Bono NSA chief, SWAG President back Konadu for role in boxing reforms
Calls are growing louder from the Bono Region for former two-division world champion, Nana Yaw Konadu, to be appointed to the newly established Interim Management Committee (IMC) overseeing the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).
The push, led by the Bono Regional Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Kwame Baa Mensa, urges the inclusion of Konadu, currently a senior boxing coach with two years left before retirement, in recognition of his exceptional career and invaluable contribution to Ghana’s boxing legacy.
Speaking to the Graphic Sports , Mr Baa Mensa revealed that he had formally proposed Konadu’s appointment through the NSA Director General to the Minister for Youth and Sports.
He believes the former WBC Super Flyweight and WBA Bantamweight Champion deserves a place on the IMC as the GBA undertakes reforms to revive the sport.
“We believe Nana Yaw Konadu’s experience, discipline and technical insight will be invaluable to the Ghana Boxing Authority as it works to restructure and rejuvenate the sport nationally,” he stated.
Alongside Azumah Nelson, recently sworn in as Vice Chairman and Special Technical Adviser to the IMC, Konadu is the only other Ghanaian boxer to have captured world titles in two different weight divisions. He famously defeated Mexico’s Gilberto Roman in 1989 to win the WBC Super Flyweight title and later overcame Thailand’s Veeraphol Sahaprom in 1996 to claim the WBA Bantamweight crown.
Mr Baa Mensa said Konadu’s appointment would not only strengthen the IMC but also serve as an inspiration to upcoming boxers, particularly from the Bono and northern sectors, while helping decentralise the sport’s activities beyond Accra.
“His inclusion will broaden the IMC’s reach and help spread boxing development to other regions, especially Bono and the northern sector,” he affirmed.
He also reaffirmed the NSA Bono office’s commitment to promoting sporting excellence and honouring regional heroes who have brought international recognition to Ghana.
Echoing similar sentiments, veteran sports journalist and Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) President, Kwabena Yeboah, backed calls for Konadu’s inclusion on the IMC.
“I’m in total alignment. Nana Yaw Konadu is one of the most knowledgeable personalities in boxing, and his inclusion will not only enrich the reform process but also ensure broader representation and inclusivity,” Mr Yeboah emphasised.
