Gideon Quartey, the deceased president of the Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation (GABF), was laid on Saturday, May 13.
Quartey died on March 15, only few hours to the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) elections. Prior to his death he had complained about heart pains. Saturday’s burial service was held at the forecourt of the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre.
Those who attended include major stakeholders in Ghana boxing, led by Mr. Peter Zwenes, President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), former World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion, Azumah Nelson, and Mr. Vincent Sowah Odotei, Member of Parliament for La-Dadekotopon Constituency.
There was an exhibition of boxing at the funeral service to demonstrate his love for the sport. There were glowing tributes from the GBA, GABF and Ghana United Boxing Coaches Association (GUBCA).
In their tribute, the GBA said the late Quartey made significant contributions to the development of boxing as a trainer and administrator, including personally sponsoring amateur boxing competitions, managing boxers, as well as setting up the Dade Gym at La to groom fighters.
The GBA also recalled the stipends the former amateur boxing chief paid to boxers and the initiative he developed to bring back the boxing league.
Mr. Atchoe later told the Graphic Sports the nation had lost a great talent in boxing development and amateur boxing which had been underrepresented as an Olympic sport.
The late Quartey is well remembered for using his generous nature, ability to locate talent and then to cultivate it. He was the founder and Chief Executive of Dade Promotions, who for many years staged the Friday night fights for young amateur boxers at the Prisons Canteen in Osu, Accra. He was 50 years old and left behind a wife and four children.
The late Gideon Quartey’s body was later interred at a cemetery behind the Trade Fair Centre.
