Ghana’s armwrestling stars shine at Independence Challenge

Ghana’s top armwrestlers delivered a thrilling showcase of power and technique at the Independence Armwrestling Challenge, leaving the crowd in awe—including the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams.

Held at the Centre Point Mall in Accra, the event, organised by the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF), brought together elite armwrestlers from Ghana, Benin, Nigeria and Togo. 

It marked both a celebration of Ghana’s independence and a tribute to the sport’s incredible success at the 2023 African Games, where Ghana claimed a staggering 41 medals.

The Independence Armwrestling Challenge formed part of the GAF’s long-term strategy to promote the sport and discover new talent. 

Dominant Displays

In the women’s +80kg category, Ghana’s Grace Mintah delivered a masterclass in strength and technique, outmuscling rivals from Nigeria, Benin and Togo to clinch the gold medal.

Her compatriots, Florence Boakye and Afia Kumah, secured silver and bronze, respectively, sealing an all-Ghana podium sweep.

The men’s 65kg division saw African Games medallist Wisdom Abromekeyi reign supreme, overpowering Daniel Acquah and Benin’s Amoono Stephen to grab gold.

However, the standout moment of the event belonged to Joshua Yeboah, the emerging force in Ghanaian armwrestling.

The Chicken Wing Club sensation made an emphatic statement in the 90kg category, brushing aside experienced challengers from Ghana, Nigeria, Togo and Benin with sheer dominance to claim gold. 

His remarkable display announced his arrival as a future star of the sport.

The competition attracted several key figures from the Ghana Olympic Committee, the National Sports Authority, and other major stakeholders, including the MP for Berekum West, Dickson Kyere Duah, and the Chief Director of the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, William Katey.

Also in attendance were GAF Vice-President, Dr Kofi Addo Agyekum, GAF Board members Godfrey Amarteifio and Robeter Appiah Ameyaw, and the presidents of the armwrestling federations of Benin, Togo and Nigeria.

Ghana Armwrestling Federation President, Charles Osei Asibey, expressed his pride in the event’s success, hailing the progress of the sport across the continent.

"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.

He also commended the GAF team and partners for delivering a world-class event.

"I am proud of the GAF’s backroom staff for hosting an event that brought together the best athletes from Ghana, Benin, Nigeria and Togo," he added.

Medal Winners

Women’s 65kg
Gold - Marie Rose (Benin)
Silver - Adefunke Adeniforo (Nigeria)
Bronze - Mabel Yeboah (Ghana)
Men’s 65kg
Gold - Wisdom Abromekeyi (Ghana)
Silver - Daniel Acquah (Ghana)
Bronze - Amoono Stephen (Benin)
Women’s +80kg
Gold - Grace Mintah (Ghana)
Silver - Florence Boakye (Ghana)
Bronze - Afia Kumah (Ghana)
Men’s 90kg
Gold - Joshua Yeboah (Ghana)
Silver - Abdul Razak (Togo)
Bronze - Emmanuel Tuesday (Nigeria)
Men’s +90kg
Gold - Mohammed Ismael (Togo)
Silver - Obilom Chikueze Steven (Nigeria)
Bronze - Atindana Adams (Ghana)