abubakar defeated Ugandan boxer, Latibu Muwonge became the new World Boxing Organization (WBO)Africa Super Lightweight Champion at the Lord's Wembley, Shukura.

J.A Annan as usual, was the Clerk of Scale and Master Scorecard Keeper and supervised by Samir Captan, WBO, Africa President.

What sent shivers down my spine upon hearing the demise of J.A Annan was a phone call I received from him if my memories would serve me right, three days before he kicked the bucket, to ask for the pen I borrowed from him for the said night of boxing I acted as the Ring Announcer.

After we exchanged greetings and our usual post-fight analysis, he went on...."Hello Amin Lamptey, please I want to remind you of the pen you borrowed from me in our last fight night at Shukura, I don't play with my pens oo, laughter"-J. A said on the phone.

As usual, on my part, I apologized to him and assured him of delivering the pen to him in no time, only for me to be confronted with the shocking news of his demise. After shedding some tears, I instantaneously gave thanks to God for such a wonderful final conversation I had with the man I perceived as my father who took time to discover me as a novice and reshaped me within a short period of time to be catapulted into the boxing fraternity as a renown boxing commentator,

Communicator and Ring Announcer. Glory be to God.

J.A, Annan, thinking of you today reminds me of your intelligence, wisdom, kindness, corrections, patience, passion, respect, discipline, and humor that continue to shape who I am and who I strive to be in the future. I miss you.

J.A, you thought me the true meaning of father and son relationship as well as unconditional love for learning, good listening, and effective communication.

For over two decades, you taught me everything about boxing, including the scoring system, terminologies, communication, rules, code of ethics, and security. Your gentle soul and spirit now dwell beyond this temporary earthly realm, yet your teachings on how to live with people from different backgrounds as well as live a life full of joy, patience, and vision remain imprinted on my heart.

I can't forget the very day I had the opportunity to teach at the University and when I informed you about it, all you said to me was," This is just the beginning of more and better things in your life. Just be patient, stay off unnecessary competition and be mindful of your self-regulation".

J.A Annan, apart from the theoretical and practical training you offered me, you actually spent time on my dress code in the ring. I quite remember laughing at the wrong side of my mouth on two occasions at fight nights when my trousers nearly embarrassed me in public when I disregarded your advice. Your counseling always sounded to me like a "physical blow" to reposition myself, regardless.

Your simple gestures to me and all who have benefited from you to me, is the depth of a great father's love. Any time I weigh life decisions socially, politically, and academically I hear your wise counsel speaking and guiding me to the right path. Your values live on in all decisions and choices I make.

Though now gone to your Creator, your footsteps remain engraved upon my heart, directing and showing me the path ahead.

J.A Annan, you are incomparable and irreplaceable. I will forever miss you till we meet again in the hereafter.

Undoubtedly, Ghana and the boxing fraternity have lost a great historian and walking encyclopedia.

J A Annan Rest In Perfect Peace.