Breaking Barriers: Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey’s Journey to Becoming Ghana’s First Female World Boxing Champion
ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — As a teenager, Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey made a bold decision to pursue a career in professional boxing, a path that is uncommon for women in her working-class neighborhood of Accra. Despite her family’s pleas for her to abandon her training, she remained steadfast in her ambition.
A Rich Boxing Tradition
Jamestown, a community renowned for its fishing industry, has produced numerous boxing legends. Yet, like many sports in Ghana, boxing is dominated by male athletes, with societal norms discouraging women from participating.
Persistence Pays Off
Quartey’s determination led her to make history last year at the age of 27 when she became Ghana’s first female world boxing champion. Her journey included being the first woman to represent the West African nation on international stages.
Reflecting on her family’s initial resistance, Quartey described how her aunts and siblings pleaded with her coach to prevent her from becoming a boxer. These reservations faded when she triumphed over British boxer Sangeeta Birdi last November in Jamestown, clinching the WIBF World Super Bantamweight title. The community erupted with joy, momentarily overshadowing the prejudice women often face in boxing.
Understanding the Path Ahead
While Ghanaian media heralded her victory as a significant milestone, Quartey herself acknowledges that she is not the first female boxer in Ghana. “Women participated in boxing long before me,” she explained, noting their historical lack of opportunities for international competition.
Quartey’s path to success sheds light on the myriad challenges faced by female athletes in Africa. Growing up in Jamestown, she supported her family financially by selling rice alongside her aunt. The only individuals who believed in her boxing aspirations were her brother—a fellow boxer—and her coach.
In 2017, facing various hurdles, she withdrew from boxing to sell lottery tickets. Her comeback in 2021 was a result of her coach’s encouragement, despite her concerns about lacking a manager and adequate support, which is a common plight for female boxers in Ghana.
Inspiration for Future Generations
“In Ghana, female boxers face significant challenges and limited resources to continue their training,” Quartey stated. Coach Sarah Lotus Asare emphasized that Quartey’s success represents a leap forward for all boxers in Ghana, regardless of gender. “For male boxers, competing against non-Africans is tough due to disparities in access to facilities and training equipment,” she explained.
Coach Ebenezer “Coach Killer” Adjei proudly noted that Quartey’s title is significant for her, her gym, her community, and beyond: “It’s a monumental achievement not just for her but for Ghana, Africa, and the world.” Quartey recognizes that her title can inspire young women from her community to pursue their dreams in sports.
“I hold a world title, and it demonstrates that women can accomplish what men can achieve,” she remarked confidently.
Among those inspired by her journey is 18-year-old Perpetual Okaijah, who pursued boxing despite her family’s objections. “Abigail is a tough role model,” she said. “She inspires me and shows me what is possible.”
Empowering Women Through Sports
Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey’s journey is more than just about boxing; it’s a powerful testament to breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of female athletes. She hopes to pave the way for more women to embrace their athletic aspirations and challenge societal norms.
