Ghana’s armwrestling heroes and heroines have received special recognition from the Ghana Prisons Service and Ghana Immigration Service after the national team, Golden Arms, delivered historic performances at the 14th African Armwrestling Championship in Abuja, Nigeria.

Athletes from the two security agencies contributed a staggering 20 medals to Ghana’s record 55-medal haul, which secured a third-place finish overall behind hosts Nigeria and powerhouse Egypt.

Last week, the medalists took turns to present their prizes to the leadership of their respective institutions, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support and encouragement from the two state agencies.

At the Ghana Prisons Service Headquarters, the Director-General, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, lauded the exploits of the Prisons trio of Daniel Acquah (four gold medals), Mabel Yeboah (four gold medals), and Henry Otoo (two silver, two bronze).

She highlighted the potential of sports as a powerful tool for rehabilitation and pledged greater investment in the least-financed sport.

“Sports can play a significant role in rehabilitating inmates, which is why I’m so excited about the impact of armwrestling,” Mrs Baffoe-Bonnie said. “We will give more support to its growth within the Prisons Service.”

At the Ghana Immigration Service, the Comptroller-General, Samuel Basintale, congratulated Edward Yamoah Asamoah (two gold medals), Blessed Abeka Nunoo (one gold, one silver, two bronze), Godwin Sackey (one gold, one silver medal), and referee Nii Otoo Larkyne.  

He stressed the role of sports in building fitness, discipline, and teamwork among personnel, promising enhanced support through training facilities, equipment, and sponsorship. 

Ghana Armwrestling Federation President Charles Osei-Asibey praised the two security agencies for their backing, describing the collaboration as a game-changer for the sport’s growth.

“We’re motivated and inspired, knowing that we have the strong backing of these two major security institutions,” Mr Osei-Asibey said.