Accra – Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey has made history as Ghana’s first female world boxing champion, overcoming societal barriers and family opposition to achieve her dream. Her journey, rooted in the working-class neighborhood of Jamestown, Accra, highlights both the deep-seated boxing culture of the region and the entrenched gender biases that discourage women from stepping into the ring.
A Fighting Spirit Against All Odds
Growing up in Jamestown, a community known for producing boxing legends, Quartey faced immense pressure from her family to abandon her aspirations. In Ghana, boxing remains largely male-dominated, and women are often discouraged from participating in the sport. Her family members, including her aunts and siblings, urged her coach to dissuade her from boxing, fearing it was not a suitable path for a young woman.
Despite these challenges, Quartey persisted. At the age of 27, she became Ghana’s first female boxing world champion, securing the WIBF World Super Bantamweight title in November by defeating British fighter Sangeeta Birdi. The victory, which took place at Jamestown’s premier boxing venue, sparked celebrations in the very community that once doubted her.
Breaking Barriers in Ghanaian Women’s Boxing
Although the media hailed Quartey’s victory as historic, she is quick to acknowledge the women who came before her but were never given the opportunity to compete internationally. “Before I started boxing, there were women in the sport,” she said. “However, they were prohibited from leaving the nation.”
Her triumph sheds light on the systemic barriers that female athletes in African countries face, including lack of funding, limited international exposure, and societal resistance. Quartey herself had to pause her boxing career in 2017 due to financial struggles, turning to selling lottery tickets to make ends meet. She returned to the sport in 2021, driven by the encouragement of her coach and brother, despite not having a manager to support her financially.
A Victory for All Ghanaian Boxers
Sarah Lotus Asare, a boxing instructor and project head for the Girls Box Tournament, emphasized the significance of Quartey’s victory. “Even for male boxers, it is difficult to win against non-Africans because they have access to better facilities and equipment,” she noted.
Ebenezer “Instructor Killer” Adjei, Quartey’s coach at Black Panthers Gym, hailed her achievement as a milestone not just for her but for the entire boxing community in Ghana and Africa at large.
Inspiring a New Generation
Quartey’s impact extends beyond the ring. Her triumph serves as an inspiration for young women in Ghana, encouraging them to pursue careers in sports despite societal constraints.
“I hold a world title, which proves that women are just as capable as men,” Quartey stated. Her influence is already evident, with young female boxers like 18-year-old Perpetual Okaijah drawing motivation from her journey. “I admire Abigail because she’s a really strong girl,” Okaijah said. “She motivates me and exemplifies moral behavior.”
Quartey’s victory stands as a testament to resilience, challenging gender norms, and paving the way for future generations of female athletes in Ghana and beyond.
