The year 2025 will be etched in the annals of Ghanaian sports 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 the continent and on the global stage, firmly cementing the nation’s reputation as an African powerhouse in the sport.
The 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 March 7, 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 standout performances from Ghana’s finest, including Africa’s top female armwrestler Grace Mintah, alongside Mabel Yeboah, Daniel Acquah, and Henry Otoo. The team displayed remarkable strength and technical skill, sweeping several medals and claiming regional bragging rights.
Ghana further confirmed its continental supremacy three months later in Abuja, Nigeria, at the 14th African Armwrestling Championship held in July. Against fierce competition, the Golden Arms produced a commanding performance, securing an astonishing total of 55 medals—26 gold, 20 silver, and 9 bronze. This impressive haul earned Ghana an admirable second-place finish overall, behind host nation Nigeria.
The squad, led by evergreen world champion Grace Mintah of the Ghana Police Service and Edward Yamoah Asamoah of the Ghana Immigration Service, showcased a formidable blend of veteran experience and youthful exuberance. Their collective resilience and determination, despite persistent resource constraints, were powerful evidence of the sport’s steady growth under the leadership of the GAF. Beyond the medals, the championship also served as a crucial qualifying pathway 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: Medalists on the world stage
Riding on their African success, a determined contingent of three Golden Arms travelled to Albena, Bulgaria, for the 2025 World Armwrestling Championship. Competing against the world’s elite pullers, the team made a strong global statement by clinching three medals—two silver and one bronze.
Mabel Yeboah, a civilian prison officer, emerged as the standout performer, winning 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, while Daniel Acquah, who missed his original weight category, impressed observers with a commendable fifth-place finish in the Youth 75kg division.
These achievements underscored the effectiveness of the GAF’s strategic development programmes, proving that Ghana’s armwrestling prowess extends well beyond the African continent. The athletes’ dedication, 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 shone at the inaugural West Africa Para Games held in Abeokuta, Nigeria, in December.
Tahiru Haruna led the charge with an outstanding performance, securing two gold medals, while teammates Frank Fudzi and Isaac Nii Ayitey contributed valuable bronze medals. Their success highlighted the depth of talent within Ghana’s para-sports community and reaffirmed the GAF’s role in promoting and supporting 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 off 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, exceptional 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 proven to be a model of excellence, setting a high standard for sports administration and athletic achievement in Ghana.
