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The Ghana Armwrestling Federation on Tuesday, February 4, organised a basic coaching course for about 20 participants, including security personnel, civilians, and Physical Education tutors, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The training forms part of the Federation’s broader strategy to introduce armwrestling to a wider audience and identify potential talents ahead of the African Armwrestling Championship, which Ghana is set to host.
The course was led by seasoned technical official and Head of Armwrestling Referees for Africa, Mr. Husseini Akueteh Addy, with support from national athletes and certified referees.
Participants were taken through the rules and regulations of the sport, key terminologies, basic coaching techniques, and the use of professional armwrestling equipment.
Speaking during the training, President of the Africa Armwrestling Federation, Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, highlighted the importance of the programme in strengthening Team Ghana. “This training is part of the Federation’s target to identify talents and help shape them for Team Ghana ahead of the African Championship and the African Games next year. We know our strength in Ghana, and we want to improve on it and go beyond what we have achieved in previous years. This training is a continuous programme that will allow us to monitor your progress,” he said.
In an interview after the session, Mr. Husseini Akueteh Addy explained that the focus of the course was on building strong technical foundations, particularly among coaches. “We are preparing to host the African Championship, which will also serve as a qualifier for the African Games. As technical people, we must strengthen our technical structures, especially our coaches. Our focus is on schools and the special services, with the aim of creating more talent around them for the championship,” he stated.
He added that the programme is only the beginning of a long-term plan.
“This is just the setup. We will organise a series of seminars, after which we will certify those who show strong potential. Then we can expose them to more advanced technical training and deeper knowledge of the rules. I need to do this quickly before the competitions begin because once the events start, as Head Referee for Africa, I will be out of the Ghana system. This is the time to marshal all the resources and quality materials for the team,” he noted.
One of the participants, Richard Boafo, a teacher from Wesley Grammar School, expressed satisfaction with the training and shared his plans to introduce the sport in his school. “It was a very good experience being here today. I learned a lot about basic coaching techniques.
Armwrestling is something we all grew up doing at home on ordinary tables, but now it has become a professional sport with specialised tables and equipment. I’ve learned how to properly use these tools,” he said.
When asked how soon his school would begin producing athletes, he responded confidently;
“Very soon. Once I return to school, I will introduce the sport to the students. Those who show interest and have the physical features required will be selected, and we will begin training immediately.”
The Ghana Armwrestling Federation hopes the initiative will help unearth new talents, strengthen grassroots development, and position Ghana for greater success at upcoming continental competitions.
By: Victoria Kwofie
