Ghana’s former world boxing champion, Nana Yaw Konadu, has issued a passionate call for a shift in national attitude towards boxing, urging President John Dramani Mahama to spearhead a renewed investment drive in the sport as a means of job creation and youth development.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Sunyani, the boxing legend expressed dismay at the longstanding marginalization of boxing in national sports policy, lamenting that it continues to be unfairly tagged as a “hustler’s sport” despite its global potential.
“Boxing is no longer just a rugged pastime; it’s a billion-dollar industry around the world. In Ghana, however, it’s treated like an afterthought,” Konadu said, calling for a rebranding of the sport that emphasizes its power to transform lives, especially among the youth.
Having held world titles in two weight divisions—WBC Super-flyweight (1989–1990) and WBA Bantamweight (1996–1998)—Konadu brings considerable authority to the conversation. He noted that regions like Bono have untapped boxing talent, but systemic neglect and inadequate facilities are pushing gifted youth to migrate to Accra in search of better opportunities.
“I constantly advise young boxers here to relocate because remaining in the region limits their growth,” he said, describing the lack of standard gyms, coaching personnel, and training rings as a national development gap.
Konadu stressed that a meaningful investment into boxing infrastructure across all regions—not just the capital—could unlock new avenues for economic inclusion. “If we had proper gyms, trained coaches, and regional boxing hubs, Ghana could consistently produce champions,” he added.
He urged President Mahama to incorporate boxing into broader youth development plans, not merely as a sport but as a viable professional pathway capable of reducing unemployment and projecting Ghana onto the global sports stage.
“Let’s invest in boxing not because it’s tradition, but because it’s smart policy,” Konadu concluded.
