Don’t rush to professional ranks, Ben Nunoo Mensah tells bronze medalist Amadu Mohammed

The Development Chief of Ga Mashie, His Royal Highness Nii Kojo Ashifie Papanyira I, has charged Black Bombers boxer and 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Amadu Mohammed to resist the temptation of rushing into the professional ranks and instead continue plying his trade as an amateur.

He said Amadu Mohammed, who was the only boxer to secure a medal for Ghana at the Games, possesses exceptional talent and is a consummate amateur fighter of a rare kind.

According to him, the young boxer should hasten slowly and continue at the amateur level to hone his skills better before turning professional, with the ultimate aim of becoming a future world champion.

“I knew you from the beginning and have travelled with you many times. You are such a talent, and I want to laud you for bringing happiness and pride to Ghana,” stated the former Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) President and Weightlifting Federation President, known in private life as Ben Nunoo Mensah.

He made these remarks last Friday at his residence in Westhills, Greater Accra, when the boxer visited him to present his bronze medal in a short but colourful ceremony.

Prior to their meeting, the Ga chief had pledged to reward Amadu Mohammed handsomely for winning bronze for Ghana—and he made good on that promise by presenting an undisclosed cash amount to the boxer, along with assorted items including boxes of Indomie noodles, drinks, biscuits, and other food items.

Nii Kojo Ashifie Papanyira I called on the boxer to guard against any bad behaviour and always remain humble and ready to learn. He cautioned him to work on his weaknesses and never be so full of himself or content with what he has already achieved.

The chief told the boxer to always call on him for advice and support, and to aim for the highest in his life.

Decorating Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah with the medal, Amadu Mohammed thanked the renowned sports financier and administrator and vowed to become a better version of himself. The young pugilist promised to hone his skills further and win a world title and gold for Ghana at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games—an ambition that aligns with his previous declarations to compete at the Commonwealth, World, and Olympic Games before turning professional.

He expressed profound gratitude for the undisclosed cash and vowed to use it wisely to advance his career.

Amadu Mohammed, 21, secured Ghana’s bronze medal in the men’s 55kg bantamweight division after reaching the semi-finals, where he lost to Australia’s Jye Dixon by a 4-1 split decision.

In the company of Ghana Boxing Federation official Joojo Ephson, the development chief presented the items and encouraged the boxer to continue making the nation proud. The event was held at Mr. Nunoo Mensah’s residence in Westhills, Greater Accra.