The sports and entertainment scene in Northern Ghana is set for a major boost as professional boxing makes a long-awaited return to the Upper East Region.
At the center of this revival is Halim Mohammed, popularly known as Vomojo, Manager of Events and Entertainment at NAB Hotel and Events Center, who has unveiled plans for the Upper East Boxing Championship—a professional boxing event aimed at redefining sports entertainment in the northern belt.
Speaking in an interview with Phatbone, the 5-Star General, host of Sunset Drive on A1 Radio Bolgatanga, Vomojo described the championship as more than just a sporting event.
“We are bringing boxing back home. This is about giving the north its rightful place on Ghana’s boxing map,” he said.
Bringing Boxing Back to the North
Boxing, once one of Ghana’s most dominant sports, is experiencing renewed interest, particularly across Northern Ghana. According to Vomojo, the creation of five northern regions—Northern, Savannah, Upper West, Upper East, and North East—has created fresh opportunities to develop regional rivalries and unearth talent.
“Boxing is fast becoming one of the most entertaining sports in Ghana, and the north has the talent,” he noted. “What we’ve lacked is the platform, and that is exactly what this championship provides.”
He revealed that the last major boxing event in the Upper East Region took place around 2008, leaving a gap of more than a decade that stalled the growth of many promising fighters.
“For years, young boxers here had nowhere to showcase their skills. This championship is their moment.”
Institutional Backing and Professional Standards
To ensure credibility and safety, NAB Events is collaborating with the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ghana Boxing Association (GBA).
“This is not an amateur show,” Vomojo stressed. “About 80 percent of the organization is handled by seasoned professionals—coaches, referees, and medical personnel. Safety and professionalism are non-negotiable.”
The championship has received full backing from the Upper East Regional Sports Director, Abdul-Rahman Danladi, who has encouraged coaches across the region to prepare fighters for high-level competition.
Training has intensified, particularly at the Navrongo boxing camp, where boxers are being groomed for professional bouts.
More Than a Fight Night
Scheduled for January 1, 2025, the championship is positioned as an alternative festive attraction, targeting professionals, executives, and sports enthusiasts seeking something beyond music shows.
“Entertainment is not only about music and dancing,” Vomojo said. “Boxing is action, discipline, skill, and drama. We are creating a new entertainment roadmap for the north.”
Ministers, CEOs, contractors, and sports lovers are expected to attend the event.
What to Expect
The championship night will feature professional bouts across multiple weight categories, with fighters drawn from all five northern regions. Certified referees, medical teams, and strict safety protocols will be in place.
The event was originally scheduled for December 26, 2025, but was moved to January 1 to accommodate key stakeholders and a Ghana Boxing Association election.
A Vision Beyond One Event
Vomojo emphasized that the championship is designed as a long-term project. “This is not just an event; it’s a movement. The Upper East Boxing Championship is here to stay and will be staged annually.”
Beyond entertainment, the initiative aims to revive grassroots boxing, inspire young athletes, and position Northern Ghana as a strong force in Ghana’s boxing ecosystem.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Seidu Suleman Akurugu | Bolgatanga
