The Ghana National Armwrestling team, proudly known as the Golden Arms, paid a visit to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. This visit followed their triumphant gold medal win at the World Armwrestling Championship held in Moldova, marking a significant achievement for the team.

The primary purpose of the visit was to extend their gratitude to Minister Ussif and his ministry for their unwavering support. During the meeting, the team formally presented the gold medal secured by Grace Mintah. Accompanying the team were prominent members of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation, including President Charles Osei Asibey, Vice President Kofi Agyekum, General Secretary Jessy Agyapong, and a board member.

Key team members present included Golden Arms Captain Edward Asamoah, Godwin Sackey, Blessed Abeka Nunoo, Mabel Yeboah, and the standout performer, Grace Mintah, affectionately known as the “Golden Girl.” The delegation was also joined by the officiating team, which featured the only African referees at the World Championship: Hussein Akueteh Addy, Nii Otoo Larkyne, and Abigail Fremah.

Minister Ussif lauded the team for their exceptional accomplishments, highlighting their performance at the African Games where they amassed 41 medals, and their groundbreaking success at the World Armwrestling Championship. He stated:

“Congratulations to the Ghana Armwrestling team for your remarkable performance during the African Games. I had complete confidence in your ability to represent our nation on the world stage. I viewed this as an opportunity to showcase our athletes, providing them with invaluable exposure. I did not anticipate not only winning a medal but achieving gold. On behalf of the president, the entire ministry, and the gold medalist, I extend my heartfelt congratulations for bringing honor to our nation and elevating our flag proudly in Moldova.”

The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to supporting wrestling and other underfunded sports. He emphasized:

“As the government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, we are dedicated to supporting less sponsored sports, including wrestling. We will continue to provide equitable support for all lesser-known sports, enabling you to showcase the talents bestowed upon you.”

He also encouraged all sports federations to make full use of the facilities and equipment acquired for the African Games, reinforcing the motto, “Let’s build tomorrow’s champions today.”

In response, Charles Osei Asibey, President of Ghana Armwrestling, appealed to the Minister for assistance in establishing a dedicated training center for the federation. He highlighted the need for a facility to identify and cultivate new talent, stating:

“Looking through our records, this gold medal at the World Championship is an unprecedented achievement for Ghana. We believe the ministry should help us celebrate not only wrestling but also our gold medalist. Furthermore, for the development of the sport, a training center is essential. This need extends beyond just Charles Osei Asibey or the board; we require a dedicated training facility.”

The meeting underscored the importance of continued support and infrastructure development to sustain and enhance Ghana’s presence in the international armwrestling arena.