September 10, 2022, was an exciting day for sports and exercise enthusiasts. It was the day the Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, launched a National Fitness Day.

This noteworthy day, scheduled to be observed every second week of the month, aims to promote good health, reduce low physical activity levels, and reduce the burgeoning healthcare expenses at both household and national levels.

Swimming is the ideal sport that must be promoted if the vision of National Fitness Day will be achieved. Despite not being widely popular in Ghana, swimming is recognized for providing a comprehensive body workout, enhancing mental health, and reducing stress.

Studies indicate that children and young adults who engage in swimming demonstrate improved mental skills, greater endurance and perseverance, and promote accountable behaviour.

In Ghana, the interest in swimming is on the rise, with numerous clubs emerging to nurture talented swimmers nationwide. These swimmers aspire to elevate Ghana's status as a competitive swimming nation, with several individuals displaying promising potential to transform the country's swimming fortunes.

Notably, among the emerging talents in swimming are fourteen-year-old Tamba Akin Boamah and his ten-year-old brother, Yamin Amankwah Boamah.

The two siblings showcased their skills among hundreds of swimmers who participated in a Ghana Swim Championship on Saturday, December 16.

Tamba and Yamin Amankwah Boamah led the charge for the Legon Swimming Club at the championships, where Tamba competed in all the events available for his age group including 50-meter breaststroke, 200-meter backstroke as well as the 400-meter Individual Medley.

The 14-year-old finished first in the 50-meter breaststroke, second in the 200-meter backstroke and second also in the 400-meter Individual Medley.

Reflecting on the day's events, Tamba shared with Joy Sports, "I think the meet is a good platform for swimmers to remain competitive and continuously strive to improve on their times."

Yamin, who is the younger sibling to Tamba, was also in the spotlight for his team on the day. The 10-year-old was first in the boys' 9-10, 50-meter breaststroke event, first in the 200-meter backstroke, and second in the 100-meter freestyle competition.

As a swimming observer, I see the Boamah brothers showing growth and tenacity in every competition they have participated in.

As Ghana prepares to host and win the 13th African Games in Accra next year, we will be eager to see how swimmers like the Boamah brothers and other equally talented swimmers will compare against swimmers from other well-known swimming nations such as South Africa and Egypt.