The Ghana Military Academy (GMA) organized a 4-day inter-platoon novice boxing competition for Cadets of Short Service Commission/Special Duties Course 60 from Tuesday 18 to Friday 21 July 2023 at the GMA Square at Whistler Barracks in Teshie.

The novice boxing competition saw Cadets, both male and female, battling for their various platoons. The event had keenly contested bouts in four weight categories; lightweight, bantamweight, welterweight and heavyweight. The competition was conducted according to the International Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) Rules.

Burma Platoon emerged as the overall winners with 44 points. Abyssinia platoon took the second position with 43 points. Duala and Chiringa Platoons took the third and fourth positions with 40 and 38 points respectfully.

Flight Cadet Afful Fredrick of Duala Platoon emerged as the Best Male Boxer. Flight Cadet Adade Gifty Frimponmaa from Burma Platoon received the Best Female Boxer award. The Gallant Loser award went to Naval Cadet Ocran Papa Villas of Duala Platoon. Each of them received a certificate of merit and a trophy.

The Guest of Honour, the Commandant of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), Maj Gen Irvine Nii Ayitey Aryeetey in his keynote address said the novice boxing competition is intended to practice Officer Cadets on unarmed combat and to build their endurance in the face of adversity.

He noted that in all military academies globally, combat sports afford Officer Cadets the opportunity to train and develop their fighting spirit as well as self-confidence. He noted that the sport provides circumstances under which Cadet learn to stand their ground in the face of aggression and persevere. He reiterated that the purpose of the event was not to produce accomplished boxers but to teach them to overcome adversity, fear and pain.

He also commended the Officer Cadets for the display of mental fortitude, determination, courage, self-discipline and commendable good boxing skills during the event.