Black Belt Hall of Fame honour for Dr Spio-Gabrah

Ghanaian politician and former Minister for Communications, Dr Ekow Spio-Gabrah, has been incorporated into the Hall of Fame and presented with an Honourary Black Belt at the 2022 African Goju Awards Ceremony held in Accra on Saturday.

The gesture was in recognition of his contribution towards the growth of martial arts in the country.

Speaking after the presentation, Dr Spio-Gabrah expressed appreciation to African Goju for the recognition, believing that it would go a long way to motivate young ones to get into martial arts.

“I am excited for this honour and would take the opportunity to urge Ghanaians, especially young ones, to get involved in martial arts in order to defend themselves and their love ones,” he stated.

Several other practitioners were also incorporated into the Hall of Fame included, Duke Banson, Caroline Gwira Anane, George Hewald-Mills, Donald Gwira, Ohio-Michael Ellakhe, Henry Gwira, Patrick Mintah, Godson Oziegbe, Henry Agbode and Moses Kwesi Baiden Jnr.

Others were, Henry Laryea, Moses Boateng Mensah, Melvin Brown, Umuai Henry Lopentz, Kenneth Gwira, Reginald Gwira, Alfred Kweku Ogoe, Wellington Baiden, Ekow Ampah, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, Charles Whitaker, Amarlai Armah, Charles Ankumah, Victoria Biney Hajah, Afi Agbenyegah Nyarko and Sally Legge-Maurice.

The event also saw Patrick Mintah adjudged the Reggie Gwira Martial Artist of the Year.

He also received the Donald Gwira Breaking Award and walked away with a plaque, martial art equipment and $1,000 to support his club.

The George Hewald-Mills Kata Award went to Ohio-Michael Ellakhe, while Donald Gwira received a 7th degree belt in African Goju.

The event marked 37 years of African Goju, which was founded by Prof Danny Gwira to teach the act of self defense. Prof Gwira was also honoured by the Ghana Karate-Do Federation for being a pillar to the growth of martial arts in Ghana.

Special Guest of Honour for the event Amb. George Haldane Lutterodt commended the winners for their efforts in ensuring the sustainability of martial arts in Ghana and beyond.

BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE