President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Richard Akpokavie Esq., has cautioned Ghana’s national youth boxing team, the Black Rockets, to stay grounded and committed after their recent triumph at the African Youth Amateur Boxing Championship in Conakry, Guinea.
Speaking at a modest medal presentation ceremony held at Olympic House in Accra on Wednesday, Mr. Akpokavie praised the young boxers’ achievement but reminded them that their journey was far from over.
“Don’t think you’ve arrived,” he said. “Prove this success is no fluke through hard work.”
The Black Rockets—Desmond Pappoe (middleweight, 75kg), George Nii Nortey Dowuona (bantamweight, 54kg), and Mathias Ashitey (flyweight, 51kg)—clinched gold in their respective categories, a performance that has captured the attention of Ghana’s sporting community.
At the ceremony, the three proudly presented their medals to Mr. Akpokavie in the presence of key sports stakeholders. The event was attended by Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) President DSI Bernard Quartey and senior GBF officials including Alhaji Dauda Fuseini, Solomon Otoo Lartey, Mustapha Nettey, and Charles Jojo Ephson. GOC representatives included Secretary General Kassim Mohammed Muniru and Treasurer Evans Yeboah.
The GOC President praised the discipline and grit shown by the young fighters but warned that complacency could undermine their potential.
“This is just the beginning,” he told the athletes. “You’ve made Ghana proud, but it’s your consistency and hunger for improvement that will take you to the world stage.”
Mr. Akpokavie also used the opportunity to remind the team of the upcoming Youth Olympic qualifiers in Angola this December, urging them to treat every moment between now and then as a chance to sharpen their skills and mental focus.
The team’s performance in Guinea has been hailed as a bright spot for Ghanaian boxing, which continues to produce talent capable of competing at the highest levels. Officials at the event echoed the call for continued support, training, and discipline to sustain the momentum.
For now, the Black Rockets have returned home as national heroes. But as their President reminded them, the real fight lies ahead, not just in the ring, but in the dedication it takes to stay at the top.
