The Ghana Military Academy (GMA) has honoured the legendary boxer Professor Azumah Nelson for his outstanding achievements, dedication and contribution to the boxing industry.  

He was honoured alongside the Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Benard Quartey during the inter-company novices boxing competition organised for cadets of Regular Career Course (RCC) 63 at the Whistler Barracks, Teshie from Monday 29 April to Friday 3 May, 2024.

Speaking at the event, Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Solomon Tei-Mensah Osabutey (Rtd) expressed his appreciation to the Commandant GMA, Brig Gen Charles Agyeman Prempeh for the honour bestowed on him as the Guest of Honour, for the important event on the calendar of the academy.

He added that globally, novices boxing had been an essential aspect on the calendar of officer cadets training, hence should not be regarded as unnecessary or an undue punishment for cadets.

He noted that the event was a combat sport activity meant to equip potential officers with skills in unarmed combat by developing their fighting spirit, self-confidence and mental robustness to be able to stand their grounds in the face of overwhelming adversity and also to carry on when hurt or tired. 

Brig Gen Osabutey (Rtd) asserted that the boxing competition was not to turn the officer cadets into professional boxers and was also not intended to equip them with the skills to unleash brutality and mayhem on innocent civilians, but to protect the vulnerable in society where necessary.

He further expressed his satisfaction for the good display of mental fortitude, resilient spirit, courage and self defence laced with some amazing boxing skills by the female officer cadets.

“I have been particularly overwhelmed by the tenacity, good posture and courage displayed by the female cadets, which have given precedence to the Ghana Armed Forces initiative of giving women the opportunity to show their capabilities in the phases of the service and further buttress the popular saying that what men can do women can do and do it better,” he added.

He was optimistic that with the standard of physical fitness and bravery exhibited by the officer cadets they were psychologically and professionally apt to overcome the mirage of contemporary threats confronting the nation as well as contribute their quota in shaping the destiny of the country when they finally become officers.

In all the Abyssinia Company emerged as the overall best company with 81 points followed by Duala Company with 79 point and Chiringa Company with 73 points. Whiles the best boxer award went to Officer Cadet Solomon Atampa, best female boxer was awarded to Naval Cadet Wendey Atiayao Mawunyor and the gallant loser award was given to Flight Cadet Emmanuel Nunoo.

Dignitaries present were the Deputy Commandant Training and Doctrines Command, Commodore Prosper Mensah Kwami Modey, Chief Staff Officer at the Naval Headquarters, Commodore Bright Emmanuel Kojo Atiayao and some senior officers.