Ghana has been handed a massive boost with the inauguration of the first ever Boxing Arena in the country since independence.

The Bukom Boxing Arena was commissioned by the President John Dramani Mahama last night at the Trust Sports Emporium and has been officially opened to serve local boxers and also host international boxing events.

The Arena was funded by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in partnership with ETC Polska.

“I am confident that this magnificent facility will serve the purpose for which it was built,” President Mahama said.

“Ghana is rising and it is important that we put in place all the necessary investments, facilities and infrastructure to change the lives of our people and to transform our nation.”

Sports Minister Nii lantey Vanderpuye who was there was elated and remains upbeat the country can raise World champions with the facility.

“Since the days of Dr Kwame Nkrumah,” Nii Lantey said. “The dream to have a Boxing Arena to immortalize the memory of Bukom as a community that has produced all the world champions has been there.”

“So it’s a dream come true for me (Nii Lantey) to recognize the efforts of the people of Ga Mashie and Bukom for the champions they deliver.”

Ghana has produced great boxers in the likes of Azumah Nelson, David Kotei a.k.a DK Poison, Ike Quartey, Joshua Clottey amongst a few who have lifted the flag of the nation sky high and they were not left out as the President honored their heroism on the night.

Several bouts were lined up for the official opening where in the National Light Weight Championship saw a fight between Sherif Quaye of Black Panthers Gym who by a split decision (116-112, 113-115, 113-117) outmuscled Benjamin Lamptey of Bukom Gym to claim the victory