Strength behind bars: GAF brings armwrestling fever to Nsawam Prisons

30th Oct 2025 | Source: Graphic Online

Strength behind bars: GAF brings armwrestling fever to Nsawam Prisons

The Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF) brought a wave of excitement and positive energy to the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons with the maiden edition of the “Prison Battle” championship, an initiative designed to promote discipline, teamwork, and rehabilitation among inmates through sport.

The contest, held under the theme “Using Sports as a Tool for Inmates’ Reformation and Rehabilitation,” formed part of the “Prison 360” programme introduced by the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mrs Patience Baffoe-Bonnie. The initiative aims to give inmates opportunities to showcase their talents, rebuild confidence, and support their reintegration into society.

The event saw a charged atmosphere as officers and inmates faced off in fierce armwrestling duels, cheered on by enthusiastic spectators. The competition blended sportsmanship with camaraderie, underscoring how sporting engagement can foster mutual respect and personal transformation behind bars.

In the men’s 60 to 70kg division, Daniel Yaw Bortey emerged the champion after overpowering his rivals, with Attah Yao taking the runner-up position. In the 71–81kg category, Wusah displayed remarkable endurance to defeat Paul Efebutse in a hard-fought contest, while Sixtus Boing dominated the 81–90kg class. Samuel Oduro Asante sealed victory in the 90+kg division by pinning down Eric Adjei Bawuah in a thrilling final.

The women’s competition was equally electrifying. Joy Joseph triumphed in the 70kg division, SCO Evelyn Harvey won the 80kg category, and Veronica Djaasaa overpowered Patience Botwe to capture the 90+kg title.

President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation, Mr Charles Osei Asibey, expressed his delight at the partnership with the Ghana Prisons Service, describing it as a step towards promoting reformation and national inclusion through sport.

“I am excited to partner with the Ghana Prisons Service to support this initiative,” he said. “Armwrestling, which has gained global recognition, has already produced world champions for Ghana, hence the need to master the craft to achieve excellence.”

Mr Osei Asibey also pledged that the Federation would be open to recruiting some of the outstanding inmates who excelled in the competition once they complete their sentences, offering them an opportunity to pursue a professional sporting career.

The event attracted wide participation and excitement within the facility, serving as a reminder of sport’s power to transform lives, restore dignity, and inspire hope even within correctional institutions.