Renowned Accra based businessman and avid philanthropist, Alhaji Inusah Sally on Thursday night hosted Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist, Samuel Takyi and the Black Bombers side that represented the country at the recent Olympic Games including coaches Ofori Asare and Vincent Akai Nettey as well Ghana Boxing Federation chief, George Lamptey.
Also present at the 37 offices of Alhaji Inusah was former world champion, Isaac ‘Royal Storm’ Dogboe who himself was a Black Bomber at London 2012 Olympic Games and Ghana Premier League side, King Faisal owner and bankroller, Alhaji Karim Gruzah.
The Ghana Boxing Federation presented a plaque and citation to Alhaji Inusah for being their number one supporter
Takyi expressed so much appreciation to Alhaji Inusah for his support and advices which motivated himself and teammates to challenge for honours all the way from the Africa qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal in early 2020 culminating in the success in Japan which saw the 20 year old become the first Ghanaian medal winner since 1992.
“First of all I thank God for the wonders he has done. I thank Alhaji a lot, we come here often and I remember he telling us we can do it, and that motivated us very much,” said young Takyi.
“So I’m here to present the medal to Alhaji and tell him that we appreciate his support so much. He deserves this medal more than anyone else,” added Takyi who then gave the Olympic Games medal to their distinguished host to wear around his neck all night long.
One for the album: Team Black Bombers including Samuel Takyi with Alhaji Inusah, Isaac Dogboe, Alhaji Gruzah in a memorable pose
Alhaji Inusah gladly wore the medal, amid hailing its huge weight, before once again donating a cash of ten thousand Ghana Cedis (Gh¢10,000) to the team through Ghana Boxing Federation President, George Lamptey.
“Once again I’m happy to welcome all of you here, I didn’t know this (Takyi’s Olympic medal) is so heavy like this,” Alhaji Inusah jokingly began his welcome speech.
“We must give thanks and praise to God, that’s most important in life. It’s not because you are too knowledgeable, strong or powerful than anyone, it’s all the grace of God. We make our plans but God knows best,” the highly philosophical Alhaji Inusah said.
“The evident teamwork is what I like most about you guys from what I have seen all over the years, the camaraderie between the coaches, boxers and management is impressive. I want you guys to know that you still have a long way to go but you can make it Insha Allah,” Alhai Inusah Sally continued.
A very close ally of the legendary former 3-time world champion, Azumah Nelson, Alhaji Inusah also took the opportunity to caution Samuel Takyi and the rest of his teammates on how difficult things can only get going forward and how best to cope.
“Hard training and discipline are key, my friend Azumah Nelson always tells me boxing is no easy job so our boxers have to be very very serious because you have a lot of other boxers also competing against you, determined to beat you,” he noted.
Takyi and Coach Asare with Alhaji Inusah and Alhajj Gruzah
“Now that Takyi is a medallist, anybody going to face him knows all about him and will come with their top arsenal so it means Takyi must now work even harder to maintain or improve his level. And it’s the same for you Shakul and team captain Sulemanu Tetteh as well,” Alhaji Inusah said.
George Lamptey, President of Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) presented a plague and citation to Alhaji Inusah to express the Black Bombers’ appreciation for his endless assistance over the years and to celebrate him for being their number one sympathiser.
“We are here in a nutshell to say thank you to Alhaji, he has always supported us and every time we come here before a tournament, we go out there and do well so I can say he is a our good luck charm,” Mr. Lamptey said.
Meanwhile, the Black Bombers will entertain their fans at the forecourt of The Gym, near Osekan off the high street in Accra on Friday afternoon
“Before we left to Tokyo, we came here and he motivated us, he advised us and we are grateful because we went and it went well. Not all of us can win medals and thanks to God one of us won a medal and we are happy and grateful,” the Ghana amateur boxing chief added.
Not to be left out of the praise party was Isaac Dogboe, the former WBO junior featherweight champion who is currently in the country on a short holiday as he chases another world championship.
“Alhaji is a man that is behind the scenes, he’s not in the public eye but he does a lot of work behind the scenes. He is always supportive not just to us boxers but a lot of people and we ask for more blessings for him so he can continue doing what he has been doing,” Dogboe eulogised.
“Takyi you are a champion, this is your first campaign and you proved that it can be done. Your are a mentor now, many will be looking at you so you have a big responsibility to live up to. Thanks so much for your performance, congratulations again and well done,” Isaac Dogboe concluded.
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