By Francis Ofori
Accra, Mar 16, GNA – Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, Minister for Sports and Recreation, was thrilled to high performance battles during the Independence Armwrestling Challenge, held at the Center Point Mall in Accra as there were amazing battles from top pullers from Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, and Togo.
The event, organized by the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF), was held to celebrate Ghana’s independence and commemorate armwrestling’s historic feat of winning 41 medals for Ghana during the 2023 African Games.
In the female +80kg category, Ghana’s Grace Minta put up a spectacular display, beating opposition from Nigeria, Benin, and Togo to grab the gold medal. Her compatriots, Florence Boakye and Afia Kumah, won silver and bronze medals respectively, making it a clean sweep for Ghana in the female +80kg category.
In the male category, African Games medalist Wisdom Abromekeyi cleared all opposition to take home the gold medal in the 65kg category, beating Daniel Acquah and Benin Amoono Stephen in the process.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s new kid on the block, Joshua Yeboah from Chicken Wing Club, sensationally dominated the 90kg men’s category with ease. Yeboah, a rising star in Ghanaian Armwrestling, cleared all experienced champions and pullers from Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, and Benin to win the gold medal, announcing his arrival on the big stage.
Present at the event were several dignitaries, including Minister for Sports and Recreation, Mr Kofi Adams, Vice President of GAF, Dr. Kofi Addo Agyekum, Mr Joseph Cudjoe, former Minister for State Enterprises, and Mr Dickson Kyere Duah, MP for Berekum West.
Others present were Chief Director of the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Mr Willaim Katey, GAF Board members including Mr Godfrey Amarteifio, and Mr Robert Appiah Ameyaw, together with Armwrestling Presidents of Benin, Togo, and Nigeria.
Also in attendance were Dr. Bitigu Bello representing the Center Point Mall, Greater Accra Regional Minister’s Representative, Richard Akpokavie Esq of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Mr. Kwabena Adisi aka Bola Ray of EIB Network, Mr. Santok of GHOne TV, other National federation Presidents including Mr Ernest Danso from Baseball and Softball, Shaban Mohammed from Ghana Cycling, George Owusu Ansah from Sports for All
Mr Charles Osei Asibey, the GAF President, expressed his delight at the success of the event saying “I am thrilled to see the growth of Armwrestling in Ghana and Africa as a whole. This event is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletes, coaches, and officials,” he said.
President Osei Asibey commended the Ghana Armwrestling Federation and partners for organizing a successful event.
“I am proud of the GAF’s backroom for hosting a world-class event that brought together top athletes from Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, and Togo,” he added.
See other results below:
65kg (Women)
Gold – Marie Rose (Benin)
Silver – Adefunke Adeniforo (Nigeria)
Bronze – Mabel Yeboah (Ghana)
65kg (Men)
Gold – Wisdom Abromakyi (Ghana)
Silver – Daniel Acquah (Ghana)
Bronze – Benin Amoono Stephen (Ghana)
80+kg (Women)
Gold – Grace Mintah (Ghana)
Silver – Florence Boakye Mensah
Bronze – Efia Kumah (Ghana)
90kg (Men)
Gold – Joshua Yeboah (Ghana)
Silver – Abdul Razak (Togo)
Bronze – Emmanuel Tuesday (Nigeria)
90+kg (Men)
Gold – Mohammed Ismael (Togo)
Silver – Obilom Chikueze Steven (Nigeria)
Bronze – Atindana Adams (Ghana)
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