Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Iddie Adams has commended the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF) for its outstanding leadership and consistent achievements.
The minister made these remarks during a courtesy visit by the GAF leadership, led by President Charles Osei Asibey, to congratulate him and welcome him to his new role.
Adams praised the GAF for showcasing exceptional leadership, which he credited for driving the sport’s growth and delivering impressive results.
He highlighted the federation’s success as a product of strategic planning, effective management, and strong collaboration with stakeholders.
The Minister expressed amazement at the rapid rise of armwrestling in Ghana since 2016, particularly noting the increasing prominence of Ghanaian athletes on continental and global stages.
“I am truly impressed by the progress made by the GAF. The speed at which this sport has grown, especially in terms of Ghanaian representation across Africa and the world, is remarkable,” he stated.
Adams also underscored the recreational value of competitive sports and urged the GAF to align with the ministry’s recreational agenda.
This partnership, he noted, could further enhance the sport’s development and reach within Ghana.
Looking ahead, the minister pledged his ministry’s full support to ensure the GAF continues to excel internationally, especially as Ghana prepares to host the 2027 African Games.
He emphasized that with adequate resources, armwrestling has the potential to become a dominant force for Ghana in global sports.
The discussion also covered critical issues such as athlete welfare, talent identification, and coaching development.
The GAF raised concerns about the need for improved opportunities for athletes, including employment in the security services.
Acknowledging these points, Adams stressed the importance of a structured approach to supporting high-performing sports.
“The Ministry is working on classifying sports federations to prioritize resources for those delivering medals and international recognition. Armwrestling has proven its worth and deserves every bit of support,” he assured.
Additionally, the federation extended an invitation to the minister to attend the upcoming Independence Armwrestling Championship, an event celebrating the sport’s success and its growing role in Ghana’s sports landscape.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to collaborate closely, ensuring that armwrestling continues to flourish and elevates Ghana’s standing on the global stage.
