By:Kenneth Appiah Bani.
In a sport long dominated by men, Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey has shattered barriers to become Ghana’s first female world boxing champion. The 26-year-old fighter from Jamestown, Accra, defied societal norms and family expectations to claim the WIBF World Super Bantamweight title, a victory that not only cements her place in history but also inspires a new generation of female athletes in Ghana.
Growing up in Jamestown, a neighborhood known for producing some of Ghana’s finest boxers, Quartey was drawn to the sport from a young age. However, her journey was not without challenges. In a society where boxing is largely seen as a male pursuit, Quartey faced opposition from her family, who believed the ring was no place for a woman.
“They told me it was not a sport for girls. That I should focus on school or find something more ‘feminine’ to do,” she recalls. But Quartey was determined to fight—not just in the ring but against societal expectations.
She trained relentlessly under the guidance of renowned coach Charles Quartey (no relation), who saw her potential early on. Under his mentorship, she honed her skills, gaining recognition on the local boxing circuit before stepping onto the international stage.
On November 25, 2024, Quartey faced British boxer Sangeeta Birdi for the prestigious WIBF World Super Bantamweight title. It was a grueling match that tested her strength, endurance, and resilience. But in the end, Quartey emerged victorious, securing a unanimous decision from the judges and etching her name into Ghana’s sporting history.
Her victory was met with widespread celebration, with many hailing her as a trailblazer for women in sports. Ghana’s boxing greats, including Azumah Nelson and Ike Quartey, congratulated her on her achievement, calling it a turning point for female boxing in the country.
Beyond her title, Quartey’s journey is an inspiration to many young women in Ghana who aspire to break barriers in male-dominated fields. She has become a role model, proving that with determination, discipline, and perseverance, anything is possible.
“I want young girls to know that they can do anything they set their minds to,” she says. “If I can make it, so can they.”
Quartey is now working on launching a boxing academy for girls, aimed at training and mentoring young female fighters. She hopes to create a platform where women can thrive in the sport without facing the same struggles she encountered.
Following her historic win, Quartey is setting her sights on defending her title and taking on bigger opponents. She is also advocating for greater support for female boxers in Ghana, calling on the government and sports organizations to invest in women’s boxing.
As she continues her journey, one thing is clear Abigail Quartey is not just a champion in the ring but a pioneer for gender equality in Ghanaian sports. Her victory is a testament to the power of perseverance and a symbol of hope for the future of female boxing in Ghana.
In conclusion Abigail Quartey’s triumph is more than just a personal victory; it is a breakthrough moment for women in sports. Her resilience, dedication, and passion have paved the way for others to follow. As Ghana celebrates its first female world boxing champion, one can only imagine the doors she has opened for the next generation of female fighters.
