Team Ghana, popularly known as the Golden Arms, delivered a commanding performance at the 15th Africa Armwrestling Championship, finishing top of the medals table after a dominant showing at the Borteyman Sports Complex last Friday and Saturday.
The host nation amassed an impressive 168 medals, made up of 71 gold, 63 silver and 34 bronze medals, underlining Ghana’s growing dominance in the sport on the continent.
Benin, fielding a youthful side, placed second with 79 medals, comprising 23 gold, 28 silver and 27 bronze. South Africa finished third with 25 medals after winning 16 gold, five silver and four bronze, while Nigeria took fourth place with 39 medals, including 15 gold, nine silver and 16 bronze.
Technical Director of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation, Hussein Akuete Addy, attributed Ghana’s success to thorough preparation and hard work.
He praised the athletes for their dedication, discipline and determination, saying their efforts had made the nation proud.
“As head of technical affairs for Africa, I am very happy for Ghana because they are working hard and helping to develop the sport across the continent,” he said.
Mr Addy also encouraged young Ghanaians to take up armwrestling, describing it as an accessible sport that does not require expensive equipment.
He stressed that the sport is expanding nationwide, with athletes selected from across the country rather than only from Accra.
He further called on corporate institutions to partner the Ghana Armwrestling Federation, describing it as one of the fastest-growing sports bodies in the country.
According to him, armwrestling has now been accepted into the African Games, with Ghana expected to compete in next year’s edition in Egypt.
Poster boy of the championship, Godwin Sackey, said the sport had positively changed his life by giving him employment opportunities and international exposure.
He urged the youth to remain active and consider joining the sport.
Treasurer of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Evans Yeboah, who attended the event, acknowledged the challenges within the sporting ecosystem but expressed hope that other federations would embrace modern methods of development.
He was also delighted that several Ghanaian pullers had qualified for the next African Games in Egypt.
World champion and former SWAG Award winner Grace Mintah of the Ghana Police Service also celebrated gold medal success and described this year’s championship as highly competitive and well improved.
Participants from several countries commended President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation, Charles Osei Asibey, for his leadership and innovative organisation of the championship.
Raphael Lankai, Blessed Abeka Nunoo and other medal winners celebrated their success with jubilant scenes at the competition venue and later at a reception hosted by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey.
A total of 22 nations participated in the championship, during which Charles Osei Asibey was retained unopposed as President until 2030. Dr Kojo Addo Agyekum of Kofikrom Pharmacy was also elected President for the West Africa region.
Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, who marked his birthday on Saturday, congratulated all participants and expressed confidence that Ghana would continue its dominance at future championships.
Charles Osei Asibey hailed the Golden Arms for their remarkable achievement.
“Whether you stood on the podium or pushed your opponent to the limit, your dedication has elevated the sport in our country,” he said.
“We have shown Africa our strength, and the journey to Cairo and Antananarivo starts now.”
