Finishing third at the Teshie stage of the 21-lap criterium road race (a bike race consisting of several laps around a closed circuit) did not harm Akuffo's chances because he had already won the Osu stage on August 27 and placed tenth in Prampram on August 31.

The 2017 champion amassed 58 points to claim the glittering 2019 trophy, a GHS 5,000 cash prize, as well as products and souvenirs from the race sponsors Promasidor Ghana Limited.

Akuffo, 22, beat Victor Cudjoe (55 points) and Lawrence Adjei (44 points) into second and third place respectively in the overall classification of the three-wek contest.

Speaking to the Daily Graphic after receiving his prizes Akufo said the Prampram stage of the competition was the toughest for him because it favoured rollers and not sprinters like himself.

Akuffo also threw a challenge to the best cyclists on the African continent, saying he was ready to do battle with them in the Tour of Ghana competition next year.

"Prampram was the toughest for me but I am glad I won this. I am ready for the national cycling tour. There is no sleep after this win, hat is why we always train to be the best in cycling," Akufo stated.

Mr Festus Sackey, the Managing Director of Promasidor Ghana Limited said the lessons learned in the organisation of the competition would be used in organising a national cycling tour next year.