Statement from GBF President DSI Bernard Quartey on the Passing of Clement Ike Quartey Sr.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Clement Ike “Nii Kpakpafio” Quartey, a cherished member of the first generation of Ghana’s national boxing team, the Black Bombers. Clement passed away at the age of 86 in London, UK.
The Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) followed closely as Clement bravely battled illness, hoping he would make a full recovery. But God had other plans, and while we mourn his departure, we take comfort in knowing he is at peace in the Lord’s embrace.
Clement Quartey Sr. etched his name in history as the first African to win an Olympic medal in any sport, bringing honor to the continent and our nation with a silver medal at the 1960 Rome Olympic Games. His journey in boxing began with Ghana’s national team debut at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, Wales, followed by his historic performance in Rome. In 1962, he clinched a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia, establishing Ghana as a powerhouse in amateur boxing at that time. Later that year, he added another gold to his legacy at the inaugural African Boxing Championships in Cairo, Egypt.
Quartey’s distinguished amateur career, spanning 15 bouts with 13 wins, came to a close in 1963. He chose not to turn professional, instead settling in the UK, where he lived until his recent passing. Though he rarely made public appearances, he remained deeply connected to his Ghanaian roots, often returning for family gatherings. He is survived by his two sons, Clifton and Alex.
His accomplishments inspired future generations, notably his half-brother Ike “Bazooka” Quartey, who went on to achieve great heights as a former WBA welterweight champion. Clement Quartey Sr.’s legacy remains a guiding light for Ghanaian boxing, inspiring today’s Black Bombers and Rockets to pursue excellence and bring further glory to our nation.
We honor the memory of a true legend and pioneer. May he rest in perfect peace.
GBF Media
Ghanaian Olympic Medalist and Boxing Legend, Clement Ike Quartey Snr, Passes Away at 86
Clement Ike Quartey Snr, the first African athlete to win an Olympic medal, passed away this morning in London at the age of 86.
Quartey earned a historic silver medal in the Light Welterweight (63.5 kg) category at the 1960 Rome Olympics, just five days before Ethiopia’s Abebe Bikila won Africa’s first Olympic gold.
He is survived by his two children, Clifton and Alex. Clement Quartey was also the elder brother of Ike “Bazooka” Quartey, former WBA Welterweight World Champion.
GBF Media
Clement Ike Quartey with the National Boxing Team, the Black Bombers, during their training tour in the UK ahead of the 1960 Rome Olympic Games. At these Games, Quartey made history by winning Ghana and Africa’s first-ever Olympic medal in any sport.
Also pictured are Team Manager Jack Roy, a former Olympic coach of the British National Boxing Team, and Roy Ankrah, the first indigenous national boxing coach for the Black Bombers.
GBF Media
Black Rockets Training in Montenegro for 2024 IBA Youth Championships
Photos and videos from the training camp of Ghana’s National Youth Boxing Team, the Black Rockets, at their base in Budva, Montenegro, as they prepare to represent the country in the 2024 IBA World Youth Championships.
#BlackRockets #Boxing #Ghana #IBAYouth #Montenegro
Black Rockets Depart for IBA Youth World Championships in Montenegro
Ghana’s national youth boxing team, the Black Rockets, departed Accra on Saturday night, October 19, 2024, en route to Budva, Montenegro, to compete in the IBA Youth World Championships. The prestigious tournament is scheduled to take place from Sunday, October 20, to Friday, October 25, 2024.
A delegation led by the President of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), DSI Bernard Quartey, was at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to see off the team. Also in attendance were key GBF executives, including 1st Vice President Alhaji Dauda Fuseini, 2nd Vice President Solomon Otoo Lartey, Treasurer Mustapha Nettey, and Communications Officer Charles Jojo Sergius-Ephson, along with patrons, family members of the boxers, and enthusiastic fans from Bukom, a community renowned for its boxing talent.
GBF President Quartey encouraged the team to use the tournament as a springboard to build their careers and showcase their potential on the global stage. “This is an opportunity to prove that you are the stars of tomorrow,” Quartey remarked.
The Black Rockets, under the guidance of Head Coach Charles Quartey, have been undergoing intensive training for the past three months at the Charles Quartey Boxing Gym. The six boxers representing Ghana in the competition are:
- George Nii Ayi Nortey Dowouna (Light Flyweight)
- Mathias Ashitey (Flyweight)
- Francis Quartey (Featherweight)
- Ebenezer Ankrah (Lightweight)
- Levi Nii Ayi Mensah (Light Welterweight)
- Desmond Pappoe (Light Middleweight)
The athletes, aged 16 to 18, were selected from a local boxing showcase in Accra and are competing in their first major international tournament. Their performances in Montenegro are seen as pivotal steps toward future representation in elite global competitions, including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, African Games, and World and Africa Championships.
“This is just the beginning of your boxing journey. To become world-class athletes, you must remain disciplined, focused, and respectful,” advised Alhaji Dauda Fuseini, as he urged the boxers to give their best.
The 2024 edition of the IBA Youth World Championships, in which Ghana is participating for the first time, will feature top youth boxers from over 80 countries. The tournament, which has been a springboard for many future stars over the past three decades, offers Ghana’s young talents an invaluable opportunity to shine on the world stage.
— GBF Media
Ghana Boxing Federation Receives Significant Support from BOXUP
The Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) has received a major boost following a generous donation of equipment from BOXUP, a UK-based boxing equipment company. The presentation took place during a well-attended event on Friday evening at the Ga Mashie Hall of the Trust Sports Emporium.
As part of the event, BOXUP, in collaboration with the GBF, showcased exhibition bouts featuring juvenile, youth, and elite amateur boxers, both male and female, highlighting the depth of talent within Ghana’s boxing community.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Stephen Addison, CEO of BOXUP, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting Ghanaian boxers, emphasizing that continued success in major international competitions such as the African Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and Olympic Games would bring further opportunities for Ghanaian boxing.
Alhaji Dauda Fuseni, 1st Vice President of the GBF, expressed his gratitude for the donation and stressed the importance of building a stronger relationship between BOXUP and the GBF. He also encouraged the media to continue their active promotion and advocacy for boxing in Ghana.
Receiving the items on behalf of the federation, GBF President DSI Bernard Quartey thanked Dr. Addison and urged the boxers to maintain their hard work, ensuring that Ghana remains a top contender for medals in major international competitions.
GBF Media
