The Independence Armwrestling Challenge, held at Accra’s Center Point Mall, showcased the strength and skill of West African armwrestlers in a vibrant celebration of Ghana’s independence and the sport’s remarkable achievements. Organized by the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF), the event served as a commemorative platform to recognize the unprecedented 41 medals garnered by Ghanaian armwrestlers at the 2023 African Games, underscoring the nation’s burgeoning dominance in the sport. The challenge attracted top-tier athletes from Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, and Togo, fostering a spirit of regional competition and camaraderie. The presence of distinguished guests, including the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, and representatives from various national sports federations, underscored the significance of the event in Ghana’s sporting landscape.
Ghanaian female armwrestlers demonstrated exceptional prowess in the +80kg category, securing a resounding sweep of the medals. Grace Minta delivered a commanding performance, overcoming formidable opponents from Nigeria, Benin, and Togo to claim the gold medal. Her compatriots, Florence Boakye and Afia Kumah, solidified Ghana’s triumph by winning silver and bronze, respectively. Their collective success not only highlighted individual talent but also showcased the depth of Ghana’s female armwrestling contingent. In the men’s competition, Ghanaian athletes continued to shine, with Wisdom Abromekeyi, an African Games medalist, asserting his dominance in the 65kg category. Abromekeyi’s victory over Daniel Acquah and Benin’s Amoono Stephen further cemented his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
A new star emerged on the Ghanaian armwrestling scene in the form of Joshua Yeboah, representing the Chicken Wing Club. Yeboah’s exceptional performance in the 90kg category captivated the audience as he effortlessly dispatched seasoned competitors from Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, and Benin. His gold medal victory served as a resounding announcement of his arrival on the grand stage, signaling a promising future for Ghanaian armwrestling. The event also witnessed compelling battles in other weight categories, showcasing the diverse talent pool present across the participating countries.
The presence of high-ranking officials and dignitaries further elevated the significance of the Independence Armwrestling Challenge. Among those in attendance were Kofi Adams, Minister for Sports and Recreation; Dr. Kofi Addo Agyekum, Vice President of GAF; Joseph Cudjoe, former Minister for State Enterprises; and Dickson Kyere Duah, MP for Berekum West. Their presence not only demonstrated support for the sport but also recognized the athletes’ achievements and the GAF’s dedication to promoting armwrestling in Ghana. Representatives from Benin, Togo, and Nigeria, including their respective armwrestling presidents, further emphasized the event’s regional importance and the spirit of collaboration amongst West African nations.
Charles Osei Asibey, President of GAF, expressed immense satisfaction with the event’s success, highlighting the remarkable growth of armwrestling in Ghana and across Africa. He commended the athletes, coaches, and officials for their hard work and dedication, acknowledging their crucial role in the sport’s development. Asibey also lauded the GAF and its partners for flawlessly organizing a world-class event that brought together elite athletes from the region. He expressed pride in the GAF’s behind-the-scenes efforts, which ensured the event was a resounding success, effectively showcasing the sport’s potential and promoting its growth.
The comprehensive results further illuminate the distribution of talent and competitive spirit across the different weight classes and participating countries. In the women’s 65kg category, Marie Rose from Benin secured gold, with Adefunke Adeniforo of Nigeria taking silver, and Mabel Yeboah of Ghana claiming bronze. In the men’s 90+kg category, Mohammed Ismael from Togo emerged victorious, followed by Obilom Chikueze Steven of Nigeria in second place, and Atindana Adams from Ghana securing the bronze. These results highlight the competitive landscape and the diverse representation of talent from across the participating nations, underlining the regional significance of the Independence Armwrestling Challenge.
