The 2025 edition of the Independence Armwrestling Challenge took place on Saturday, March 15, at the Center Point Mall in Accra, in a thrilling display of strength and skill.

The event which is part of Ghana’s celebrations for its Independence during Ghana Month, also marked the country’s historic success at the 13th African Games, where the Golden Arms secured an impressive 41 medals.

Attendees included the Minister for Sports & Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, and Dr. Bello Bitigu, alongside representatives from various corporate institutions.

The competition featured elite arm wrestlers from four nations: Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, showcasing the growing popularity of the sport across the region.

Team Ghana was led by world champion Grace Mintah, who triumphed in the women’s 80kg category, further cementing her place among the best in the world.

Other notable performances came from Ghana’s Joshua Yeboah, who claimed victory in the men’s 90kg category, and Wisdom Abromakyi, who dominated the men’s 65kg event. Togo’s Ismail took the top spot in the men’s 90kg+ division, while Benin’s Marie Rose emerged victorious in the women’s 65kg competition.

Sports Minister Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams praised the commitment shown by Armwrestling Federation in organizing such an event.

“As Sports Minister, for a sports is less financed, you have shown that you have the desire to nurture the young to grow and we’ll back you. We need to identify potential champions early and start preparations for future competitions,” he said.

Charles Osei Asibey, President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation also expressed his satisfaction with the success of this year’s tournament.

“The competition has been a huge milestone in the development of armwrestling not only in Ghana but across Africa,” Asibey said.

“By creating more opportunities like this, we are helping to elevate the sport and encourage a new generation of athletes.”

Looking ahead, Asibey revealed that the next big step for the sport is targeting the Olympics.

“We have already made significant strides with the inclusion of armwrestling in the African Games and by hosting championships consistently every year. Now, our focus is on working hard to get to the Olympic Games,” he concluded.