Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey is making history and bringing global recognition to Ghana with her groundbreaking achievement as the country’s first female world boxing champion. At just 28 years old, Quartey has not only secured a place in Ghana’s storied boxing tradition but has also shattered societal norms, inspiring young women to follow in her footsteps.
A Humble Beginning in Jamestown
Quartey’s journey to boxing began in the bustling streets of Jamestown, one of Accra’s oldest neighborhoods. Born into a family that didn’t initially support her athletic ambitions, her path to becoming a boxing champion was anything but conventional. Before boxing, Quartey worked selling rice with her aunt and played football with the boys in her neighborhood. However, her brother, who was a boxer himself, noticed her natural athletic ability and invited her to join his training sessions on weekends.
Though her brother supported her, many in her family were opposed to her decision to pursue boxing, especially given the traditional views on gender roles. “They hadn’t seen a woman boxing before,” Quartey recalls. Despite the opposition, her coach, Ebenezer “Coach Killer” Adjei, encouraged her to continue, ultimately helping her break into a sport typically dominated by men.
Making History in the Ring
In November 2024, Quartey made history by winning the WIBF World Super Bantamweight title, becoming the first Ghanaian woman to achieve such a feat. She secured the victory after a hard-fought battle with British boxer Sangeeta Birdie at the renowned Bukom Boxing Arena in Jamestown, Ghana. The triumph wasn’t only a personal milestone for Quartey but also a moment of pride for her community and the entire nation.
Her coach, Ebenezer Adjei, emphasized the historical significance of her win. “Her title is a big deal for her, the gym, the community, the nation of Ghana, and Africa. It’s not easy to win such a title, and no woman from Ghana has ever done it before,” he said.
For Quartey, this title goes beyond individual success. “There were women in boxing before me, but they didn’t get the opportunity to travel outside Ghana. I became the first woman boxer to travel internationally with the Black Bombers (Ghana’s National Boxing Team), and now I’m the first woman to win a world title for Ghana,” she proudly stated.
Inspiring Future Generations
Quartey’s rise to the top has resonated with many young women in Ghana who aspire to break into boxing. Perpetual Okaijah, an 18-year-old aspiring boxer, shared how Quartey’s story mirrors her own struggles. “At first, my family didn’t support me because I was the only female who liked boxing. They told me to go and work instead, saying ‘you’re a woman, you can’t box.’ But I didn’t give up, and eventually, they had no choice but to support me.”
Sarah Lotus Asare, a boxing coach and the project lead for the Girls Box Tournament, also highlighted the significance of Quartey’s victory. “It’s difficult for any African boxer, male or female, to win against non-African opponents because of the lack of resources and equipment. Quartey’s victory is not just inspiring, it’s a breakthrough for women’s boxing in Ghana.”
A Lasting Legacy
Despite the obstacles she faced, Quartey’s determination has positioned her as a trailblazer for women’s boxing in Ghana. With her world title proudly displayed, Quartey continues to inspire a new generation of women, proving that resilience and determination can break barriers and forge new paths. Her success is more than just a personal achievement—it’s a symbol of progress and empowerment for women in sports across Africa.
As she continues to train and inspire others, Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey will forever be remembered as Ghana’s first female world boxing champion and a beacon of hope for future champions in the ring.
