Your brain freezes if you play politics with Sharaf’s boxing event” –Obama tackles critics

A knockout night in Accra

On Friday, June 13, 2025, the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra was set alight — not by a title fight or a political rally, but by a historic sporting event that brought the city to a standstill. Spearheaded by Sharaf Mahama, son of former President John Dramani Mahama, the event marked a monumental moment for Ghana’s sporting calendar. Organized by Sharaf’s company, Legacy RISE Sports, the boxing night attracted global attention, with a lineup of celebrity attendees that included British heavyweight star Anthony Joshua and Ghana’s own legendary Azumah Nelson.

It was a celebration of boxing, youth empowerment, and sports diplomacy — until politics came punching into the ring.

From applause to accusations

Despite the overwhelming success and international acclaim, the event became mired in controversy. Critics — from media houses to social media commentators — began questioning how Sharaf, a young entrepreneur, could afford to put together such a high-level event. Some insinuated that his access to resources may be tied to his father’s past presidency, drawing parallels with recent political scandals involving the children of former presidents.

One comparison sparked particularly sharp criticism: likening Sharaf’s sporting event to the restaurant opening by the daughter of ex-President Akufo-Addo. This line of commentary implied undue political influence and privilege — without acknowledging the event’s sponsorship and scale.

Saddick Adams (a.k.a. SportsObama) delivers a technical knockout

Veteran sports journalist and host of Angel FM’s morning sports show, Saddick Adams (popularly known as SportsObama), did not hold back. Speaking passionately on his platform, Adams condemned the politicization of the event and took aim at the intelligence of those drawing such comparisons.

“You know when it comes to sports, I have my own bias and wouldn’t want to compare certain things,” he stated. “Just look at the sponsors on board — these are private companies with board of directors. There are more than twenty sponsors. When we try to play politics with some of these things, common sense ceases to work.”

Adams recounted attending a similar boxing event by Sharaf years ago, long before his father became president again. According to him, even then, the corporate sponsorship was “mind-blowing.” For him, this latest event is not a case of political privilege but a continuation of a young man’s vision backed by hard work and genuine corporate interest.

Beyond politics: Sharaf’s rising sports legacy

The event may have attracted controversy, but the message behind it was clear: Sharaf Mahama is building something meaningful in Ghana’s sports industry. His brand, Legacy RISE Sports, aims to elevate boxing and other sporting disciplines, giving talented Ghanaian youth platforms to shine on both local and international stages.

The December 2025 edition, hinted at by Sharaf himself, promises to be “even bigger than the last.” With momentum growing and the eyes of the world watching, it seems Ghana’s boxing ring might just become the next global stage — if only the politics can stay out of the sport.

The bigger picture

The outrage sparked by Sharaf Mahama’s success reflects a broader issue in Ghana’s sociopolitical landscape: the tendency to view every significant achievement through a political lens. For Saddick Adams, this mindset is not only intellectually dishonest but ultimately damaging to progress.

“Your brain ceases to work if you play politics with Sharaf’s boxing event,” he fired off — a headline-grabbing quote, but also a sobering reminder that Ghana’s youth deserve more than suspicion; they deserve support when they strive for excellence.

If December’s event delivers on its promise, critics may have to swap their skepticism for ringside seats.

Source: Raymond Karvi