On Wednesday 19th April 2021, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the Africa Armwrestling Championship was inaugurated at the conference room of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
In an address to officially inaugurate the thirteen-member committee, the Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon Evans Opoku Bobie (MP) commended the executives of the federation for having the foresight to bring Africa to Ghana stressing that, the hosting of the Championship will further boost the hospitality industry and bring in more foreign direct investment.
He noted that he had no doubt that the committee will deliver a successful Championship which is scheduled for the 21st to 25th of June, 2023, and urged all the members to make their rich experiences available for the success of the event.
According to the Deputy Minister, the Ministry of Youth and Sports will provide its support to the committee to ensure success and advise them to work closely with the Local Organizing Committee for the 13th African Games since the Championship will be used as a preparatory ground for the African Games.
For his part, the President of the armwrestling federation of Africa, Mr. Charles Osei Asibey expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Authority for the enormous support the federation has received from them so far and noted that armwrestling is no longer a lesser known sport but a growing sport.
He further noted that this is the second time Ghana has been given the opportunity to host Africa adding that, it was important to lobby to bring events in for the country to reap the benefits of hosting.
He said it was an opportunity for all to develop capacity, enhance their skills and foster networking with people across the continent.
The Director General of the National Sports Authority, Professor Peter Twumasi also noted that the armwrestling federation is one of the youngest federations recognized by the National Sports Authority but was surprised with the exploits and gains they have made so far.
He charged the newly inaugurated LOC to give off their best to promote Ghana and ensure the organization of the Championship becomes a success.
The mayor of Accra, Hon. Elizabeth Sackey expressed her delight to be part of the event as the first female mayor of Accra and said she has a keen interest in sports since sports was part of the activities of her outfit.
She assured of her outfit’s support throughout the organization of the Championship and took the opportunity to wish team Ghana the very best of luck in the upcoming championship.
The Chairman of the LOC for the Championship, Hon. Mohammed Adjei Sowah expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ghana armwrestling federation for the courtesies and confidence reposed in him and his team and assured that they would do their utmost best to deliver one of the most memorable events in Ghana and on the continent.
Members of the committee include the following:
1. Hon. Mohammed Adjei Sowah (Director of Research, Office of the President) Chairman
2. Mr. Edwin Amankwah (Businessman)– Vice Chairman
3. Mrs. Gifty Oware-Mensah (Deputy Director, National Service Secretariat)– Secretary
4. Pharm. Kofi Addo-Agyekum (Vice President, GAF) – Member
5. DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor (Ghana Police Service) – Member
6. Nii Otoo Larkyne (Head Coach, Ghana Immigration Service) –Technical
7. Robert Appiah Ameyaw (KLM) – Member
8. Mr. Richard Oppong Ansong (Businessman) – Member
9. Mr. Jonathan Lambert Nii Okai Awletey- Member
10. Dr. Prince Pambo – Member
11. Dr. Marc Dzradosi – Member
12. Hubert Leo-Mensah – Rep from National Sports Authority
13. Rhodalene Ansong – Rep from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
