Sports Ministry: Samuel Takyi hasn't met conditions for release of remaining $10k Olympic bonus

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has provided clarification regarding the financial support awarded to boxer Samuel Takyi following his bronze medal win at the Tokyo Olympic Games. 

According to the Ministry, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's commitment of $20,000 to Takyi was partially fulfilled, with $10,000 having already been disbursed to the athlete.

In an official statement, the ministry explained that the remaining $10,000 would only be released to the 22-year-old pugilist upon the presentation of a comprehensive personal development plan.

These details come in response to recent reports suggesting that Takyi had declined participation in the forthcoming Paris 2024 Olympic boxing qualifiers in Dakar. His participation was reportedly contingent on the disbursement of the remaining $10,000, in addition to an Olympic scholarship.

Takyi's remarkable achievement in securing Ghana's first Olympic medal in 29 years during the 2021 Tokyo Games prompted President Akufo-Addo to announce a package that included a car, $10,000 in cash, and an additional $20,000 to be allocated towards his future career development.

The Sports Ministry confirmed that Takyi had already received the $10,000 cash prize, as well as a Nissan Sunny saloon car valued at $20,000, on November 18, 2021. Furthermore, Takyi withdrew $5,000 from the earmarked $20,000 for his development on December 16, 2022, and an additional $5,000 on July 27, 2023, which he stated was intended for his preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers.

In light of these disbursements, the ministry stated that there remains a balance of $10,000 owed to Takyi, contingent upon the presentation of a satisfactory personal development plan.

The ministry emphasized that Samuel Takyi remains an integral member of the Black Bombers team as they prepare for the upcoming qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal, scheduled from September 9 to 15, 2023. Under the guidance of Black Bombers coach Ofori Asare, a group of 16 boxers, including UK-based Seth Gyimah, commonly known as Freezy McBones, are in training. Ultimately, 12 boxers will be selected to represent Ghana in the qualifiers, aiming to secure qualification in five weight divisions.