Tarkwa arm wrestling thrills

HUNDREDS of fans from Tarkwa, Prestea, Axim, Sekondi, Takoradi, Wiawso, Bogoso and its environs on Saturday witnessed the biggest armwrestling competition in the history of the region.

The hugely successful event which saw a fusion of entertainment and sports recorded high turnout.

At the end of the keenly contested battles at the Tarkwa Cyanide Park, James Dufuah emerged the Western regional champion in the men’s category while Grace Commey proved too strong for her competitors to become the overall women’s champion.

In the President’s battle, Derrick Kwakye from the Ashanti Region overpowered James Dufuah to win a special prize from Ghana’s Armwrestling Federation president, Charles Osei Asibey.

Derrick Kwakye, aka Asoka GH, defeated home favourite Papa Ackah to win the 90 kilogrammes category. Abdul Aziz won the ultimate in the male 80kg category after overcoming a spirited challenge from Asenda. Elliot Lamptey won the 60 kg category followed by Listowell Sampah and Samuel Gyamfi.

Speaking after the competition, Mr Osei Asibey expressed delight with the turnout and level of talents showcased.

He also expressed gratitude to Eagles Extra Stout and indicated that the federation would continue to embark on projects that will strengthen the sport at the grassroots level.

 “I’m also happy with the top executives who came around. We’ve had some discussions and beyond this event we are going to take armwrestling seriously. We as a federation are happy with what we saw here today. We thank Eagles Extra Stout from ABL for the support they have given us,” he said.

The winners received trophies, cash, t-shirts and other souvenirs from the sponsors.

The event was also graced by the President and Chief Executive Officer of Premier League side, Medeama SC and representatives from some of the mining companies in Tarkwa.

BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY