The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) mourns the passing of Ghana’s first Olympian, Clement Isaac ‘Ike’ Quartey Snr, who died on November 2, 2024, in London at the age of 86. As a pioneering figure in Ghanaian and African sports, Quartey inspired generations of athletes and will be remembered as a true trailblazer in Olympic history.
In a heartfelt tribute, GOC President Ben Nunoo Mensah expressed the Committee’s sorrow at the loss of an outstanding sportsman who placed Ghana on the Olympic map and opened doors for African athletes worldwide. “The entire Olympic Movement in Ghana is profoundly saddened by the loss of Clement Quartey, a man whose achievements paved the way for African athletes on the global stage. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, including his younger brother, former WBA welterweight champion Ike ‘Bazooka’ Quartey.”
Clement Quartey, fondly known as Ike, holds a significant place in history as the first black African to win an Olympic medal, earning silver at the 1960 Olympics in Rome. His achievement, a momentous milestone in African sports, came after a series of triumphant victories against opponents from Morocco, Iraq, South Korea, and Poland in the light-welterweight division. Although the Ghanaian legend lost to Czech boxer Bohumil Němeček in the gold-medal bout, his presence on the Olympic podium signified an unprecedented breakthrough for the African continent.
At the time, no black African had previously won an Olympic medal, a barrier Clement Quartey broke on September 1, 1960. Just days later, Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila followed in his footsteps by winning the men’s marathon barefoot. This iconic era marked a defining moment, establishing Ghana and Africa on the global sports stage and motivating generations of African athletes.
Clement Quartey’s legacy continued beyond the Olympics. In 1962, he won a gold medal at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia, alongside fellow Ghanaian athletes Mike Ahey and Eddie Blay. His achievements became emblematic of Ghana’s early post-independence sporting successes and inspired future athletes to strive for excellence.
As Ghana’s first Olympic medallist, Clement Quartey’s legacy inspired many athletes, including his younger brother, Ike ‘Bazooka’ Quartey, who represented Ghana at the 1988 Seoul Olympics before going on to become a world champion in professional boxing.
The GOC honours Clement Quartey as an enduring symbol of resilience, a standard-bearer of Ghanaian and African sporting excellence, and a true icon. His contributions laid a foundation for Ghana’s position in international sports, and his footprints will forever remain in the sands of time. The GOC calls for his memory to be immortalised as a beacon of dedication, hope, and sporting greatness.