National Sports Federations urged to work closely with security services
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Mustapha Ussif, has asked sports federations to work closely with the security services in their bid to identify talents for their respective sports.
Mr Ussif said this when he received a delegation officials and armwrestlers from the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF).
The visit was to thank the Ministry for the assistance that ensured their participation in the world championship and also present the gold medal won by Grace Minta of the Ghana Police Service.
According to the Minister, the feat achieved from the championship was an indication that talents abound within the security services and for the federations to excel, it would be important to have partnerships with them.
That, he said, will aid their recruitment and development into top level athletes.
Mr Ussif assured the arm-wrestling body of government’s support, including resources for training and international competitions, adding that the government was committed to work with arm-wrestling, recognising its potential for growth and development in Ghana.
He urged the federation to establish arm-wrestling clubs in schools and communities, leveraging on Minta’s success to grow the sport nationwide and unearth more talents.
He charged the Golden Arms to make good use of the facilities provided through the African Games in order to get themselves ready for global competitions.
He congratulated the gold medal winner, Grace Minta, for her remarkable achievement at the just ended 45th World Armwrestling Championship in Chisinau, Moldova.
“Your achievement is a testament to your hard work and dedication; you’ve made Ghana proud, and we’re committed to supporting your sport.”
Minta was accompanied by some team mates and the board of Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF) led by President, Charles Osei Asibey, Vice President, Dr. Kofi Addo-Agyekum, Secretary General, Jesse Agyepong, Mr. Godfrey Amarteifio, Mr. Gordon Saah. And others.
Also present were the Ministry’s Chief Director, Mr. William Kartey.
Mr Charles Osei Asibey pleaded with the Ministry to provide Golden Arms (national arm-wrestling team) with a training centre to boost their developmental plan.
He assured that armwrestling would win a gold medal for Ghana when given the nod to participate at the Olympics.
Mr Kofi Addo Agyekum, Vice President of GAF, also thanked the ministry for the support to the federation.
Minta’s historic gold medal win in the Women’s 80kg category at the 2024 World Armwrestling Championship marked an unprecedented moment for Ghana sports, igniting a new wave of enthusiasm for armwrestling in Ghana, inspiring young athletes to pursue the sport.
BY TIMES SPORTS REPORTER
