President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has hailed the remarkable growth of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF) and called on corporate Ghana to support its continuous development.
“Armwrestling has made tremendous strides in Ghana, and it is heart-warming to see our athletes excel internationally. The GAF deserves commendation for its tireless efforts especially for saving Ghana during the African Games,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
President Akufo-Addo said this at a meeting with executives and athletes of GAF at the Flagstaff House in Accra.
He praised the sport’s rapid progress, having pushed Ghanaians onto various committees of the international federation and won a significant number of medals for Ghana since 2016.
Moreover, the President highlighted armwrestling’s potential to promote healthy lifestyles, youth development, and national pride.
“Armwrestling embodies the values of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork,” President Akufo-Addo emphasised.
“It’s essential we nurture this sport to benefit our youth and nation. I urge corporate and multinational institutions to support or partner the federation through sponsorships of development programmes and participation in competitions.”
“I commend Charles Osei Asibey, an astute journalist, with many portfolios and his board for the study rise since 2016. Armwrestling is a traditional game but I didn’t know it was a sport we practice in Ghana until I started reading about it in the dailies.”
“I appeal to corporate Ghana to join forces with the GAF because government alone cannot make it possible. Together, we can create a thriving armwrestling ecosystem benefiting our youth, promoting healthy lifestyles, and showcase Ghanaian excellence.”
The president also praised Grace Minta for her performance and ambassadorial role in the international events.
The GAF president, Mr Charles Osei Asibey, thanked the president for his endorsement and said that the GAF leadership was proudly on course to attain the federation’s goal is to make the sport a household name in Ghana.
“We’re committed to encourage participation, develop grassroots talent and produce both continental and global champions,” Osei Asibey indicated. He expressed gratitude to the government and institutions like SES Ghana, Kofikrom Pharmacy Limited, Twellium Industries, National
Health Insurance Authority, Nguvu Mining Limited, Ghana Gas Company, ABL Eagle Extra Stout and the many others who have invested in the development of armwrestling.
Present at the meeting were the Chief of Staff, Madam Frema Opare, Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr Mustapha Ussif, Mr Ibrahim Adjei, Pharm. Dr Kofi Addo-Agyekum, Vice President for Ghana and Africa Armwrestling, DCOP Lydia Yaakor Donkor, Godfrey William Amarteifio and Husseini Addy other board members of GAF and some members of the Golden Arms team.
BY TIMES SPORTS REPORTER