The year 2025 will be etched in the annals of Ghanaian sport as a landmark period for the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF). Ghana’s national armwrestling team, the Golden Arms, did not merely compete; they delivered a spectacular, medal-laden campaign across Africa and the global stage, firmly cementing the nation’s reputation as an African powerhouse in the sport.
African Glory: A Cascade of 55 Medals
The Golden Arms’ journey of triumph in 2025 began with the Battle for Independence Championship, held in Accra on 7 March 2025. This annual event, organised by the Ghana Armwrestling Federation, brought together elite athletes from Ghana and neighbouring countries such as Nigeria, Benin, and Togo to compete across various weight categories.
The tournament featured outstanding performances from Ghana’s finest pullers, including Africa’s top female armwrestler, Grace Mintah, alongside Mabel Yeboah, Daniel Acquah, and Henry Otoo. The Ghanaian contingent showcased remarkable strength and technical skill, winning medals and earning regional bragging rights.
Ghana confirmed its continental supremacy three months later in Abuja, Nigeria, at the 14th African Armwrestling Championship in July. Against fierce competition from across the continent, the Golden Arms delivered a commanding performance, securing an astonishing total of 55 medals—26 gold, 20 silver, and 9 bronze. This remarkable haul earned Ghana an impressive second-place finish overall, behind host nation Nigeria.
The squad, led by the evergreen world champion Grace Mintah of the Ghana Police Service and Edward Yamoah Asamoah of the Ghana Immigration Service, demonstrated a formidable blend of veteran experience and youthful exuberance.
Their collective resilience and determination, even in the face of resource constraints, were powerful evidence of the sport’s consistent growth under the leadership of the GAF. Beyond the medals, the championship served as a crucial qualification platform for the 2025 World Championship and the 2027 All-African Games. Athletes such as Mabel Yeboah, Blessed Abekah Nunoo, Daniel Acquah, Henry Otoo, Charles Osei Asibey Jr., Joshua Yeboah, Godwin Sackey, and Florence Boakye were particularly dominant.
Global Statement: Medallists on the World Stage
Building on their African success, a determined contingent of three Golden Arms athletes travelled to Albena, Bulgaria, for the 2025 World Armwrestling Championship. Competing against the world’s elite pullers, the team made a strong statement by clinching three medals—two silver and one bronze.
Mabel Yeboah, a civilian prison officer, emerged as the standout performer, securing silver in the Youth Women’s 60kg left-arm category and bronze in the right-arm event. Blessed Abekah Nunoo of the Ghana Immigration Service, a rising star, made history by claiming silver in the Junior 60kg right-arm division. Daniel Acquah, despite missing his original weight category, impressed greatly and finished fifth in the Youth 75kg division.
These achievements underscore the effectiveness of the GAF’s strategic athlete development programme, demonstrating that Ghana’s armwrestling excellence extends beyond Africa to the global arena. The dedication of the athletes, supported by the federation’s tireless efforts, translated into tangible international recognition.
Para-Armwrestling Excellence: Champions of the West Africa Para Games
In a further demonstration of its commitment to inclusivity, the Ghana Armwrestling contingent also excelled at the inaugural West Africa Para Games, held in Abeokuta, Nigeria, in December.
Leading the charge was Tahiru Haruna, who captured two gold medals, while teammates Frank Fudzi and Isaac Nii Ayitey contributed vital bronze medals. Their exceptional performances highlighted the depth of talent within Ghana’s para-sports community and reaffirmed the GAF’s role in promoting all facets of the sport.
The Zenith of Achievement
The collective success of the Golden Arms across continental, global, and para-sport platforms did not go unnoticed. Capping an extraordinary year, the Ghana Armwrestling Federation was deservedly ranked first on the Top Federations list at the 50th Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards.
This prestigious recognition stands as a fitting tribute to the GAF’s consistent medal-winning performances, effective administration, and significant role in positioning Ghana as a major force in international armwrestling.
Under the leadership of its President, Charles Osei Asibey—who was also re-elected Vice President of the World Armwrestling Federation—the GAF board and workforce have established a model of excellence, setting a high standard for sports administration and athletic achievement in Ghana.
An Expression of Profound Gratitude: Thank You to Our Esteemed Partners
The unprecedented success of the Golden Arms in 2025, culminating in the Top Federation award from SWAG, was not achieved by the athletes alone. It was made possible through the belief and critical support of corporate and governmental partners.
The Ghana Armwrestling Federation extends its deepest appreciation to all sponsors and institutions for their timely and dedicated contributions, which powered Ghana’s campaigns at the African Championship, the World Championship, and the West Africa Para Games.
These include the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), National Petroleum Authority (NPA), OmniBSIC Bank, Glico Life, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Stanbic Bank Ghana, National Lottery Authority (NLA), the security agencies—namely the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, and Ghana Prison Service—Kofikrom Pharmacy Limited, Twellium Industries Limited, the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), National Sports Authority (NSA), Ministry of Sports and Recreation (MoSR), The Hope Brand (THB), and the entire Ghanaian media.
Their investment was not only in athletes, but in youth development, discipline, and the national pride embodied by the Golden Arms. As preparations begin for 2026, the GAF remains committed to sustaining these partnerships and making history once again.
On behalf of the GAF Board, the Executive Council, and all medal-winning athletes, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Ghana.
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