Apr 22- 2026
COURTESY VISIT BY BOXERS FROM HARMATTAN BIRDS, CLUB DROUAIS & BUKOM GYM
On Tuesday, 21st April 2026, a 14-member delegation comprising representatives from Harmattan Birds, Club Drouais (France), and Bukom Gym (Ghana) paid a courtesy visit to Her Excellency Mavis Ama Frimpong at the Embassy of Ghana in Paris at 11:45 a.m. The delegation was led by Mr. King David Neequaye, CEO of Harmattan Birds, accompanied by Mr. Manuel Argentin, Director of Boxing Club Drouais, and Mr. Jordan Argentin. Officials from the Embassy present included Her Excellency Mavis Ama Frimpong, Mrs. Alberta Quartey (Deputy Head of Mission), Mrs. Marie Amoakwa-Boadu (Head of Investment & Tourism), and Mr. Mawuli Klu (Minister-Counsellor/Consular).
The meeting commenced with a welcome note and introductions. In her opening remarks, Her Excellency commended the delegation for their exceptional efforts in promoting Ghana through sports, particularly boxing. She highlighted the strong passion of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama for the sport, noting his regular presence at boxing events at the Bukom Boxing Arena. She further emphasized that the Vice President, as the first female Vice President of Ghana, shares a similar commitment to sports development.
Mr. King David Neequaye, on behalf of the delegation, indicated that the purpose of the visit was to pay a courtesy call and to formally invite Her Excellency to the upcoming boxing event titled “Gala de Boxe: Road to Ghana 2026,” scheduled for Saturday, 25 April 2026 at the Palais des Sports de Dreux. He noted that the event aims to showcase emerging talent and strengthen international sporting ties, expressing hope that Her Excellency’s presence would inspire the athletes and reinforce institutional support for boxing in Ghana.
Discussions centered on sports development, youth empowerment, and opportunities for collaboration between Ghana and France. Mr. Neequaye outlined the mission of Harmattan Birds in advancing youth development through sports, while Mr. Manuel Argentin highlighted the work of Club Drouais and expressed interest in deepening cooperation with Ghana, particularly in boxing. The delegation from France talked about their trip to Ghana which was quite insightful and proposed technical exchange programmes, joint training sessions, and mentorship opportunities, emphasizing knowledge sharing and capacity building. Both sides also underscored the role of sports in not only fostering discipline, inclusion, and social development but how collectively, these engagements underscore Ghana’s strategic use of sports as a vehicle to promote tourism diplomacy and attract investment opportunities by showcasing the country’s talent, culture, and potential to international partners.
In her remarks, Her Excellency reaffirmed her support for partnerships that promote youth development and emphasised the importance of sports diplomacy in strengthening
international relations. She paid tribute to Ghana’s rich boxing heritage, referencing legendary figures such as DK Poison, Azumah Nelson, and Ike Quartey, and urged young athletes to draw inspiration from their achievements. She further linked the success of the initiative to President Mahama’s recent address at the United Nations on reparations, noting that Ghanaian sporting excellence reflects resilience, dignity, and the global recognition of African potential. She encouraged coaches and trainers from Bukom Gym to continue mentoring and supporting emerging talents.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing commitment to sustained collaboration. Her Excellency announced her intention to attend the boxing event in Dreux, where she will join the mayor in welcoming the team and support the participation of four Ghanaian boxers. She expressed appreciation for the courtesy visit, congratulated the team in advance, and reiterated that achieving victory for Ghana should remain the ultimate goal, guided by national pride, unity, and excellence.
Link to tickets:
https://www.helloasso.com/associations/boxing-club-drouais/evenements/gala-de-boxe
Prepared by:
Mrs. Marie Amoakwa-Boadu
Head of Investment & Tourism