22 May 1998 The Ministry of Youth and Sports is striking a deal with WBA welterweight champion Ike Quartey and his trainer Oko Odamtten to assist the Ghana amateur boxing team, the Black Bombers, to prepare towards next September’s Commonwealth games in, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Mr E. T. Mensah, the Sector Minister, said Ike and Oko are not to take over from Miguel Castellanos and Ofori Asare, coach and assistant of the bombers. They will offer advice when necessary especially in the area of stamina building. Mr Mensah revealed this when the Bombers called on him today after placing sixth at the just-ended 10th Africa Boxing Championship in Algeria. The bombers won five bronze and two silver in the 19-nation tournament. The Minister said teamwork is necessary in every human endeavour and Ike’s presence must not be seen as usurping the coache’s powers.
