History and legacy,
Boxing is more than a sport in Ghana — it is part of our national identity. From the bustling gyms of Bukom to global arenas in Las Vegas and London, Ghanaian fighters have carried the nation’s pride on their shoulders and shown the world our strength, discipline, and determination.
Ghana has produced some of Africa’s most celebrated champions, each of whom left an indelible mark on world boxing:
Brig. Gen. I. B. Quartey (Rtd.)
Distinguished Military Leader & Boxing Administrator
Brigadier General Ishmael Ben Quartey (Rtd.) is a distinguished retired Ghanaian Army Officer who served in the Ghana Armed Forces from 1974 to 2013. A native of Jamestown, British Accra, he began his education at Accra Royal Basic School and later attended Accra Academy, where he earned his GCE O- and A-Level Certificates. He holds a Master's Degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Distinguished Military Career
39 years of exemplary service to Ghana and international peacekeeping
Military Enlistment
Enlisted into the Ghana Military Academy after briefly working at the State Insurance Company. Graduated as the overall best cadet (Sword of Honour) of Intake 17.
Commander of Ghana Military Academy
Served as Commander of the Ghana Military Academy, responsible for training and developing future military leaders of the Ghana Armed Forces.
UN Mission in DR Congo
Served as Western Brigade Commander of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Briefly appointed as Acting Force Commander by the UN Secretary General.
Final Military Appointment
Served as Commander, Support Services Brigade Group - his last military appointment in Ghana before retirement after 39 years of distinguished service.
Civilian Leadership Roles
Continuing service to Ghana in civilian capacity
Board Chairman, DVLA
Served as Board Chairman of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (2013–2017), providing strategic direction for vehicle regulation in Ghana.
Acting MD, Metro Mass Transit
Served as Acting Managing Director of Metro Mass Transit Limited (Jan–July 2015), overseeing public transportation services across Ghana.
Vice President, RCOA
Served as Vice President of the Retired Commissioned Officers Association (Jan 2019- Dec 2022), representing retired military officers.
Board of Governors, Accra Academy
Current Member of the Board of Governors at Accra Academy, his alma mater, contributing to educational development.
Flood Victims Coordinator
Current Coordinator of the COMPENSATION DISBURSEMENT UNIT for victims of the Sept-Oct 2023 Akosombo Dam flooding.
Personal Life & Interests
Beyond the uniform - passions and family life
Boxing Passion
- Passionate about boxing since childhood
- Former Patron of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA)
- Former Ex-Officio member of the GBA Disciplinary Committee
- Chaired panels for GBA executive selection
- Current member of Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee
Family & Other Interests
- Married to Mrs. Joyce Gwendolyn Quartey
- Father of four children
- Grandfather of eight grandchildren
- Enjoys football, horseback riding, and music
- Active in community and charitable activities
Enduring Legacy
A lifetime of service to nation and community
From the battlefields of peacekeeping missions to the boardrooms of national institutions, Brig. Gen. Quartey's leadership has consistently exemplified excellence and dedication.
Brigadier General I. B. Quartey's distinguished career spans nearly four decades of military service followed by continued contributions to national development in various civilian capacities. His journey from a young cadet earning the Sword of Honour to becoming a UN Force Commander demonstrates a consistent pattern of excellence and leadership.
His passion for boxing, cultivated since childhood, has translated into meaningful contributions to the sport's administration in Ghana. As a former Patron of the Ghana Boxing Authority and member of various boxing committees, he brings the same discipline and strategic thinking that characterized his military career to the development of boxing in Ghana.
Today, as a member of the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee, Brig. Gen. Quartey continues to serve his nation, combining his administrative expertise with his lifelong passion for boxing to help shape the future of the sport in Ghana.
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